Thomas didn't believe that Jesus was alive. He wanted to see Jesus for himself before he would believe.
Instruct the children to find the missing letters in John 20:28 ... Thomas said to Him, "My _ _ _ _ and My _ _ _ !"
Instruct the children to place bandages on Jesus' sides and red markers to show where the wounds by the nails were in His wrists.
Thomas had to see Jesus before he could believe Jesus was alive. We can believe Jesus is alive even though we've never seen Him because the Bible tells us so.
We can believe Jesus came back to life even though we don't get to see Him like Thomas did.
Again Jesus said, "May peace be with you! The Father has sent me. So now I am sending you." He then breathed on them. He said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven.
Thomas was one of the 12 Disciples. He was also called Didymus. ?He was not with the other Disciples when Jesus came. So they told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "First I must see the nail marks in His hands. I must put my finger into His side. Only then will I believe."
A week later, Jesus' Disciples were in the house again. Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came in and stood among them. He said, "May peace be with you!"
Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here. Reach out your hand and put it in to my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to Him, "My Lord and My God!"
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen me but still have believed.
NIrV May the Faith Be With You Holy Bible @ Zondervan 2017
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Brave Beauty - Book Review
Brave Beauty will take you on a journey for girls. It would be a good teaching book for girls and a book to give to girls. It has 100 mini chapters in the book about God.
Lynn Cowell discovered that writing helped her figure out herself. That's why she wrote this book; she wanted to take her readers on a journey to becoming a brave and fearless you!
This book has 100 mini chapters and it would be a good teaching book for girls.
We will see:
who God says you are
Look at people in the Bible and see how they handled hard things
Get to know more about God and how He can help us
Learn how God words can help us become fearless and brave
There are quizzes and questions throughout the book.
When Lynn was in the third grade, someone gave her a little gold book that read "Five Year Diary" on the outside. If she could remember who gave her, her first diary she would thank them.
At the end of each mini Chapter is a courageous call, is a prayer, "In Jesus' name, Amen."
Have you already asked God to make you a part of his family? If you haven't yet, you can simply ask God to make you His child and you, too, will belong.
There was a man in the Bible named Nicodemus, who felt a little confused. He heard about Jesus and saw miracles Jesus was doing, but he didn't really understand who Jesus was. He decided to go directly to Jesus and ask Him to explain.
Nicodemus was a leader in the church, but that didn't mean he had all the answers. Nicodemus approached Jesus at night, with questions and that was a brave approach.
The first thing Nicodemus wanted to know was who Jesus was.
Now Nicodemus was even more confused than when he came. He asked Jesus, "How can a man be born again when he is already old? He cannot get inside his mother's body again!"
Jesus explained to Nicodemus he could choose to become a part of God's family.
Jesus shared that when God's son, Jesus, came to earth, He made it possible for all of Nicodemus's sins to be forgiven. Then he could become a part of God's family and join God in heaven one day.
The price of our sins has already been paid (John 3:16). Jesus did that for you and me! It's a gift He gave us because He loves us so much.
When a family decides to adopt a child, they make that choice because they have a lot of love in their hearts and they want to share that love.
The Bible explains it this way: "God decided in advance, before we were born, to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)
One of the promises that God made to us is that He will never leave us or forsake us.
As our father, God promises to take care of our needs. (Matthew 6:32) God already knows the things we need and He will take care of those needs.
God gives every person, including you, the ability to make a choice. You can decide whether or not you obey Him and experience His blessings. This decision is completely yours whether you are going to be a part of God's family or not.
I'm a part of God's family and I want you to be a part of it too.
Lynn shared when she would read her diary, it was fun reading about when she was younger.
Maybe when she talked about her struggles you would think, "Me too!" Your personality, body, even your family isn't the same as others so sometimes you have a hard time liking yourself just the way you are.
When God created you, He made you great from the very beginning.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV), says "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
If you read through the Bible, you'll find lots of people who at one point or another felt unloved or rejected. Even Jesus was "looked down on and passed over." Isaiah 53:3 (MSG)
Remembering who we are in God's eyes help to heal the hurt that comes from meanness.
When Lynn was younger, she would often forget to do the chores her mom asked her to do. (Or was that really Lynn putting it off until she forgot on purpose?)
Lynn shares their has been times, that she felt like God has forgotten her.
You, too, know what it is like to feel like you haven't been remembered; left behind and left out.
God will never forget you!
When Lynn was younger she didn't mind being sick. When she was sick it meant she was able to stay at home from school with her Mom. All day long, her mom would bring her food and drinks to help her feel better.
In Matthew 14, we can read a story about Jesus meeting a lot of sick people. Jesus cousin, John the Baptist had just died. He wanted to be alone, but His boat landed, where there were many people, thousands of people, waiting for Him. They had heard He could heal their illnesses. Instead of wishing they would go away, verse 14 tells us, "... he had compassion on them and healed their sick."
After Jesus healed them, they didn't go away. His disciples told Jesus, "Send these people away so they can go and buy food for themselves." Jesus didn't want them to be sent away. Instead, He told the disciples to figure out a way to feed them; all 5,000 of them. All they found were five loaves and two fish. Jesus took what they had and miraculously fed everyone.
Jesus wants to protect you as you keep your eyes on Him each and every day.
When Lynn was a young woman her daddy passed away.
One day when her dad was getting ready to die, she was staying with him at the hospital. It was her birthday and her heart was sad to know that she was saying goo-bye to her dad. When she was going home from the hospital, she heard a song on the radio that talked about being completely healed and the way that healing came was by going to heaven and getting a new body.
Her daddy was dying, but her heart felt peaceful.
Just because you are young, doesn't mean you don't experience hard things in life. Parents divorce, love ones die, moves take us from our friends, and people do hurtful things. God is your refuge, strength, and help in trouble.
One day during fourth grade, Lynn's friend Liz asked her to come over after school. Lynn's mom had a rule that she couldn't go to anyone's house if there wasn't a parent there. Both of Liz's parents worked away from the home during the day. Lynn's mom had told her to never mess around with cigarettes.
Why didn't she listen to her mom's wise advice?
She didn't listen because she wanted Liz to like her.
At some point, you could find yourself in a situation similar to Liz. It might involve a TV show, a computer, a movie, a video, a friend, or a boy. There will be pressure, just like King Neb put pressure on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to bow down to his statue in Daniel 3.
The girl who is brave finds God's best; His plans for good for her life. The girl who runs with the "in" crowd all too often will miss it.
In fact, some friends might completely turn off the road of choosing what is right. You may have fewer friends or for a time, you may feel alone.
The tests of our character - the tests that we are taking and passing to become a brave beauty - can be the same way.
Passing tests isn't a school thing, it's a life thing.
At eight years old, Justine wasn't exactly sure what cancer was. But she did know her parents told her that her brother, who was only eighteen months old, had this thing called cancer.
Justine may not have understood how serious this illness was, but she did understand one thing: her family needed God to heal her brother.
God answered their prayers; God did heal her brother. Yes, God performed miracles in the Bible and He still performs miracles today!
In fact, Jesus says that if we only have faith the size of a tiny seed, nothing will be impossible for us.
Small people can see God do big things. Justine did!
There was a woman in the Bible who had an illness that was worst than Lynn's little cold. Her story is told in Mark 5:25-34 (NIV). This woman had been bleeding for twelve years. "She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse." (verse 26)
"When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If she touch his clothes, she would be healed." (verses 27-28) Immediately, Jesus' power went out of Him and into her. Her bleeding quit and her suffering stopped.
The woman had shown great bravery when she made her way through the crowd and touched Jesus' clothing. She had shown confidence in God, believing she would be healed.
The woman extended her faith when she reached out her arm. God met her; her prayers were answered.
As Lynn read her journals, she saw how God answered her prayers.
Ephesians 3:20 (MSG) Whatever big thing you can dream, God can do bigger.
Too often social media is all about making us feel good and important. We were made for one reason: to point others to the way, the truth, and the life: Jesus.
You need to be brave: brave enough to believe God has a big purpose for you.
Ella had broken one of her family's technology rules, watching a video she knew was wrong. Being ten was hard sometimes.
Ella couldn't sleep at night and her stomach had been hurting for days.
She went to her mom, sobbing, and confessed what she had done wrong.
Ella's mom hugged her and thanked her for being honest. She told Ella how brave she was to come and tell the truth. That didn't mean that honesty was a guarantee there would be no consequences or punishment for her actions.
The most important truth we need to know is that Jesus died to forgive us for our sins.
Lynn found a story in the Bible that doesn't get told much, probably because the names are so hard to pronounce.
Take a few minutes and read Exodus 1:15-17.
The women in this passage, Shiphrah and Puah, unlike Lynn, had every reason to be terrified. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt was ruthless. These two women were trained midwives - they were trained to help women through childbirth. Pharaoh was trying to get rid of the Israelite people. Pharaoh's plan was to command the women to destroy the little boys when they were born.
These women didn't care who was making the command. They feared God and did not do what the King of Egypt told them to do. They let every baby live; girl or boy.
Exodus 1:17 says the women "feared God." What the women felt toward God was respect and awe because of His power and holiness.
Shiphrah and Puah chose to obey God over fearing Pharaoh.
The author, Lynn Cowell is a part of the Proverbs 31 Ministries, speaking and writing to women of all ages. Lynn and her husband Greg have been married over 30 years and are parents of Zach, Mariah, and Madi.
Lynn Cowell discovered that writing helped her figure out herself. That's why she wrote this book; she wanted to take her readers on a journey to becoming a brave and fearless you!
This book has 100 mini chapters and it would be a good teaching book for girls.
We will see:
who God says you are
Look at people in the Bible and see how they handled hard things
Get to know more about God and how He can help us
Learn how God words can help us become fearless and brave
There are quizzes and questions throughout the book.
When Lynn was in the third grade, someone gave her a little gold book that read "Five Year Diary" on the outside. If she could remember who gave her, her first diary she would thank them.
At the end of each mini Chapter is a courageous call, is a prayer, "In Jesus' name, Amen."
Have you already asked God to make you a part of his family? If you haven't yet, you can simply ask God to make you His child and you, too, will belong.
There was a man in the Bible named Nicodemus, who felt a little confused. He heard about Jesus and saw miracles Jesus was doing, but he didn't really understand who Jesus was. He decided to go directly to Jesus and ask Him to explain.
Nicodemus was a leader in the church, but that didn't mean he had all the answers. Nicodemus approached Jesus at night, with questions and that was a brave approach.
The first thing Nicodemus wanted to know was who Jesus was.
Now Nicodemus was even more confused than when he came. He asked Jesus, "How can a man be born again when he is already old? He cannot get inside his mother's body again!"
Jesus explained to Nicodemus he could choose to become a part of God's family.
Jesus shared that when God's son, Jesus, came to earth, He made it possible for all of Nicodemus's sins to be forgiven. Then he could become a part of God's family and join God in heaven one day.
The price of our sins has already been paid (John 3:16). Jesus did that for you and me! It's a gift He gave us because He loves us so much.
When a family decides to adopt a child, they make that choice because they have a lot of love in their hearts and they want to share that love.
The Bible explains it this way: "God decided in advance, before we were born, to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)
One of the promises that God made to us is that He will never leave us or forsake us.
As our father, God promises to take care of our needs. (Matthew 6:32) God already knows the things we need and He will take care of those needs.
God gives every person, including you, the ability to make a choice. You can decide whether or not you obey Him and experience His blessings. This decision is completely yours whether you are going to be a part of God's family or not.
I'm a part of God's family and I want you to be a part of it too.
Lynn shared when she would read her diary, it was fun reading about when she was younger.
Maybe when she talked about her struggles you would think, "Me too!" Your personality, body, even your family isn't the same as others so sometimes you have a hard time liking yourself just the way you are.
