By now the man who had been blind had heard the same questions over and over. He did not know he was healed, but he knew that his life had been miraculously changed, and he was not afraid to tell the truth. You don't need to know all the answers in order to share Christ with others. It is important to tell others how Jesus has changed your life. Then trust that God will use your words.
The man's new faith was severely tested. He was cursed and evicted from the Temple. Persecution may come when you follow Jesus. You may lose friends, you may even lose your life. But no one can ever take away the Eternal Life that Jesus give you.
The longer this man experienced his new life through Christ, the more confident he became in the one who had healed him. He gained not only physical sight but Spiritual sight as he recognized Jesus first as a Prophet than as his Lord. When you turn to Christ, you begin to see him differently. Peter tells us to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." If you want to know more about Jesus, keep walking with Him.
Again the Pharisees called the man who had been blind to come to them. Give glory to God by telling the truth! they said. "We know that the man who healed is a sinner.
He replied, "I don't know if he is a sinner or not. I do know one thing, I was blind, but now I can see!"
Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
He answered, "I have already told you. But you didn't listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples too?"
Then they began to attack him with their words. They said we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses. But we don't even know where this follow come from.
The man answered, That is really surprising! You don't know where he come from, and yet He opened my eyes.
We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does what He wants them to do.
Nobody has ever heard of anyone opening the eyes of a person born blind.
If this man had not come from God, He could do nothing.
Then the Pharisees replied, "When you were born, you were already deep in sin. How dare you talk like that to us!" And they threw him out of the synagogue.
Jesus heard that the Pharisees had thrown the man out of the synagogue. When Jesus found him, he said, do you believe in the Son of Man?
Who is He, Sir? The man asked, tell me so I can believe in Him.
Jesus said, You have now seen Him. In fact, He is the one speaking with you.
The the man said, "Lord I believe." And he worshiped Him.
They called the man back a second time - the man who had been blind - and told him. Give credit to God. We know this man is an impostor.
He replied, "I know nothing about that one way or the other. But I know one thing for sure: I was blind ... I now see."
They said, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
"I've told you over and over and you haven't listened. Why do you want to hear it again? Are you so eager to become His disciples?"
With that they jumped all over him. "You might be a disciple of that man, but we're disciples of Moses. We know for sure that God spoke to Moses. But we have no idea where this man even come from."
The man replied, "This is amazing! You claim to know nothing about Him, but the fact is He opened my eyes! It's well known that God isn't at the beck and call of sinners, but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does His will. That some one opened the eyes of a man born blind has never been heard of - ever. If this man didn't come from God, he wouldn't be able to do anything."
They said, "You're nothing but dirt! How dare you take that tone with us!" Then they threw him out in the street.
Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and went and found him. He asked him, "do you believe in the Son of Man?"
The man said, point him out to me, Sir, so that I can believe in Him.
Jesus said, "You're looking right at Him. don't you recognize my voice?"
"Master, I believe," the man said, and worshiped Him.
Scripture reference used from The Message Bible, NIrV Bible and Life Application Bible
Angela Watkins Christian Writer, Reviewer, God's Avenue to Success, Virtual Creator. Matthew 6:33; 3 John 1:2; Deuteronomy 8:13, Open for Collaboration
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Showing posts with label Saviour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saviour. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
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
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Saturday, February 18, 2017
Saturday - Produce the Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-16 - 2/18/17
The "fruit of the Spirit: is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. They are the by-products of Christ's control, & we can't obtain them by trying to get them. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our lives to his. We must know him, love him, remember him, imitate him.
A person who is rich in the fruit of the Spirit fulfills the Law for better than a person who observes the rituals but has little love in his heart.
In order to accept Christ as Saviour, we need to turn from our sins & willingly nail our natural evil desires to the cross. As Christians we still have the capacity to sin, but we have been set free from sin's power over us & no longer have to give in to it. We must daily commit our sinful tendencies to God's control, daily crucify them, & moment by moment draw on the Spirit's power to overcome them.
As we live by the Holy Spirit's power, we need to submit every aspect of our lives to God - emotional, physical, social, intellectual, vocational. The Holy Spirit is the source of your new life, so walk with him.
Those who look to God for approval won't need to seek it from others.
Reference summary used from the Life Application KJV Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
A person who is rich in the fruit of the Spirit fulfills the Law for better than a person who observes the rituals but has little love in his heart.
In order to accept Christ as Saviour, we need to turn from our sins & willingly nail our natural evil desires to the cross. As Christians we still have the capacity to sin, but we have been set free from sin's power over us & no longer have to give in to it. We must daily commit our sinful tendencies to God's control, daily crucify them, & moment by moment draw on the Spirit's power to overcome them.