When God created you, He made you great from the very beginning.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV), says "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
If you read through the Bible, you'll find lots of people who at one point or another felt unloved or rejected. Even Jesus was "looked down on and passed over." Isaiah 53:3 (MSG)
Remembering who we are in God's eyes help to heal the hurt that comes from meanness.
When Lynn was younger, she would often forget to do the chores her mom asked her to do. (Or was that really Lynn putting it off until she forgot on purpose?)
Lynn shares their has been times, that she felt like God has forgotten her.
You, too, know what it is like to feel like you haven't been remembered; left behind and left out.
God will never forget you!
When Lynn was younger she didn't mind being sick. When she was sick it meant she was able to stay at home from school with her Mom. All day long, her mom would bring her food and drinks to help her feel better.
In Matthew 14, we can read a story about Jesus meeting a lot of sick people. Jesus cousin, John the Baptist had just died. He wanted to be alone, but His boat landed, where there were many people, thousands of people, waiting for Him. They had heard He could heal their illnesses. Instead of wishing they would go away, verse 14 tells us, "... he had compassion on them and healed their sick."
After Jesus healed them, they didn't go away. His disciples told Jesus, "Send these people away so they can go and buy food for themselves." Jesus didn't want them to be sent away. Instead, He told the disciples to figure out a way to feed them; all 5,000 of them. All they found were five loaves and two fish. Jesus took what they had and miraculously fed everyone.
Jesus wants to protect you as you keep your eyes on Him each and every day.
When Lynn was a young woman her daddy passed away.
One day when her dad was getting ready to die, she was staying with him at the hospital. It was her birthday and her heart was sad to know that she was saying goo-bye to her dad. When she was going home from the hospital, she heard a song on the radio that talked about being completely healed and the way that healing came was by going to heaven and getting a new body.
Her daddy was dying, but her heart felt peaceful.
Just because you are young, doesn't mean you don't experience hard things in life. Parents divorce, love ones die, moves take us from our friends, and people do hurtful things. God is your refuge, strength, and help in trouble.
One day during fourth grade, Lynn's friend Liz asked her to come over after school. Lynn's mom had a rule that she couldn't go to anyone's house if there wasn't a parent there. Both of Liz's parents worked away from the home during the day. Lynn's mom had told her to never mess around with cigarettes.
Why didn't she listen to her mom's wise advice?
She didn't listen because she wanted Liz to like her.
At some point, you could find yourself in a situation similar to Liz. It might involve a TV show, a computer, a movie, a video, a friend, or a boy. There will be pressure, just like King Neb put pressure on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to bow down to his statue in Daniel 3.
The girl who is brave finds God's best; His plans for good for her life. The girl who runs with the "in" crowd all too often will miss it.
In fact, some friends might completely turn off the road of choosing what is right. You may have fewer friends or for a time, you may feel alone.
The tests of our character - the tests that we are taking and passing to become a brave beauty - can be the same way.
Passing tests isn't a school thing, it's a life thing.
At eight years old, Justine wasn't exactly sure what cancer was. But she did know her parents told her that her brother, who was only eighteen months old, had this thing called cancer.
Justine may not have understood how serious this illness was, but she did understand one thing: her family needed God to heal her brother.
God answered their prayers; God did heal her brother. Yes, God performed miracles in the Bible and He still performs miracles today!
In fact, Jesus says that if we only have faith the size of a tiny seed, nothing will be impossible for us.
Small people can see God do big things. Justine did!
There was a woman in the Bible who had an illness that was worst than Lynn's little cold. Her story is told in Mark 5:25-34 (NIV). This woman had been bleeding for twelve years. "She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse." (verse 26)
"When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If she touch his clothes, she would be healed." (verses 27-28) Immediately, Jesus' power went out of Him and into her. Her bleeding quit and her suffering stopped.
The woman had shown great bravery when she made her way through the crowd and touched Jesus' clothing. She had shown confidence in God, believing she would be healed.
The woman extended her faith when she reached out her arm. God met her; her prayers were answered.
As Lynn read her journals, she saw how God answered her prayers.
Ephesians 3:20 (MSG) Whatever big thing you can dream, God can do bigger.
Too often social media is all about making us feel good and important. We were made for one reason: to point others to the way, the truth, and the life: Jesus.
You need to be brave: brave enough to believe God has a big purpose for you.
Ella had broken one of her family's technology rules, watching a video she knew was wrong. Being ten was hard sometimes.
Ella couldn't sleep at night and her stomach had been hurting for days.
She went to her mom, sobbing, and confessed what she had done wrong.
Ella's mom hugged her and thanked her for being honest. She told Ella how brave she was to come and tell the truth. That didn't mean that honesty was a guarantee there would be no consequences or punishment for her actions.
The most important truth we need to know is that Jesus died to forgive us for our sins.
Lynn found a story in the Bible that doesn't get told much, probably because the names are so hard to pronounce.
Take a few minutes and read Exodus 1:15-17.
The women in this passage, Shiphrah and Puah, unlike Lynn, had every reason to be terrified. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt was ruthless. These two women were trained midwives - they were trained to help women through childbirth. Pharaoh was trying to get rid of the Israelite people. Pharaoh's plan was to command the women to destroy the little boys when they were born.
These women didn't care who was making the command. They feared God and did not do what the King of Egypt told them to do. They let every baby live; girl or boy.
Exodus 1:17 says the women "feared God." What the women felt toward God was respect and awe because of His power and holiness.
Shiphrah and Puah chose to obey God over fearing Pharaoh.
The author, Lynn Cowell is a part of the Proverbs 31 Ministries, speaking and writing to women of all ages. Lynn and her husband Greg have been married over 30 years and are parents of Zach, Mariah, and Madi.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
God's Promise Realized Through Faith - Romans 4:13-25
That famous promise God gave Abraham - that he and his children would posses the earth was not given because of something Abraham did or would do. It was based on God's decision to put everything together for him, which Abraham then entered when he believed.
If those who get what God gives them only get it by doing everything they are told to do and filling out all the right forms properly signed, that eliminates personal trust completely and turns the promise into an iron clad contract! That's not a holy promise; that's a business deal.
A contract drawn up by a hard nosed lawyer and with plenty of fine print only makes sure that you will never be able to collect. But if there is no contract in the first place, simply a promise - and God's promise if that - you can't break it. This is why the fulfillment of God's promise depends entirely on trusting God and his ways and then simply embracing him and what he does.
God's promise arrives as a pure gift. That's the only way everyone can be sure to get in on it, those who keep the religious traditions and those who have never heard of them.
For Abraham is father of us all. He is not our racial father - that's reading the story backward. He is our faith father. We call Abraham "Father" not because he got God's attention by living a faithful life, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody.
Isn't that what we're always reading in Scripture "I set you up as Father of many peoples?" Abraham was first named "father" and then became a father because he he trusted God to do only what God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing.
When everything was hopeless Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made father of a multitude of peoples.
God himself said to him you're going to have a big family, Abraham!
Ceremonies and rituals serve as reminders of our faith. They instruct new and younger believers, but we should not think that they give us any special merit before God. They are outward signs and seal that demonstrate belief and trust. The focus of our faith should be on Christ and his saving actions, not on our own actions.
Paul explains that Abraham pleased God through his faith alone, before he ever heard about the rituals that would become so important to the Jewish people. We too are saved by faith. It is not by loving God and doing good that we are saved; neither is it by faith plus love or faith plus good works.
We are saved only through faith in Christ, trusting him to forgive all our sins. For more on Abraham, see his profile in Genesis 18.
The promise (or covenant) God gave Abraham said that Abraham would be the father of many nations and that the entire world would be blessed through him. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus was from Abraham's line, and truly the world was blessed through him.
Paul points out that the promise to Abraham to be the father of many nations extended beyond Israel to all the nations of the world. Abraham never doubted that God would fulfill his promise. His life was marked by mistakes, sins, and failures as well as by wisdom and goodness, but he consistently trusted God. His faith was strengthened by the obstacles he faced.
His life is an example of faith in action. If he had looked only at his own resources for subduing Canaan and founding of a nation, he would have given up in despair. But he looked to God, obeyed him and waited for God to fulfill his word to him.
Reference summary used from The Message Bible and The Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL
If those who get what God gives them only get it by doing everything they are told to do and filling out all the right forms properly signed, that eliminates personal trust completely and turns the promise into an iron clad contract! That's not a holy promise; that's a business deal.
A contract drawn up by a hard nosed lawyer and with plenty of fine print only makes sure that you will never be able to collect. But if there is no contract in the first place, simply a promise - and God's promise if that - you can't break it. This is why the fulfillment of God's promise depends entirely on trusting God and his ways and then simply embracing him and what he does.
God's promise arrives as a pure gift. That's the only way everyone can be sure to get in on it, those who keep the religious traditions and those who have never heard of them.
For Abraham is father of us all. He is not our racial father - that's reading the story backward. He is our faith father. We call Abraham "Father" not because he got God's attention by living a faithful life, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody.
Isn't that what we're always reading in Scripture "I set you up as Father of many peoples?" Abraham was first named "father" and then became a father because he he trusted God to do only what God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing.
When everything was hopeless Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made father of a multitude of peoples.
God himself said to him you're going to have a big family, Abraham!
Ceremonies and rituals serve as reminders of our faith. They instruct new and younger believers, but we should not think that they give us any special merit before God. They are outward signs and seal that demonstrate belief and trust. The focus of our faith should be on Christ and his saving actions, not on our own actions.
Paul explains that Abraham pleased God through his faith alone, before he ever heard about the rituals that would become so important to the Jewish people. We too are saved by faith. It is not by loving God and doing good that we are saved; neither is it by faith plus love or faith plus good works.
We are saved only through faith in Christ, trusting him to forgive all our sins. For more on Abraham, see his profile in Genesis 18.
The promise (or covenant) God gave Abraham said that Abraham would be the father of many nations and that the entire world would be blessed through him. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus was from Abraham's line, and truly the world was blessed through him.
Paul points out that the promise to Abraham to be the father of many nations extended beyond Israel to all the nations of the world. Abraham never doubted that God would fulfill his promise. His life was marked by mistakes, sins, and failures as well as by wisdom and goodness, but he consistently trusted God. His faith was strengthened by the obstacles he faced.
His life is an example of faith in action. If he had looked only at his own resources for subduing Canaan and founding of a nation, he would have given up in despair. But he looked to God, obeyed him and waited for God to fulfill his word to him.
Reference summary used from The Message Bible and The Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL
Monday, October 2, 2017
Sunday - God's Covenant with Abram - Genesis 15:1-6,17-21 - 10/1/17
Background Scripture Nehemiah 9 and 10.
Ezra leads the people in confession. The people agree to obey.
Why would Abram be afraid? Perhaps he feared revenge from the kings he had just defeated. God gave him two good reasons for courage: (1) he promised to defend Abram ("I am thy shield"), and (2) he promised to be Abram's "exceeding great reward." When you fear what lies ahead, remember that God will stay with you through difficult times and that he has promised you great blessings.
According to custom, if Abram were to die without a son, his eldest servant would become his heir. Although Abram loved his servant, he wanted a son to carry on the family line.
Abram wanted promised wealth or fame, he already had that. God promised descendants like the stars and the grains of sand by the sea, too numerous to count. To appreciate the vast number of stars scattered through the sky, you need to be, like Abram, away from any interfering lights or buildings. Or pick up a handful of sand and try to count the grains - it can not be done! God's blessings are beyond our imaginations!
Although Abram had been demonstrating his faith through his actions, it was believing in the Lord, not actions, that made Abram right with God. We too can have a right relationship with God by trusting him with our lives. Our outward actions - church attendance, prayer, good deeds - will not by themselves make us right with God. A right relationship is based on faith - the heartfelt inner confidence that God is who he says he is and does what he says he will do. Right actions follow naturally as a by - product.
Why did God send this strange vision to Abram? God's covenant with Abram was serious business. It represented an incredible promise from God and a huge responsibilities for Abram. To confirm his promise, God gave Abram a sign - the smoking furnace and burning lamp. God took the initiative, gave the confirmation and followed through on his promises. The sign to Abram was a visible assurance to him that the covenant with God had made was real.