As we live by the Holy Spirit's power, we need to submit every aspect of our lives to God - emotional, physical, social, intellectual, vocational. The Holy Spirit is the source of your new life, so walk with him.
Those who look to God for approval won't need to seek it from others.
Reference summary used from the Life Application KJV Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Monday - Christ, the Wisdom of God - I Corinthians 1:18-25 - 2/13/17
God's way of thinking is not like the world's way (normal human wisdom), but God offers eternal life while the world cannot. We can spend a lifetime accumulating human wisdom & never learn how to have a personal relationship with God. We must come to Christ to learn this important truth.
Many Jews thought the Good News of Jesus Christ was foolish because they thought the Messiah would be a conquering King accompanied by signs & miracles. Jesus had not restored David's throne as they expected. Greeks, too, considered the Gospel foolish; they did not believe in a bodily resurrection, they did not see in Jesus the powerful characteristics of their mythological gods; & they thought no reputable person would be crucified.
The Good News of Jesus Christ still sounds foolish to many. Our society worships power, influence, & wealth. Jesus came as a humble poor servant, & he offers his Kingdom to those with faith, not works. This looks foolish to the world.
The message of Christ's death for sins sounds foolish to those who don't believe. Death seems to be the end of the road, the ultimate weakness. But Jesus did not stay dead. His resurrection shows his power even over death, & he will save us from eternal death, & give us everlasting life if we trust him as Saviour & Lord. This sounds so simple that many people won't accept it. They try other ways to obtain eternal life (being good, being wise, etc.), but their attempts will not work. The "foolish" people who simply accept Christ's offer are actually the wisest of all, because they alone will live eternally with God.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible KJV, Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Many Jews thought the Good News of Jesus Christ was foolish because they thought the Messiah would be a conquering King accompanied by signs & miracles. Jesus had not restored David's throne as they expected. Greeks, too, considered the Gospel foolish; they did not believe in a bodily resurrection, they did not see in Jesus the powerful characteristics of their mythological gods; & they thought no reputable person would be crucified.
The Good News of Jesus Christ still sounds foolish to many. Our society worships power, influence, & wealth. Jesus came as a humble poor servant, & he offers his Kingdom to those with faith, not works. This looks foolish to the world.
The message of Christ's death for sins sounds foolish to those who don't believe. Death seems to be the end of the road, the ultimate weakness. But Jesus did not stay dead. His resurrection shows his power even over death, & he will save us from eternal death, & give us everlasting life if we trust him as Saviour & Lord. This sounds so simple that many people won't accept it. They try other ways to obtain eternal life (being good, being wise, etc.), but their attempts will not work. The "foolish" people who simply accept Christ's offer are actually the wisest of all, because they alone will live eternally with God.
Reference summary used from the Life Application Bible KJV, Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Wheaton, Illinois
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Joseph Takes Mary as His Wife - Matthew 1:18-25 - 12/6/16
The virgin Mary, while espoused to Joseph, conceived by the Holy Ghost. An angel removeth the doubts of Joseph. The name of Jesus. The birth of Jesus.
Verse 18 ... NOW the ... birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Ma'ry was espoused to Jo'seph, before they came together, she was found with child ...
Luke 1:27 ... To a virgin espoused to a man whose man was Jo'seph, of the house of Da'vid; & the virgin's name was Ma'ry.
Matthew 1:18 ... of the Holy Ghost.
Luke 1:35 ... And the angel answered & said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, & the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Matthew 1:19 ... Then Jo'seph her husband, being a just man, & not willing ... to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
Deuteronomy 24:1 ... WHEN a man hath taken a wife, & married her, & it came to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found (matter of nakedness) some uncleanness in her then let him write her a bill of (cutting off) divorcement, & give it in her hand, & send her out of his house.
Matthew 1:20 ... But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Jo'seph, thou son of Da'vid, fear not to take unto thee Ma'ry thy wife: ... for that which is (begotten) conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Luke 1:35 ... And the angel answered & said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, & the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Matthew 1:21 ... And she shall bring forth a son, & thou shalt shalt call his name (SAVIOUR) JESUS for ...
Luke 1:31 ... And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, & bring forth a son, & shalt call his name JESUS.
Matthew 1:21 ... he shall save his people from their sins.
Acts 4:12 ... Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Matthew 1:22 ... Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Matthew 1:23 ... Behold a virgin, shall be with child, & shall bring forth a son, & (his name shall be called) they shall call his name Em-man'u-el, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Isaiah 7:14 ... Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, & bear a son, & (thou, O virgin, shalt call) shall call his name Im-man'u-el.