Reference summary used from The Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL
Ezra leads the people in confession. The people agree to obey.
Why would Abram be afraid? Perhaps he feared revenge from the kings he had just defeated. God gave him two good reasons for courage: (1) he promised to defend Abram ("I am thy shield"), and (2) he promised to be Abram's "exceeding great reward." When you fear what lies ahead, remember that God will stay with you through difficult times and that he has promised you great blessings.
According to custom, if Abram were to die without a son, his eldest servant would become his heir. Although Abram loved his servant, he wanted a son to carry on the family line.
Abram wanted promised wealth or fame, he already had that. God promised descendants like the stars and the grains of sand by the sea, too numerous to count. To appreciate the vast number of stars scattered through the sky, you need to be, like Abram, away from any interfering lights or buildings. Or pick up a handful of sand and try to count the grains - it can not be done! God's blessings are beyond our imaginations!
Although Abram had been demonstrating his faith through his actions, it was believing in the Lord, not actions, that made Abram right with God. We too can have a right relationship with God by trusting him with our lives. Our outward actions - church attendance, prayer, good deeds - will not by themselves make us right with God. A right relationship is based on faith - the heartfelt inner confidence that God is who he says he is and does what he says he will do. Right actions follow naturally as a by - product.
Why did God send this strange vision to Abram? God's covenant with Abram was serious business. It represented an incredible promise from God and a huge responsibilities for Abram. To confirm his promise, God gave Abram a sign - the smoking furnace and burning lamp. God took the initiative, gave the confirmation and followed through on his promises. The sign to Abram was a visible assurance to him that the covenant with God had made was real.
Reference summary used from The Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Sunday - Ezekiel's Call - Ezekiel 3:1-11 - 7/23/17
Ezekiel was a priest by training, a prophet by God's call.
Ezekiel received vivid visions and delivered powerful messages.
Ezekiel served as God's messenger during Israel's captivity in Babylon.
God shaped Ezekiel character to fit his mission - a tough and stalwart man to reach a hard and stubborn people (Ezekiel 3:8).
In Ezekiel's vision, he ate God's message and found the spiritual food not only good for him, but also sweet as honey. If you "digest" God's Word, you will find that not only does it make you stronger in your faith, but its wisdom sweetens your life. You need to feed yourself spiritually just as you do physically. You must make digesting God's Word a regular part of your life.
God makes his followers strong enough to stand against anything or anyone, including those who hate what is right. Just as God gave Ezekiel tough love (a strong face) and tough faith (a hard forehead), he wants to give you stability, perseverance and insight you need to live up to the great task he has given you. Give yourself over to God's conditioning, and let him get your life in shape.
Ezekiel was to receive God's words in his heart before preaching them to others. God's message must sink deep into your heart and show in your actions before you can effectively help others understand and apply it.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV; Tyndale Publishers Inc.; Wheaton, IL
Ezekiel received vivid visions and delivered powerful messages.
Ezekiel served as God's messenger during Israel's captivity in Babylon.
God shaped Ezekiel character to fit his mission - a tough and stalwart man to reach a hard and stubborn people (Ezekiel 3:8).
In Ezekiel's vision, he ate God's message and found the spiritual food not only good for him, but also sweet as honey. If you "digest" God's Word, you will find that not only does it make you stronger in your faith, but its wisdom sweetens your life. You need to feed yourself spiritually just as you do physically. You must make digesting God's Word a regular part of your life.
God makes his followers strong enough to stand against anything or anyone, including those who hate what is right. Just as God gave Ezekiel tough love (a strong face) and tough faith (a hard forehead), he wants to give you stability, perseverance and insight you need to live up to the great task he has given you. Give yourself over to God's conditioning, and let him get your life in shape.
Ezekiel was to receive God's words in his heart before preaching them to others. God's message must sink deep into your heart and show in your actions before you can effectively help others understand and apply it.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV; Tyndale Publishers Inc.; Wheaton, IL
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Sunday - Jephthah Answers The Call - Judges 11:4-11,29-31 - 6/18/17
Jephthah (Personal name meaning "he will open." One of Israel's judges about 1100 B.C. (Judges 11:1-12:7). A Gileadite, he was driven from his home because he was "the son of a harlot" (Judges 11:1). He lived & raided in the land of Tob with a band of outlaws, becoming known as a "mighty warrior." When the Ammonites moved against Israel, Jephthah people asked him to return & lead them. His victory over the Ammonites came about after a vow he made to offer as a burnt offering the first living thing he saw upon his return from battle. Although it was his daughter who greeted him, Jephthah did fulfill his rash vow. Considering as one of Yahweh's "chief" deliverers of His people (1 Samuel 12:11), Jephthah is hailed by the author of Hebrews, as a hero of faith (Hebrews 11:32).
For further study of the lesson "Google" Ammon; Ammonites; Human Sacrifices; Book of Judges.
Reference summary used from the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, @2003 by Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN
For further study of the lesson "Google" Ammon; Ammonites; Human Sacrifices; Book of Judges.
Reference summary used from the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, @2003 by Holman Bible Publishers; Nashville, TN
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Sunday - Deborah & Barak - Judges 4:1-10 - 6/4/17
The Bible records few women in national leadership positions, but Deborah was the best person for the job, & God chose her to lead Israel. God can choose anyone to lead his people, young or old, man or woman. Don't let your prejudices get in the way of those God may have chosen to lead you.
We don't know Barak's character, but we see the character of a great leader in Deborah, who took charge as God directed. Deborah told Barak that God would be with him in battle, but that was not enough for Barak. He wanted Deborah to go with him. Barak request shows that at heart he trusted human strength more than God's promise. A person of real faith steps out at God's command even if he or she must do so alone.
She was responsible for leading the people into battle, but more than that, she influenced them to live for God after the battle was over. Her personality drew people together & commanded the respect of even Barak, a military general. She was also a prophetess, whose main role was to encourage the people to obey God. Those who lead must not forget about the spiritual condition of those being led. A true leader is concerned for persons, not just success.
Israel's sin was not only "in the sight of the Lord"; it was also against the Lord. Our sins harm both ourselves & others, But all sin is ultimately against God because it disregards his commands & his authority over our lives. When confessing his sin David prayed, "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned & done this evil in thy sight" (Psalm 51:4). Recognizing the seriousness of sin may be the first step toward removing it from our lives.
This is the only time during the period of the judges when the Israelites' enemies came from within their land. The Israelites had failed to drive out all the Canaanites, & they had regrouped & were attempting to restore their lost power. If the Israelites had obeyed God in the first place & driven the Canaanites from the land, this incident would not have happened.
Chariots were the tanks of the ancient world. Made of iron or wood, they were pulled by one or two horses & were the most feared & powerful weapons of the day. Some chariots even had razor sharp knives extending from the wheels designed to mutilate helpless foot soliders. The Canaanite army had 900 iron chariots. It was not within Israel's power to defeat such an invincible army. With such power Jabin & Sisera had no problem oppressing the people - until a faithful woman named Deborah called upon God.
After 20 years of unbearable circumstances, the Israelites finally turned to God for help. But God should be the first place we turn when we are facing struggles or dilemmas. The Israelites did things their way & got into a mess. We often do the same thing. Trying to control our own lives without God's help often leads to struggle & confusion. By contrast, when we stay in daily contact with God, we are less likely to create painful circumstances for ourselves. This is a lesson the Israelites never fully learned. When struggles come our way, God wants us to seek him first, giving him top priority in our lives.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale Bible Publishers, Wheaton, IL
We don't know Barak's character, but we see the character of a great leader in Deborah, who took charge as God directed. Deborah told Barak that God would be with him in battle, but that was not enough for Barak. He wanted Deborah to go with him. Barak request shows that at heart he trusted human strength more than God's promise. A person of real faith steps out at God's command even if he or she must do so alone.
She was responsible for leading the people into battle, but more than that, she influenced them to live for God after the battle was over. Her personality drew people together & commanded the respect of even Barak, a military general. She was also a prophetess, whose main role was to encourage the people to obey God. Those who lead must not forget about the spiritual condition of those being led. A true leader is concerned for persons, not just success.
Israel's sin was not only "in the sight of the Lord"; it was also against the Lord. Our sins harm both ourselves & others, But all sin is ultimately against God because it disregards his commands & his authority over our lives. When confessing his sin David prayed, "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned & done this evil in thy sight" (Psalm 51:4). Recognizing the seriousness of sin may be the first step toward removing it from our lives.
This is the only time during the period of the judges when the Israelites' enemies came from within their land. The Israelites had failed to drive out all the Canaanites, & they had regrouped & were attempting to restore their lost power. If the Israelites had obeyed God in the first place & driven the Canaanites from the land, this incident would not have happened.
Chariots were the tanks of the ancient world. Made of iron or wood, they were pulled by one or two horses & were the most feared & powerful weapons of the day. Some chariots even had razor sharp knives extending from the wheels designed to mutilate helpless foot soliders. The Canaanite army had 900 iron chariots. It was not within Israel's power to defeat such an invincible army. With such power Jabin & Sisera had no problem oppressing the people - until a faithful woman named Deborah called upon God.
After 20 years of unbearable circumstances, the Israelites finally turned to God for help. But God should be the first place we turn when we are facing struggles or dilemmas. The Israelites did things their way & got into a mess. We often do the same thing. Trying to control our own lives without God's help often leads to struggle & confusion. By contrast, when we stay in daily contact with God, we are less likely to create painful circumstances for ourselves. This is a lesson the Israelites never fully learned. When struggles come our way, God wants us to seek him first, giving him top priority in our lives.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale Bible Publishers, Wheaton, IL
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Tuesday - Fruit of Justification by Faith - Romans 5:1-5 - 4/18/17
Consequences of justification. 1:1-5: When we rely utterly upon God's grace and not at all upon ourselves, we have peace, reconciliation, or a state of harmony with God. Hope of ... the glory of God, though we had fallen short of the glorious destiny God intended for us, we now find ourselves confidently expecting it.
Reference summary used from The New Oxford Annotated Bible with The Apocrypha Expanded Edition, An Ecumenical Study Bible, RSV
Reference summary used from The New Oxford Annotated Bible with The Apocrypha Expanded Edition, An Ecumenical Study Bible, RSV
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Sunday - God's Love Manifest - John 15:1-17 - 3/19/17
The grapevine is a profilic plant: a single vine bears many grapes. In the Old Testament grapes symbolized Israel's fruitfulness in doing God's work on the earth. In the Passover meal, the fruit of the vine symbolized, God's goodness to His people.
Christ is the vine, & God is the husbandman who cares for the branches to make them fruitful. The branches are all who claim to be followers of Christ. The fruitful branches are true believers who by their living union with followers are as good as dead & will be cut off & cast aside.
Jesus makes a distinction between two kinds of pruning (1) separating & (2) cutting back branches. Fruitful branches are cut back to promote growth. God must sometimes discipline us to strength our character & faith. But branches that don't bear fruit are cut off at the trunk, because not only are they worthless, they often infect the rest of the tree.
Prayer, joy, & soul-winning are also fruit.
Abiding in Christ means (1) believing he is God's Son (2) receiving Him as Saviour (3) doing what God says (4) continuing in faith (5) & relating to the community of believers. Christ's body Jesus says to only live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from him our efforts are unfruitful.
When a vine bears "much fruit," God is glorified, for daily He sent the sunshine & rain to make the crops grow, & constantly be nurtured each tiny plant & prepared to blossomed. What a moment of glory for the Lord of the harvest when the harvest is brought into the barns, safe & ready for use! This farming picture shows how God is glorified when people come into a right relationship with him & begin to "bear much fruit" in their lives.
Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily keeps us levelheaded no matter how high or low our circumstances.
We are to love one another as Jesus loved us, & He loved us enough to give His life for us. Give all the love you can, & then try to give a little more.
Jesus made the first choice --- to love & to die for us; to offer us eternal life. We make the next choice --- to accept or reject His offer. Without His choice, we would have no choice.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible KJV, Tyndale Publishing House, Inc., Wheaton, IL
Christ is the vine, & God is the husbandman who cares for the branches to make them fruitful. The branches are all who claim to be followers of Christ. The fruitful branches are true believers who by their living union with followers are as good as dead & will be cut off & cast aside.
Jesus makes a distinction between two kinds of pruning (1) separating & (2) cutting back branches. Fruitful branches are cut back to promote growth. God must sometimes discipline us to strength our character & faith. But branches that don't bear fruit are cut off at the trunk, because not only are they worthless, they often infect the rest of the tree.
Prayer, joy, & soul-winning are also fruit.
Abiding in Christ means (1) believing he is God's Son (2) receiving Him as Saviour (3) doing what God says (4) continuing in faith (5) & relating to the community of believers. Christ's body Jesus says to only live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from him our efforts are unfruitful.
When a vine bears "much fruit," God is glorified, for daily He sent the sunshine & rain to make the crops grow, & constantly be nurtured each tiny plant & prepared to blossomed. What a moment of glory for the Lord of the harvest when the harvest is brought into the barns, safe & ready for use! This farming picture shows how God is glorified when people come into a right relationship with him & begin to "bear much fruit" in their lives.
Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily keeps us levelheaded no matter how high or low our circumstances.
We are to love one another as Jesus loved us, & He loved us enough to give His life for us. Give all the love you can, & then try to give a little more.
Jesus made the first choice --- to love & to die for us; to offer us eternal life. We make the next choice --- to accept or reject His offer. Without His choice, we would have no choice.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible KJV, Tyndale Publishing House, Inc., Wheaton, IL
2 of 2 ... The Beginning: Prelude To The Apocalypse: Book Review
The Corinthian church was so free in the grace of God that they begin to sin with some very real consequences. The truth is that we cannot exclude either the law or faith. It is faith that frees us from the law of sin & death (Romans 8:2). The eternal or second death is what we have been set free from. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
It is understood that God is the ultimate power in the universe. In heaven all the angels obey the will of God. The fact that Satan had to go to God to get permission to sift Peter is further evidence of God's complete authority. God sits on the throne & listen daily to the adversary. If the adversary brings an accusation against us, God may allow him to chasten us. This has no effect on our eternal life. This will affect the quality of our life on planet Earth.
It is through the law that all sin was made known in the universe. Until the law came, sin was not understood or known (Romans 7:7-8). In other words we all must die in the flesh to fulfill the law. So we fulfill the law by dying & we fulfill the law of grace by living. Both laws are in effect & neither has been disregarded.
We can conclude that the flesh remains under the law of death & our spirit is under the law of grace. The Corinthians began to die & became sick due to sin. Paul admonished the congregation to walk in a worthy manner when involved with holy things such as the Lord's Supper (I Corinthians 11:26-30).
Christians need to understand that the law of grace is the eternal law & affects the spirit of man in eternity.
One of the most penetrating questions about life is this: "If God is good, why does He allow evil to exist?" As we know from Jesus, Satan is the father of all evil, (John 8:44). Job calls the angelic host "the sons of God" (Job 1:6-7). We find an interesting perspective in Job.
Satan, or Lucifer, was a covering cherub (Ezekiel 28:13-15). It's apparent that Lucifer wanted to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-15).
Satan believed & preached his doctrine of equality with God through knowledge of evil. If you knew God's secret knowledge of evil you would be like God (Genesis 3:4-5). As much as God loved His family, He must give them the freedom to choose their destiny.
The knowledge of evil caught the attention of one third of the angelic hosts (Revelation 12).
God knew that all creation could only live in harmony with love if it was voluntary. Anything else is not love. God only wants those who worship Him to do so in truth & spirit (John 4:23-24).
It is important to believe every Word of God.
Man & angels had to choose by faith whether to trust God or trust Satan.
God placed two trees in the garden. The tree of life was free & it yielded its fruit for food & life. The tree of knowledge of good & evil was beautiful to behold but contained only death. It was only the knowledge of evil that could bring death. Satan believed that if Adam & Eve would eat of it they would be as gods knowing good & evil (Genesis 3:5).
Satan does not have the power to take anything. Each time you see him in heavenly scenes he is asking permission to do what he wants. He asked permission to harm Job in Job chapter one. He asked to sift Peter as wheat in Luke 22:31. In Revelation chapter twelve, Satan stands before God day & night accusing the brethren.
We are faced with the choice of trusting God by faith or living according to the way of sin (Galatians 3:11).
Enoch & Elijah was taken by God without dying. And Enoch walked with God; & he was not for God took him (Genesis 5:24). By faith Enoch was was taken away so that he did not see death (Hebrews 11:5). Then it happened, as they continued on & talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, & separated the two of them; & Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven (2 Kings 2:11).
Christ was not a sinner & yet He was put to death. It was the will of God that He should be put to death. Jesus must also be recompensed for the wrong done to Him. His blood redeemed us from death & we are given to Him as His bride. Not only did Christ receive all who believe in Him, but He was given the keys of death & became Lord of all (Revelation 1:17-18).
We are given enough to make a choice of faith - to accept the Bible. The Bible does not seek to answer the questions of science.
Bruce Campbell is the author of The Beginning Prelude to the Apocalypse Companion Study Guide. He has been a pastor, evangelist and a successful business man. He currently runs The Secret Place, an international ministry to ministers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Divinity degree. He, along with his wife and daughter live in Picayune, MS
It is understood that God is the ultimate power in the universe. In heaven all the angels obey the will of God. The fact that Satan had to go to God to get permission to sift Peter is further evidence of God's complete authority. God sits on the throne & listen daily to the adversary. If the adversary brings an accusation against us, God may allow him to chasten us. This has no effect on our eternal life. This will affect the quality of our life on planet Earth.
It is through the law that all sin was made known in the universe. Until the law came, sin was not understood or known (Romans 7:7-8). In other words we all must die in the flesh to fulfill the law. So we fulfill the law by dying & we fulfill the law of grace by living. Both laws are in effect & neither has been disregarded.
We can conclude that the flesh remains under the law of death & our spirit is under the law of grace. The Corinthians began to die & became sick due to sin. Paul admonished the congregation to walk in a worthy manner when involved with holy things such as the Lord's Supper (I Corinthians 11:26-30).
Christians need to understand that the law of grace is the eternal law & affects the spirit of man in eternity.
One of the most penetrating questions about life is this: "If God is good, why does He allow evil to exist?" As we know from Jesus, Satan is the father of all evil, (John 8:44). Job calls the angelic host "the sons of God" (Job 1:6-7). We find an interesting perspective in Job.
Satan, or Lucifer, was a covering cherub (Ezekiel 28:13-15). It's apparent that Lucifer wanted to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-15).
Satan believed & preached his doctrine of equality with God through knowledge of evil. If you knew God's secret knowledge of evil you would be like God (Genesis 3:4-5). As much as God loved His family, He must give them the freedom to choose their destiny.
The knowledge of evil caught the attention of one third of the angelic hosts (Revelation 12).
God knew that all creation could only live in harmony with love if it was voluntary. Anything else is not love. God only wants those who worship Him to do so in truth & spirit (John 4:23-24).
It is important to believe every Word of God.
Man & angels had to choose by faith whether to trust God or trust Satan.
God placed two trees in the garden. The tree of life was free & it yielded its fruit for food & life. The tree of knowledge of good & evil was beautiful to behold but contained only death. It was only the knowledge of evil that could bring death. Satan believed that if Adam & Eve would eat of it they would be as gods knowing good & evil (Genesis 3:5).
Satan does not have the power to take anything. Each time you see him in heavenly scenes he is asking permission to do what he wants. He asked permission to harm Job in Job chapter one. He asked to sift Peter as wheat in Luke 22:31. In Revelation chapter twelve, Satan stands before God day & night accusing the brethren.
We are faced with the choice of trusting God by faith or living according to the way of sin (Galatians 3:11).
Enoch & Elijah was taken by God without dying. And Enoch walked with God; & he was not for God took him (Genesis 5:24). By faith Enoch was was taken away so that he did not see death (Hebrews 11:5). Then it happened, as they continued on & talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, & separated the two of them; & Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven (2 Kings 2:11).
Christ was not a sinner & yet He was put to death. It was the will of God that He should be put to death. Jesus must also be recompensed for the wrong done to Him. His blood redeemed us from death & we are given to Him as His bride. Not only did Christ receive all who believe in Him, but He was given the keys of death & became Lord of all (Revelation 1:17-18).
We are given enough to make a choice of faith - to accept the Bible. The Bible does not seek to answer the questions of science.
Bruce Campbell is the author of The Beginning Prelude to the Apocalypse Companion Study Guide. He has been a pastor, evangelist and a successful business man. He currently runs The Secret Place, an international ministry to ministers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Divinity degree. He, along with his wife and daughter live in Picayune, MS
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Thursday - Wholeness by Prayer & Action - James 5:13-20 - 2/23/17
James refers to someone who is incapacitated physically. Thus oil can represent both the medical & the spiritual spheres of life. Jesus Christ is Lord over both the body & the spirit.
The elders should be on call to respond to the illness of any members & the church should stay alert to pray for the needs of all its members.
"And the prayer of faith," does not refer to the faith of the sick person, but to the faith of the church. God heals, faith doesn't, & all prayers are subject to God's will. That is why God often waits for our prayers of faith before intervening to heal a person.
"Confess your faults" can be translated "Confess your sins." Christ has made it possible for us to go directly to God for forgiveness, but confessing our sins to one another still has an important place in the life of the church. In Christ's Kingdom, every believer is a priest to other believers. We must help others come to Christ & tell them of Christ's forgiveness.
The Christian's most powerful resource is communion with God through prayer. Since God's power is infinitely greater than our own, it only makes sense to rely on it - especially because he encourages us to do so.
For more about the great prophet Elijah (Elias), read his Profile in I Kings 18.
Clearly the person who has slipped away is a believer who has fallen into sin - one who is no longer living a life consistent with his belief. Christians disagree over whether or not it is possible for people to lose their salvation, but all agree that those who move away from their faith are in serious trouble & need to repent. James urges Christians to help backsliders return to God. By taking the initiative, praying for the person, & acting in love, we can meet the person where he is & bring him back to God.
The book of James emphasizes faith in action. Right living is the evidence of result of faith. The church must serve with compassion, speak lovingly & truthfully, live in obedient to God's commands, & love one another. The body of believers ought to be an example of heaven on earth, drawing people to Christ through love for God & one another. If we truly believe God's Word, we will live it day by day. God's Word is not merely something we read or think about, but something we do. Belief, faith & trust must have hands & feet - ours!
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible KJV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
The elders should be on call to respond to the illness of any members & the church should stay alert to pray for the needs of all its members.
"And the prayer of faith," does not refer to the faith of the sick person, but to the faith of the church. God heals, faith doesn't, & all prayers are subject to God's will. That is why God often waits for our prayers of faith before intervening to heal a person.
"Confess your faults" can be translated "Confess your sins." Christ has made it possible for us to go directly to God for forgiveness, but confessing our sins to one another still has an important place in the life of the church. In Christ's Kingdom, every believer is a priest to other believers. We must help others come to Christ & tell them of Christ's forgiveness.
The Christian's most powerful resource is communion with God through prayer. Since God's power is infinitely greater than our own, it only makes sense to rely on it - especially because he encourages us to do so.
For more about the great prophet Elijah (Elias), read his Profile in I Kings 18.
Clearly the person who has slipped away is a believer who has fallen into sin - one who is no longer living a life consistent with his belief. Christians disagree over whether or not it is possible for people to lose their salvation, but all agree that those who move away from their faith are in serious trouble & need to repent. James urges Christians to help backsliders return to God. By taking the initiative, praying for the person, & acting in love, we can meet the person where he is & bring him back to God.
The book of James emphasizes faith in action. Right living is the evidence of result of faith. The church must serve with compassion, speak lovingly & truthfully, live in obedient to God's commands, & love one another. The body of believers ought to be an example of heaven on earth, drawing people to Christ through love for God & one another. If we truly believe God's Word, we will live it day by day. God's Word is not merely something we read or think about, but something we do. Belief, faith & trust must have hands & feet - ours!
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible KJV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Monday - Walk in Newness of Life - Romans 6:1-11 - 2/20/17
This section deals with sanctification - the change God makes in our lives when we become Christians. Chapter 6 discusses the continuing struggle believers have with sin.
God forgiveness does not make sin less serious. The availability of God's mercy must not become an excuse for careless living & moral laxness.
In the church in the apostle Paul's day, immersion was the usual form of baptism - that is, new Christians were completely "buried" in water. They understood this form of baptism to symbolize the death & burial of the old way of life. Coming up out of the water symbolized resurrection to new life with Christ.
We can enjoy our new life in Christ because we are united ("planted") with him in his death & resurrection.
The power & penalty of sin died with Christ on the cross. Our "old man," our sinful nature, died once & for all, so we are freed from its power. The "body of sin" is not the human body, but our rebellious sin-loving nature inherited from Adam. The apostle Paul has already stated that through faith in Christ we stand acquitted, "not guilty" before God.
Because of Christ's death & resurrection, his followers need never fear death. This will affect all our activities - work & worship, play & Bible study, quiet times & times caring for others.
We are fully fenced off (because of our union & identification with Christ) from all the old ways of believing & behaving. We have a new start & the Holy Spirit will help us become in our daily experience what Christ has declared us to be.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
God forgiveness does not make sin less serious. The availability of God's mercy must not become an excuse for careless living & moral laxness.
In the church in the apostle Paul's day, immersion was the usual form of baptism - that is, new Christians were completely "buried" in water. They understood this form of baptism to symbolize the death & burial of the old way of life. Coming up out of the water symbolized resurrection to new life with Christ.
We can enjoy our new life in Christ because we are united ("planted") with him in his death & resurrection.
The power & penalty of sin died with Christ on the cross. Our "old man," our sinful nature, died once & for all, so we are freed from its power. The "body of sin" is not the human body, but our rebellious sin-loving nature inherited from Adam. The apostle Paul has already stated that through faith in Christ we stand acquitted, "not guilty" before God.
Because of Christ's death & resurrection, his followers need never fear death. This will affect all our activities - work & worship, play & Bible study, quiet times & times caring for others.
We are fully fenced off (because of our union & identification with Christ) from all the old ways of believing & behaving. We have a new start & the Holy Spirit will help us become in our daily experience what Christ has declared us to be.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible, KJV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Sunday - Freedom in Christ - Galatians 5:1-17 - 2/19/17
Christ died to set us free from sin & from a long list of laws & regulations.
Trying to be saved by keeping the Law & being saved by grace are two different approaches.
We are saved by faith, not works, but love for others & for God is the response of those whom God has been forgiven.
It only takes one person to infect all the others by persuasion.
Persecution proved that the apostle Paul was preaching the true Gospel.
The "flesh" is not a reference to the body, but to the sinful nature that attempts to use our bodies to lead us into sin.
At the same time, you must beware of confusing your feelings with the Spirit's leading. Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God's Word, & the sensitivity to discern between your feelings & his promptings.
The Holy Spirit is infinitely stronger, but we are weak. Our only way to freedom from our natural evil desires is through the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible KJV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Trying to be saved by keeping the Law & being saved by grace are two different approaches.
We are saved by faith, not works, but love for others & for God is the response of those whom God has been forgiven.
It only takes one person to infect all the others by persuasion.
Persecution proved that the apostle Paul was preaching the true Gospel.
The "flesh" is not a reference to the body, but to the sinful nature that attempts to use our bodies to lead us into sin.
At the same time, you must beware of confusing your feelings with the Spirit's leading. Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God's Word, & the sensitivity to discern between your feelings & his promptings.
The Holy Spirit is infinitely stronger, but we are weak. Our only way to freedom from our natural evil desires is through the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible KJV, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Sunday - New Birth Brings Freedom - Galatians 4:8-20 -2/12/17
The apostle Paul commended the Galatians for not rejecting him, even though his condition was revolting (he doesn't explain what was wrong with him).
Such caring was what Jesus meant when he called us to serve the homeless, hungry, sick, & imprisoned as if they were Jesus himself. Do you avoid those in pain or facing difficulty - or are you willing to care for them as if they were Jesus Christ himself?
If you feel guilty & inadequate check your focus. Are you putting your faith in Christ or in rule-keeping?
The apostle Paul did not gain great popularity when he rebuked the Galatians for turning away from their first faith in Christ. Human nature hasn't changed much - we still get angry when we're scolded. But don't write off someone who challenges you. There may be truth in what he says. Receive his words with humility, carefully think them over. If you discover you need to change an attitude or action, take steps to do it.
"They" in verse seventeen refers to false teachers who claimed to be religious authorities, experts in Judaism & Christianity. Appealing to the believers' desire to do what is right, they drew quite a following. The apostle Paul said, however, that they were wrong & that their motives were selfish. False teachers are often respectable & persuasive. That is why all teachings need to be checked with the Bible.
The apostle Paul led many people to Christ & helped them mature spiritually. Perhaps one reason for his success as a spiritual father was the deep concern he felt for his spiritual children; he compared his pain over their faithlessness to the pain of childbirth. We should have the same intense care for those to whom we are spiritual parents. When you lead people to Christ remember to stand by them to help them grow.
Reference summary used from the Life Application KJV Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Such caring was what Jesus meant when he called us to serve the homeless, hungry, sick, & imprisoned as if they were Jesus himself. Do you avoid those in pain or facing difficulty - or are you willing to care for them as if they were Jesus Christ himself?
If you feel guilty & inadequate check your focus. Are you putting your faith in Christ or in rule-keeping?
The apostle Paul did not gain great popularity when he rebuked the Galatians for turning away from their first faith in Christ. Human nature hasn't changed much - we still get angry when we're scolded. But don't write off someone who challenges you. There may be truth in what he says. Receive his words with humility, carefully think them over. If you discover you need to change an attitude or action, take steps to do it.
"They" in verse seventeen refers to false teachers who claimed to be religious authorities, experts in Judaism & Christianity. Appealing to the believers' desire to do what is right, they drew quite a following. The apostle Paul said, however, that they were wrong & that their motives were selfish. False teachers are often respectable & persuasive. That is why all teachings need to be checked with the Bible.
The apostle Paul led many people to Christ & helped them mature spiritually. Perhaps one reason for his success as a spiritual father was the deep concern he felt for his spiritual children; he compared his pain over their faithlessness to the pain of childbirth. We should have the same intense care for those to whom we are spiritual parents. When you lead people to Christ remember to stand by them to help them grow.
Reference summary used from the Life Application KJV Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Wednesday - Divine Power - 1/18/17 - Bible Study
Romans 4:16-22 ...The promise was through the righteous of faith. The strength of Abraham's faith.
Ephesians 3:20 ... Wherefore the apostle Paul desireth them not to faint at his tribulations, & prayeth that they may be able to comprehend the great love of Christ towards them.
Jude 24-25 ...God is able to keep you from falling.
II Samuel 22:33 ... David's psalm of the thanksgiving to God for his deliverance, & manifold blessings. (God is my strength & power; & he maketh my way perfect.)
Matthew 9:1-8 ... (Jesus healeth one sick of the palsy.)
Ephesians 2:2 ... (Ephesians 6:11 - to put on the whole armour of God, Ephesians 6:11-17) Ephesians 6:12 ... For we wrestle not against (blood & flesh) flesh & blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
John 5:8 ... (An impotent man healed on the Sabbath.) (Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, & walk.)
Ephesians 1:18-19 ... Paul's prayer for the Ephesians believers. The world fears the power of the trouble in the world, we belong to the God of the universe who has all power but also raised Jesus Christ from the dead. God's incomparable power is available to help those who believe.
Reference scripture used from The KJV Bible, SouthWestern Co., Nashville, TN
Ephesians 3:20 ... Wherefore the apostle Paul desireth them not to faint at his tribulations, & prayeth that they may be able to comprehend the great love of Christ towards them.
Jude 24-25 ...God is able to keep you from falling.
II Samuel 22:33 ... David's psalm of the thanksgiving to God for his deliverance, & manifold blessings. (God is my strength & power; & he maketh my way perfect.)
Matthew 9:1-8 ... (Jesus healeth one sick of the palsy.)
Ephesians 2:2 ... (Ephesians 6:11 - to put on the whole armour of God, Ephesians 6:11-17) Ephesians 6:12 ... For we wrestle not against (blood & flesh) flesh & blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
John 5:8 ... (An impotent man healed on the Sabbath.) (Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, & walk.)
Ephesians 1:18-19 ... Paul's prayer for the Ephesians believers. The world fears the power of the trouble in the world, we belong to the God of the universe who has all power but also raised Jesus Christ from the dead. God's incomparable power is available to help those who believe.
Reference scripture used from The KJV Bible, SouthWestern Co., Nashville, TN
Friday, November 18, 2016
Saturday - The Paralytic Walks Again - Matthew 9:2-8 - 11/19/16
Jesus healeth one sick of the palsy.
Verse 2 ... And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: ...
Mark 2:3 ... And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
Matthew 9:2 ... & Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Matthew 8:10 ... When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, & said to them that followed, verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Is'ra-el.
Matthew 9:3 ... And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
Matthew 9:4 ... And Jesus ... knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
Matthew 12:25 ... And Jesus know their thoughts, & said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; & every city or house or house divided against itself shall not stand:
Matthew 9:5 ... For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or say, Arise & walk?
Matthew 9:6 ... But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, & go unto thine house.
Matthew 9:7 ... And he arose, & departed to his house.
Matthew 9:8 ... But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled & glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
Scripture reference used from The KJV Bible, SouthWestern So., Nashville, TN
Verse 2 ... And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: ...
Mark 2:3 ... And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
Matthew 9:2 ... & Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Matthew 8:10 ... When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, & said to them that followed, verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Is'ra-el.
Matthew 9:3 ... And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
Matthew 9:4 ... And Jesus ... knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
Matthew 12:25 ... And Jesus know their thoughts, & said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; & every city or house or house divided against itself shall not stand:
Matthew 9:5 ... For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or say, Arise & walk?
Matthew 9:6 ... But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, & go unto thine house.
Matthew 9:7 ... And he arose, & departed to his house.
Matthew 9:8 ... But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled & glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
Scripture reference used from The KJV Bible, SouthWestern So., Nashville, TN
Monday, May 26, 2014
God-Centered Prayer: Book Review
This is not a new book review - it is probably seven or more years older.
There are many wonderful things we can learn from the Old Testament saints. Theologian Graham Scroggie put it this way: "The New is in the old contained, and the Old is in the New explained!" Elijah, is commended for the way he prayed (James 5:17-18). We all want to pursue God with the passion of David, a man after God's heart, and with faith like Abraham.
God interrupted Moses and the children of Israel at the Red Sea, where they were trapped by Pharaoh and the world's greatest army. They cried out to God about their circumstances. What was God's response? He essentially said, "Folks, this is no time to pray. Moses, raise the rod and split the sea. And Moses did! (Exodus 14:15-16).
When Jesus arrived, HE did things on the Sabbath that the Pharisees couldn't accept. Then came the day when, with HIS disciples, HE lifted the Communion cup and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20).
God responds to the prayers of those who love and honor HIM. We don't throw out the Old Testament and its prayers.
We approach God's throne of grace "with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
I Corinthians 10:13 -- God carefully measures our trials, and HE promises that we won't face more than we can bear. (But we must also keep in mind that when we choose to walk in darkness, we move out from under God's protection).
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Matthew 5:43-45 -- Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
Jesus was no ordinary teacher. HE was the Prince of Peace. "Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:13).
The prayers God answers are those prayed in accordance with HIS will. The Holy Spirit "searches all things even the deep things of God," and "knows the thoughts of God."
God has told us to call on HIM and he will show us great and mighty things. (Jeremiah 33:3)
As Moses prayed with his hands raised to heaven, Joshua's army was victorious. Prayer worked! (Exodus 17:8-13)
Sickly King Hezekiah lay on his death bed. He cried out to God in prayer. God gave the king fifteen years. (II Kings 20:5)
The author's daddy, Dr. Robert E. Smith (a pastor) laid at death's door in a Tyler Texas Hospital. The medical team advised the family to make his funeral arrangements. In answer to prayer, God raised him up and gave him four and a half more years.
God has created all things for his pleasure. Everything is about the kingdom.
Jesus Christ is the rightful ruler of a spiritual Kingdom, and on day, all men will bow before HIM (Philippians 2:9-10).
What do we know about any king? He's born into his position. He rules those in his kingdom with absolute authority.
Those who are chosen by the king to serve as his ambassadors do everything to symbolize the kingdom. Scripture calls us "Christ's ambassadors" (II Corinthians 5:20).
The author shares in his book that "New Science Magazine" reported a world values survey that analyzed the levels of happiness in more than sixty-five (65) countries. Of the nations surveyed, the United States ranked sixteen (16) on the list, even though the standard of living in the U.S. far exceeds that of the fifteen (15) happiest nations.
Joshua 6 -- Praise preceded the fall of Jericho walls.
II Chronicles 20:14-21 -- Praise preceded Jehoshaphat's victory.
Mark 6:30-44 -- Praise preceded the feeding of the 5,000
Acts 16:20-34 -- Praise preceded the earthquake and jailbreak in Philippi
"It is said of Leonardo da Vinci, the great artist, that he wold sit practically motionless for days at a time, meditating and getting the inspiration for his masterpieces."
Celebrate the Small Stuff!
We are to celebrate God's smallest responses to our prayers. The psalmist David said, "I will praise God's name in song and glorify HIM with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30). Jesus said in John 14:13, "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father."
In Exodus 15, after crossing the Red Sea and escaping the wrath of Pharaoh and his army, the children of Israel threw a praise party to celebrate God for bringing them safely out of Egypt.
Sometimes, after God has done something wonderful that we are celebrating, the enemy throws discouragment in our path.
The author and his wife had finished teaching at the convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, and were headed toward the airport, when they began to witness to the cab driver, who was from Ghana. After a few minutes he prayed to receive Christ as his Lord and Saviour.
When the cab stopped, the driver jumped out, hugged them, and thanked them for sharing Christ's life with him.
At the ticket counter the author's wife was given a boarding pass.
Then the woman looked at the author and told him, "Sir, I'm sorry, but your ticket has been canceled. You don't have a seat on this flight."
He told th woman, "I did't cancel my ticket."
She told him the airline canceled his ticket.
She then told him that he would have to buy another $471 ticket if he planned to fly home on the flight with his wife.
The author was fuming inside as he pulled out his credit card and purchased another $471 ticket. The author said God asked him, "Eddie, why did you sell my praise for $471?" All it took was one setback, one disappointment, to shut down his "praise party" for the salvation of the cab driver. He had allowed the evil one to crash his praise party and rob God of the praise HE was due - for a measly $471.
Let's acknowledge, thank, and celebrate every victory that God sends our way.
The author shares he does not promise to teach you how to get what you want from God. But he do hope that the readers of his book will know how to be heard in heaven.
I believe that Bethany sent me a complimentary copy to review.
Eddie Smith, Author of "How To Be Heard In Heaven. He is also co-founder and president of the U.S. Prayer Center, equips intercessors worldwide through articles, books, and his international teaching ministry.
There are many wonderful things we can learn from the Old Testament saints. Theologian Graham Scroggie put it this way: "The New is in the old contained, and the Old is in the New explained!" Elijah, is commended for the way he prayed (James 5:17-18). We all want to pursue God with the passion of David, a man after God's heart, and with faith like Abraham.
God interrupted Moses and the children of Israel at the Red Sea, where they were trapped by Pharaoh and the world's greatest army. They cried out to God about their circumstances. What was God's response? He essentially said, "Folks, this is no time to pray. Moses, raise the rod and split the sea. And Moses did! (Exodus 14:15-16).
When Jesus arrived, HE did things on the Sabbath that the Pharisees couldn't accept. Then came the day when, with HIS disciples, HE lifted the Communion cup and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20).
God responds to the prayers of those who love and honor HIM. We don't throw out the Old Testament and its prayers.
We approach God's throne of grace "with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
I Corinthians 10:13 -- God carefully measures our trials, and HE promises that we won't face more than we can bear. (But we must also keep in mind that when we choose to walk in darkness, we move out from under God's protection).
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Matthew 5:43-45 -- Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
Jesus was no ordinary teacher. HE was the Prince of Peace. "Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:13).
The prayers God answers are those prayed in accordance with HIS will. The Holy Spirit "searches all things even the deep things of God," and "knows the thoughts of God."
God has told us to call on HIM and he will show us great and mighty things. (Jeremiah 33:3)
As Moses prayed with his hands raised to heaven, Joshua's army was victorious. Prayer worked! (Exodus 17:8-13)
Sickly King Hezekiah lay on his death bed. He cried out to God in prayer. God gave the king fifteen years. (II Kings 20:5)
The author's daddy, Dr. Robert E. Smith (a pastor) laid at death's door in a Tyler Texas Hospital. The medical team advised the family to make his funeral arrangements. In answer to prayer, God raised him up and gave him four and a half more years.
God has created all things for his pleasure. Everything is about the kingdom.
Jesus Christ is the rightful ruler of a spiritual Kingdom, and on day, all men will bow before HIM (Philippians 2:9-10).
What do we know about any king? He's born into his position. He rules those in his kingdom with absolute authority.
Those who are chosen by the king to serve as his ambassadors do everything to symbolize the kingdom. Scripture calls us "Christ's ambassadors" (II Corinthians 5:20).
The author shares in his book that "New Science Magazine" reported a world values survey that analyzed the levels of happiness in more than sixty-five (65) countries. Of the nations surveyed, the United States ranked sixteen (16) on the list, even though the standard of living in the U.S. far exceeds that of the fifteen (15) happiest nations.
Joshua 6 -- Praise preceded the fall of Jericho walls.
II Chronicles 20:14-21 -- Praise preceded Jehoshaphat's victory.
Mark 6:30-44 -- Praise preceded the feeding of the 5,000
Acts 16:20-34 -- Praise preceded the earthquake and jailbreak in Philippi
"It is said of Leonardo da Vinci, the great artist, that he wold sit practically motionless for days at a time, meditating and getting the inspiration for his masterpieces."
Celebrate the Small Stuff!
We are to celebrate God's smallest responses to our prayers. The psalmist David said, "I will praise God's name in song and glorify HIM with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30). Jesus said in John 14:13, "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father."
In Exodus 15, after crossing the Red Sea and escaping the wrath of Pharaoh and his army, the children of Israel threw a praise party to celebrate God for bringing them safely out of Egypt.
Sometimes, after God has done something wonderful that we are celebrating, the enemy throws discouragment in our path.
The author and his wife had finished teaching at the convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, and were headed toward the airport, when they began to witness to the cab driver, who was from Ghana. After a few minutes he prayed to receive Christ as his Lord and Saviour.
When the cab stopped, the driver jumped out, hugged them, and thanked them for sharing Christ's life with him.
At the ticket counter the author's wife was given a boarding pass.
Then the woman looked at the author and told him, "Sir, I'm sorry, but your ticket has been canceled. You don't have a seat on this flight."
He told th woman, "I did't cancel my ticket."
She told him the airline canceled his ticket.
She then told him that he would have to buy another $471 ticket if he planned to fly home on the flight with his wife.
The author was fuming inside as he pulled out his credit card and purchased another $471 ticket. The author said God asked him, "Eddie, why did you sell my praise for $471?" All it took was one setback, one disappointment, to shut down his "praise party" for the salvation of the cab driver. He had allowed the evil one to crash his praise party and rob God of the praise HE was due - for a measly $471.
Let's acknowledge, thank, and celebrate every victory that God sends our way.
The author shares he does not promise to teach you how to get what you want from God. But he do hope that the readers of his book will know how to be heard in heaven.
I believe that Bethany sent me a complimentary copy to review.
Eddie Smith, Author of "How To Be Heard In Heaven. He is also co-founder and president of the U.S. Prayer Center, equips intercessors worldwide through articles, books, and his international teaching ministry.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Looking Forward & Looking Back ... 3/16/2014 Sunday School Lesson
Michtam . David . God . Lord . Psalm/Tehillim 16:6 (The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered) . Lord - instruct me in night seasons . right hand . rest in hope . Psalm/Tehillim 116:11 (The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered - Everlasting Life) . Hebrews 2 . Psalm/Teillim 16:6(The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered) . Acts 13:35-37 . Psalm/Tehillim 110:4 (Genesis/Bereshith 14:17-20) . seed of Abraham . Christ . Christ Jesus . the law . righteousness - God by faith . power of HIS Resurrection . forgetting - behind . reaching forth before . press toward the mark . Acts 2 . Promise of Holy Ghost . David . The Lord - my Lord . same Jesus/Yeshua - ye crucified - both Lord & Christ . Psalm/Tehillim 110 . Zion . beauty of Holiness . priest forever - after order of Melchizedek . Jesus/Yeshua of Nazareth - Resurrection of Christ . Promise of Holy Ghost . Sunday School Lesson
The Sunday School Lesson for 3/16/2014 is shared from Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24,29-32 (Devotional Reading: Psalm/Tehillim 16:7-11; Background Scripture: Psalm/Tehillim 110; Acts 2:22-36)
The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Revelation 5:6-13 (Devotional Reading: Matthew 9:35-10:1; Background Scripture: Revelation 3:7; 5:5-13; 6:12-7:17; 22:16) for 3/23/2014.
Michtam ... A golden Psalm of David
Melchizedek (king of righteousness), king of Salem, his priesthood above Aaron's
Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24,29-32
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Psalm 110 ... Psalm of Adoration: Of God's power, majesty, & glory ... Prophetical, Typical, & Historical ... Psalm/Tehillim 110:4 (Genesis/Bereshith 14:17-20) ... Priest & King - God's invitation - God's promise
Acts 2:22-24,29-32 ... Christ & Israel - The Resurrection. Acts was written by Luke the physician & Acts was written has been known as the Gospel of the Holy Spirit
Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4
Verses 1,2 ... Jesus Christ; Prophecies Concerning Christ; Kingship
Verse 3 ... Eschatology/Last Things; The Millennium; The Universal Triumph of Christianity
Verse 4 ... Jesus Christ; Prophecies Concerning Christ; Kingship
(Genesis/Bereshith 14; Hebrews 5:6,10; 7:1-3 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)
Acts 2:22-24
Verses 22,23 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Crucifixion; Christ's Death
Verse 23 ... Works of God; God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; God Overrules Human Designs
Verse 24 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Crucifixion; Explanation, By New Testament Writers
Monday - March 10, 2014 - Protect Me, O God - Psalm/Tehillim 16:1-6
Psalm/Tehillim 16 - Satisfied with God - Verse 5 (assigned/allotted) ... portion: land, property, or food. Verse 6 (lines: measured by a line) ... David in distrust of merits (reward/honor/esteem) & hatred or idolatry. He sheweth the hope of his calling, of the Resurrection, & life everlasting.
Tuesday - March 11, 2014 - Show Me the Path of Life - Psalm/Tehillim 16:7-11
Satisfied with God - Psalm of Supplication: Expressing of trust in God ... Psalm of Adoration: Of God's goodness & mercy ... Prophetical, Typical & Historical
Wednesday - March 12, 2014 - Freed from Fear of Death - Hebrews 2:14-18
The Outline of Salvation (Hebrews 2:14-18) God's Programme For Salvation (Hebrews 2:1-18) Warning & Exhortation (Hebrews 2:1-4) The Outline of Salvation (Hebrews 2:5-18)
Thursday - March 13, 2014 - The Power of the Resurrection - Philippians 3:7-11
Paul (apostle): past & present ... Warning Digression (Philippians 3:1-21) Digress (turn aside/going aside)
Friday - March 14, 2014 - The Heavenly Call of God - Philippians 3:12-16
Saturday - March 15, 2014 - Made Both Lord & Messiah - Acts 2:33-36
Peter's speech ... Pentecost & The Preaching (Acts 2:1-47) The exaltation of Christ - The appeal
Sunday - March 16, 2014 - Placed on David's Throne - Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24,29-32
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, Zondervan Bible Commentary, Merriam Webster's Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition
The Sunday School Lesson for 3/16/2014 is shared from Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24,29-32 (Devotional Reading: Psalm/Tehillim 16:7-11; Background Scripture: Psalm/Tehillim 110; Acts 2:22-36)
The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Revelation 5:6-13 (Devotional Reading: Matthew 9:35-10:1; Background Scripture: Revelation 3:7; 5:5-13; 6:12-7:17; 22:16) for 3/23/2014.
Michtam ... A golden Psalm of David
Melchizedek (king of righteousness), king of Salem, his priesthood above Aaron's
Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24,29-32
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Psalm 110 ... Psalm of Adoration: Of God's power, majesty, & glory ... Prophetical, Typical, & Historical ... Psalm/Tehillim 110:4 (Genesis/Bereshith 14:17-20) ... Priest & King - God's invitation - God's promise
Acts 2:22-24,29-32 ... Christ & Israel - The Resurrection. Acts was written by Luke the physician & Acts was written has been known as the Gospel of the Holy Spirit
Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4
Verses 1,2 ... Jesus Christ; Prophecies Concerning Christ; Kingship
Verse 3 ... Eschatology/Last Things; The Millennium; The Universal Triumph of Christianity
Verse 4 ... Jesus Christ; Prophecies Concerning Christ; Kingship
(Genesis/Bereshith 14; Hebrews 5:6,10; 7:1-3 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)
Acts 2:22-24
Verses 22,23 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Crucifixion; Christ's Death
Verse 23 ... Works of God; God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; God Overrules Human Designs
Verse 24 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Crucifixion; Explanation, By New Testament Writers
Monday - March 10, 2014 - Protect Me, O God - Psalm/Tehillim 16:1-6
Psalm/Tehillim 16 - Satisfied with God - Verse 5 (assigned/allotted) ... portion: land, property, or food. Verse 6 (lines: measured by a line) ... David in distrust of merits (reward/honor/esteem) & hatred or idolatry. He sheweth the hope of his calling, of the Resurrection, & life everlasting.
Tuesday - March 11, 2014 - Show Me the Path of Life - Psalm/Tehillim 16:7-11
Satisfied with God - Psalm of Supplication: Expressing of trust in God ... Psalm of Adoration: Of God's goodness & mercy ... Prophetical, Typical & Historical
Wednesday - March 12, 2014 - Freed from Fear of Death - Hebrews 2:14-18
The Outline of Salvation (Hebrews 2:14-18) God's Programme For Salvation (Hebrews 2:1-18) Warning & Exhortation (Hebrews 2:1-4) The Outline of Salvation (Hebrews 2:5-18)
Thursday - March 13, 2014 - The Power of the Resurrection - Philippians 3:7-11
Paul (apostle): past & present ... Warning Digression (Philippians 3:1-21) Digress (turn aside/going aside)
Friday - March 14, 2014 - The Heavenly Call of God - Philippians 3:12-16
Saturday - March 15, 2014 - Made Both Lord & Messiah - Acts 2:33-36
Peter's speech ... Pentecost & The Preaching (Acts 2:1-47) The exaltation of Christ - The appeal
Sunday - March 16, 2014 - Placed on David's Throne - Psalm/Tehillim 110:1-4; Acts 2:22-24,29-32
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, Zondervan Bible Commentary, Merriam Webster's Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Live What You Believe ... 2/16/2014 Sunday School Lesson
II Thessalonians 1 . I Timothy 6 . perdition . I Thessalonians 3 . Timotheus . Luke 7 . Capernaum . Pharisees . Simon . Colossains 2 . Laodicea . James 2 . Abraham . Issac . Rahab . God . your faith . charity . Churches of God . tribulations . Jesus/Yeshua . Lord Jesus . Heaven . flaming fire . punished . pray always . Lord Jesus Christ . godliness . content . destruction . love of money . righteousness - love - patience - meekness . fight good fight of faith . lay hold - Eternal Life . stand fast - in Lord . night & day praying . God - our Father . love . certain centurion's servant - sick - ready to die . elders of Jews . servant whole - had been sick . woman in city - sinner -alabaster box of ointment . certain creditors - debtors - forgave them both . her sins - are many - forgiven - for she loved much . any man beguile you - enticing words . steadfastness . walk in HIM . thanksgiving . faith - works . one God - devils believe & tremble . justified by works - received messengers . Sunday School Lesson . heal. Israel . faith - works
The Sunday School Lesson is shared from James 2:14-26 (Background Scripture: James 2:14-26; Devotional Reading: Luke 7:1-10) for 2/16/2014.
The Sunday School Lesson for 2/23/2014 is shared from James 3:1-12 (Background Scripture: James 3:1-12; Devotional Reading: Proverbs/Mishle 18:2-13)
perdition ... utter destruction, eternal damnation
Timotheous (Timothy), accompanies the apostle Paul. Timothy had been left in Ephesus to check erroneous (containing errors) doctrine, while Paul went on to Macedonia to visit his loved Philippians
Capernaum (village of comfort), a city on the west shore of the sea of Galilee
Phariesees ... the word derived from the Hebrew word 'to separate,' & this title was given to the Pharisees, because of their superior strictness in adhering to the law. A class among the scribes - but not identical to scribes. Spirtually proud - without moral excellence.
Simon, reproved Pharisee
Laodicea, a city of Phrygia ( a district of Asia Minor/Turkey), near Colasse
Abraham (father of a multitude), his faith counted for righteousness - his faith in offering Issac
heal ... cure, to care for the sick, to treat, made whole, spiritual healing, to save, medical service, Divinely imparted gifts in he Churches in Apostolic times, reaching completion.
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Israel (God fights), Jacob so called
faith(Hebrews 11), trust without seeing - works (action)
Works by love (I Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 10:23)
faith without works is dead (James 2:17,20)
James 2:14-26 ... faith & works (Sins, Social,& Spiritual: James 2:1-5:6)
Verses 14-17
Verses 14,17 ... Man Redeemed; Faith; Relation of Faith to Works, Faith Without Works Insufficient
Verses 15,16 ... Man Redeemed; Duties & Graces Of The New Life; Ministering to the Necessity of Saints
Verses 18-22
Verse 18 ... Man Redeemed; Faith; Relation of Faith to Works, Faith Without Works Insufficient
Verse 19 ... Angels, Evil Angels, Are Not Believers
Verse 20 ... Man Redeemed; Faith; Relation of Faith to Works; Faith Without Works Insufficient
Verses 21,22 ... Man Redeemed; Faith; Relation of Faith to Works; Works Required in Order to Justification
Verse 21 (Genesis/Bershith 22:1,14)
(Matthew 8:29; Mark 5:7; Galatians 3:6-29 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)
Verses 23-26
Verse 23 ... Man Redeemed; Justification; Faith the Instrumental Clause
Justification ... to justify. All that was necessary on God's part for our justification had been effected in the Death of Christ. He was raised from the dead. The propitation (atonement) being perfect & complete.
Verse 23 (Genesis/Bereshith 15:6; Isaiah 41:8; II Chronicles 20:7)
Verses 24,25 ... Man Redeemed; Faith; Relation of Faith to Works, Works Required in Order to Justification
Verse 25 (Joshua 2:1,21)
Verse 26 ... Man Redeemed; Faith, Relation of Faith to Works, Faith Without Works Insufficient
(Genesis/Bereshith 15:6; II Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; Joshua 2:1-21)
Monday - February 10, 2014 - The Work of Faith With Power - II Thessalonians 1:3-12
Prayer & Encouragement
Tuesday - February 11, 2014 - Faith Distracted by Loving Money - I Timothy 6:6-12
False teachers (I Timothy 6:3-10) ... The man of God (I Timothy 6:11-16) ... Regarding Relationships (I Timothy 5:1-6:21)
Wednesday - February 12, 2014 - Completeing What's Lacking in Faith - I Thessalonians 3:4-13
apostle Paul & The Thessalonian Church (I Thessalonians 2:17-3:13)
Thursday - February 13, 2014 - An Example of Great Faith - Luke 7:1-10
The centurion's servant ... The Return To Galilee (Luke 4:14-8:56)
Friday - February 14, 2014 - A Faith that Saves - Luke 7:36-50
The anointing of Jesus/Yeshua
Saturday - February 15, 2014 - Living Your Life in Christ - Colossians 2:1-7
apostle Paul's Ministry ... Christ's Person & Work (Colossians 1:3-2:7)
Sunday - February 16, 2014 - Faith Demonstrated through Works - James 2:14-26
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Editon Bible, KJV Special Arrangement New Testament, Vine's Expository Dictionary of O.T. & N.T. Words, Zondervan Bible Commentary, & Merriam Webster's Deluxe Dictionary
The Sunday School Lesson is shared from James 2:14-26 (Background Scripture: James 2:14-26; Devotional Reading: Luke 7:1-10) for 2/16/2014.
The Sunday School Lesson for 2/23/2014 is shared from James 3:1-12 (Background Scripture: James 3:1-12; Devotional Reading: Proverbs/Mishle 18:2-13)
perdition ... utter destruction, eternal damnation
Timotheous (Timothy), accompanies the apostle Paul. Timothy had been left in Ephesus to check erroneous (containing errors) doctrine, while Paul went on to Macedonia to visit his loved Philippians
Capernaum (village of comfort), a city on the west shore of the sea of Galilee
Phariesees ... the word derived from the Hebrew word 'to separate,' & this title was given to the Pharisees, because of their superior strictness in adhering to the law. A class among the scribes - but not identical to scribes. Spirtually proud - without moral excellence.
Simon, reproved Pharisee
Laodicea, a city of Phrygia ( a district of Asia Minor/Turkey), near Colasse
Abraham (father of a multitude), his faith counted for righteousness - his faith in offering Issac
heal ... cure, to care for the sick, to treat, made whole, spiritual healing, to save, medical service, Divinely imparted gifts in he Churches in Apostolic times, reaching completion.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Israel (God fights), Jacob so called
faith(Hebrews 11), trust without seeing - works (action)
Works by love (I Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 10:23)
faith without works is dead (James 2:17,20)
James 2:14-26 ... faith & works (Sins, Social,& Spiritual: James 2:1-5:6)
Verses 14-17
Verses 14,17 ... Man Redeemed; Faith; Relation of Faith to Works, Faith Without Works Insufficient
Verses 15,16 ... Man Redeemed; Duties & Graces Of The New Life; Ministering to the Necessity of Saints
Verses 18-22
Verse 18 ... Man Redeemed; Faith; Relation of Faith to Works, Faith Without Works Insufficient
Verse 19 ... Angels, Evil Angels, Are Not Believers
Verse 20 ... Man Redeemed; Faith; Relation of Faith to Works; Faith Without Works Insufficient
Verses 21,22 ... Man Redeemed; Faith; Relation of Faith to Works; Works Required in Order to Justification
Verse 21 (Genesis/Bershith 22:1,14)
(Matthew 8:29; Mark 5:7; Galatians 3:6-29 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)
Verses 23-26
Verse 23 ... Man Redeemed; Justification; Faith the Instrumental Clause
Justification ... to justify. All that was necessary on God's part for our justification had been effected in the Death of Christ. He was raised from the dead. The propitation (atonement) being perfect & complete.
Verse 23 (Genesis/Bereshith 15:6; Isaiah 41:8; II Chronicles 20:7)
Verses 24,25 ... Man Redeemed; Faith; Relation of Faith to Works, Works Required in Order to Justification
Verse 25 (Joshua 2:1,21)
Verse 26 ... Man Redeemed; Faith, Relation of Faith to Works, Faith Without Works Insufficient
(Genesis/Bereshith 15:6; II Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; Joshua 2:1-21)
Monday - February 10, 2014 - The Work of Faith With Power - II Thessalonians 1:3-12
Prayer & Encouragement
Tuesday - February 11, 2014 - Faith Distracted by Loving Money - I Timothy 6:6-12
False teachers (I Timothy 6:3-10) ... The man of God (I Timothy 6:11-16) ... Regarding Relationships (I Timothy 5:1-6:21)
Wednesday - February 12, 2014 - Completeing What's Lacking in Faith - I Thessalonians 3:4-13
apostle Paul & The Thessalonian Church (I Thessalonians 2:17-3:13)
Thursday - February 13, 2014 - An Example of Great Faith - Luke 7:1-10
The centurion's servant ... The Return To Galilee (Luke 4:14-8:56)
Friday - February 14, 2014 - A Faith that Saves - Luke 7:36-50
The anointing of Jesus/Yeshua
Saturday - February 15, 2014 - Living Your Life in Christ - Colossians 2:1-7
apostle Paul's Ministry ... Christ's Person & Work (Colossians 1:3-2:7)
Sunday - February 16, 2014 - Faith Demonstrated through Works - James 2:14-26
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Editon Bible, KJV Special Arrangement New Testament, Vine's Expository Dictionary of O.T. & N.T. Words, Zondervan Bible Commentary, & Merriam Webster's Deluxe Dictionary
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Fighting For Dear Life 'Terri Schiavo': Book Review
This is not a new review. I was sent a complimentary copy of this book to review, from the publishing company while being the Baptist Editor/Host for a site between 2002 - 2006/2007.
David Gibbs defends the rights of churches and Christians nationwide through Gibbs Law Association. He is a graduate of Liberty University and received his law degree from Duke University.
David took a leap of faith in October 2003 when Bob and Mary Schindler, Terri Schiavo's parents asked him to become the lead attorney in their frantic fight to save their daughter's life. Gibbs embarked on a compelling journey that would forever change his life.
Terri Schiavo is dead.
The attorney offer three reasons why he felt compelled to tell Terri's story.
life support, terri schiavo on life support, fighting for dear life the book of terri schiavo
He was there.
He witnessed firsthand what transpired both in the courtroom and behind the scenes. He sat and visited with Terri on numerous occasions. He laughed with her. He watched Terri's family interact with her in ways nobody in the media ever saw. And, he was in her room the day her feeding tube was removed...as well as shortly before Terri took her final breath.
When Bob and Mary Schindler first met with our legal team on Monday night, October 13, 2003, they were exhausted, weary, and out of options. Terri was very much alive, but her days were numbered after being rebuffed by the court system for more than a decade. In just two days, Terri's feeding tube would be removed for the second time.
Mary expressed how stunned she was that so many lawyers from their firm had already cared enough to listen for several hours while they bared their souls - especially since they were unable to pay them anything.
From time to time the attorney has been asked why his legal team agreed to work with the Schindler's - especially given the pitfalls and incredible odds against them. In a word, he believed God called him to do this work. As his father taught him, having a servant heart doesn't always mean you do what's easy; rather, you do what's right.
Their office stayed in constant communication throughout that weekend with other legislators they knew who were also in contact with Gov. Bush's legal advisers. The lawmakers in Tallahassee channels that Terri's feeding tube had been withdrawn earlier that week and they were very concerned.
The Schindlers had a small army of supporters who were watching the news eager to help. Within hours, phone calls, faxes, and emails poured into the Senate and into the Governor's office, as nearly 200,000 concerned citizens made their wishes known to Florida legislators.
The author (attorney) knew the attorneys from the House of Representatives had flown down from Washington, D.C. to conduct last minute filings with the court on Terri's behalf; they'd be arriving at his office shortly.
Terri was in great spirits that morning. Her eyes had a brightness that seemed to complement the light pink glow in her complexion. She sat in her reclining chair clutching her favorite stuffed cat under her arm. She was wearing a pink robe and a light brown blanket covered her lap.
Public servants delayed their Easter recess to finalize the bill. On Palm Sunday afternoon, the Senate assembled on Capital Hill and, in what was a unanimous bipartisan vote of those present, passed Senate Bill S.686.
Meanwhile, President Bush, who was at his home in Crawford, Texas rearranged his schedule and flew back to the White House. Rather than wait for the bill to be flown to Texas - a delay that could impact Terri's viability, Mr. Bush sacrificially put his signature immediately over the holiday.
Sunday evening, with the President on route to Washington, D.C. lawmakers gathered at 9 a.m. in the House of Representatives for what would be three hours of televised debate followed by a vote. Terri's brother Bobby was on Captial Hill visiting with every Congress member who would see him.
The well-known story of Job comes to mind. Here was a man who had everything. But, in the blink of an eye, God permitted it all to be swept away. Houses. Possessions. Livestock. Wealth. Children. Even his health. You might say Job's wife was the original right-to-die advocate. She said, "Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God and die" (Job 2:9).
When faced with the decision whether or not to remove the life support of a loved one, there's one perspective few take into view: Eternity. The author asks a question: If you knew a person who had not yet made peace with God, meaning they would go to hell if you removed them from their life support, would you still pull the plug?
Eternity is forever.
A dear friend of the author, Helen Barber, was faced with that dilemma. Her father, Sterling Johnson was a strong man who had milked cows by hand every day. Helen described him as a "moral" person and yet one who remained without Christ throughout his life.
As Sterling's health began to deteriorate more dramatically, his doctor pulled Helen aside and said "Your father is dying. He will not live fifteen minutes unless we put him on a respirator to breathe for him.
Helen also knew that if her Dad died that night, he would die without ever having trusted Jesus Christ as his Saviour. For forty years, her Dad had rejected the Gospel message, but with one more night of life, Helen and her husband would have a final opportunity to tell him about Jesus.
Helen's decision was immediate and resolute: "Put him on the respirator! Put him on anything that will keep him alive.
Helen's husband, Raymond was a pastor who had won many people to Christ in hospitals over the years, and as Sterling's son-in-law, he would do all he could.
When Raymond came out, he said, "Your Dad trusted Christ as his Saviour! "Her dad was taken off the life-support several days later. Interestingly, he continued to live and was dismissed from the hospital to go live in his own home.
Her dad lived a normal life in New Mexico for another 18 months and attended church every Sunday. His greatest regret was that he had wasted his life not knowing the full joy of a close relationship with Christ. Her dad passed away eighteen months later.
David Gibbs defends the rights of churches and Christians nationwide through Gibbs Law Association. He is a graduate of Liberty University and received his law degree from Duke University.
David took a leap of faith in October 2003 when Bob and Mary Schindler, Terri Schiavo's parents asked him to become the lead attorney in their frantic fight to save their daughter's life. Gibbs embarked on a compelling journey that would forever change his life.
Terri Schiavo is dead.
The attorney offer three reasons why he felt compelled to tell Terri's story.
life support, terri schiavo on life support, fighting for dear life the book of terri schiavo
He was there.
He witnessed firsthand what transpired both in the courtroom and behind the scenes. He sat and visited with Terri on numerous occasions. He laughed with her. He watched Terri's family interact with her in ways nobody in the media ever saw. And, he was in her room the day her feeding tube was removed...as well as shortly before Terri took her final breath.
When Bob and Mary Schindler first met with our legal team on Monday night, October 13, 2003, they were exhausted, weary, and out of options. Terri was very much alive, but her days were numbered after being rebuffed by the court system for more than a decade. In just two days, Terri's feeding tube would be removed for the second time.
Mary expressed how stunned she was that so many lawyers from their firm had already cared enough to listen for several hours while they bared their souls - especially since they were unable to pay them anything.
From time to time the attorney has been asked why his legal team agreed to work with the Schindler's - especially given the pitfalls and incredible odds against them. In a word, he believed God called him to do this work. As his father taught him, having a servant heart doesn't always mean you do what's easy; rather, you do what's right.
Their office stayed in constant communication throughout that weekend with other legislators they knew who were also in contact with Gov. Bush's legal advisers. The lawmakers in Tallahassee channels that Terri's feeding tube had been withdrawn earlier that week and they were very concerned.
The Schindlers had a small army of supporters who were watching the news eager to help. Within hours, phone calls, faxes, and emails poured into the Senate and into the Governor's office, as nearly 200,000 concerned citizens made their wishes known to Florida legislators.
The author (attorney) knew the attorneys from the House of Representatives had flown down from Washington, D.C. to conduct last minute filings with the court on Terri's behalf; they'd be arriving at his office shortly.
Terri was in great spirits that morning. Her eyes had a brightness that seemed to complement the light pink glow in her complexion. She sat in her reclining chair clutching her favorite stuffed cat under her arm. She was wearing a pink robe and a light brown blanket covered her lap.
Public servants delayed their Easter recess to finalize the bill. On Palm Sunday afternoon, the Senate assembled on Capital Hill and, in what was a unanimous bipartisan vote of those present, passed Senate Bill S.686.
Meanwhile, President Bush, who was at his home in Crawford, Texas rearranged his schedule and flew back to the White House. Rather than wait for the bill to be flown to Texas - a delay that could impact Terri's viability, Mr. Bush sacrificially put his signature immediately over the holiday.
Sunday evening, with the President on route to Washington, D.C. lawmakers gathered at 9 a.m. in the House of Representatives for what would be three hours of televised debate followed by a vote. Terri's brother Bobby was on Captial Hill visiting with every Congress member who would see him.
The well-known story of Job comes to mind. Here was a man who had everything. But, in the blink of an eye, God permitted it all to be swept away. Houses. Possessions. Livestock. Wealth. Children. Even his health. You might say Job's wife was the original right-to-die advocate. She said, "Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God and die" (Job 2:9).
When faced with the decision whether or not to remove the life support of a loved one, there's one perspective few take into view: Eternity. The author asks a question: If you knew a person who had not yet made peace with God, meaning they would go to hell if you removed them from their life support, would you still pull the plug?
Eternity is forever.
A dear friend of the author, Helen Barber, was faced with that dilemma. Her father, Sterling Johnson was a strong man who had milked cows by hand every day. Helen described him as a "moral" person and yet one who remained without Christ throughout his life.
As Sterling's health began to deteriorate more dramatically, his doctor pulled Helen aside and said "Your father is dying. He will not live fifteen minutes unless we put him on a respirator to breathe for him.
Helen also knew that if her Dad died that night, he would die without ever having trusted Jesus Christ as his Saviour. For forty years, her Dad had rejected the Gospel message, but with one more night of life, Helen and her husband would have a final opportunity to tell him about Jesus.
Helen's decision was immediate and resolute: "Put him on the respirator! Put him on anything that will keep him alive.
Helen's husband, Raymond was a pastor who had won many people to Christ in hospitals over the years, and as Sterling's son-in-law, he would do all he could.
When Raymond came out, he said, "Your Dad trusted Christ as his Saviour! "Her dad was taken off the life-support several days later. Interestingly, he continued to live and was dismissed from the hospital to go live in his own home.
Her dad lived a normal life in New Mexico for another 18 months and attended church every Sunday. His greatest regret was that he had wasted his life not knowing the full joy of a close relationship with Christ. Her dad passed away eighteen months later.
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