Matthew 1:24 ... Then Jo'seph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, & took unto him his wife:
Matthew 1:25 ... And knew her not till she had brought forth ... her firstborn son: & he called his name JESUS.
Exodus 13:2 ... (The firstborn are to be sanctified to Gode) Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Is'ra-el, both of man & beast: it is mine.
Scripture reference used from THE KJV Bible, SouthWestern Co., Nashville, TN
Verse 18 ... NOW the ... birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Ma'ry was espoused to Jo'seph, before they came together, she was found with child ...
Luke 1:27 ... To a virgin espoused to a man whose man was Jo'seph, of the house of Da'vid; & the virgin's name was Ma'ry.
Matthew 1:18 ... of the Holy Ghost.
Luke 1:35 ... And the angel answered & said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, & the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Matthew 1:19 ... Then Jo'seph her husband, being a just man, & not willing ... to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
Deuteronomy 24:1 ... WHEN a man hath taken a wife, & married her, & it came to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found (matter of nakedness) some uncleanness in her then let him write her a bill of (cutting off) divorcement, & give it in her hand, & send her out of his house.
Matthew 1:20 ... But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Jo'seph, thou son of Da'vid, fear not to take unto thee Ma'ry thy wife: ... for that which is (begotten) conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Luke 1:35 ... And the angel answered & said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, & the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Matthew 1:21 ... And she shall bring forth a son, & thou shalt shalt call his name (SAVIOUR) JESUS for ...
Luke 1:31 ... And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, & bring forth a son, & shalt call his name JESUS.
Matthew 1:21 ... he shall save his people from their sins.
Acts 4:12 ... Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Matthew 1:22 ... Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Matthew 1:23 ... Behold a virgin, shall be with child, & shall bring forth a son, & (his name shall be called) they shall call his name Em-man'u-el, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Isaiah 7:14 ... Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, & bear a son, & (thou, O virgin, shalt call) shall call his name Im-man'u-el.
Matthew 1:24 ... Then Jo'seph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, & took unto him his wife:
Matthew 1:25 ... And knew her not till she had brought forth ... her firstborn son: & he called his name JESUS.
Exodus 13:2 ... (The firstborn are to be sanctified to Gode) Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Is'ra-el, both of man & beast: it is mine.
Scripture reference used from THE KJV Bible, SouthWestern Co., Nashville, TN
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.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Jubilant! ... 12/8/13 Sunday School Lesson
Hannah . prayed . Lord . Horn . Promises . I Samuel . Samuel . Psalm/Tehillim . Abimelech . angel of the Lord . Praise . Redemption . Wisdom . God of Jacob . Zion . Luke 1 . Mary . magnified . God my Saviour . Israel . Abraham . John . Nazarite . Sunday School Lesson
The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Luke 1:46-56 (Devotional Reading: Psalm 111; Background Scripture: Luke 1:46-56).
Hannah (grace), her vow & prayer (I Samuel 1:19); song of (I Samuel 2).
Horn ... used metaphorically to signify strength & honor, as a type of victory.
Promises: I Samuel 2:2b (Victory Over Enemies & Trouble); I Samuel 2:6; Psalm/Tehillim 146:8; 146:9 (Health & Healing); I Samuel 2:9; Psalm/Tehillim 103:13 (The Lord's Love & Care for HIS Children . The Upright are Blessed & Prospered); Psalm 34:7 (The Upright are Blessed & Prospered); Psalm/Tehillim 34:8; 111:5; 146:7 (Food Provided for the Lord's Children) .. Healing comes in various ways - Prosperity does not always mean material items or money.
Abimelech or Achish (serpent?), King of Gath ... Gath (a wine-press), Goliath of (I Samuel 17:4).
Praise, God worthy of.
Wisdom, given by God. Fear of the Lord - Wisdom - Understanding.
Zion or Sion (dry place), southwestern hill of Jerusalem, surrounded on all sides except the north deep valleys
Nazarites, law of (Numbers 6)
Luke 1:46-56
Verses 46-48
Verses 46,47 ... Duties To God; Praise; Praise Due To God
Verse 47 (Habakkuk 3:18)
Verse 48 ... Idolatry & Superstition; Adoration of Saints; The Virgin Mary
(I Samuel 2:1-10; Exodus 15:20-21 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)
Christian Praise Music, Gospel Music, Spanish Christian Praise Music, and African American Praise Gospel Music
Christian Books on Hannah the mother of Samuel and Mary the mother of Jesus and Elisabeth the mother of John the Baptist
Verses 49-52
Verse 49 ... Idolatry & Superstition; Adoration of Saints; The Virgin Mary
Verse 49 (Psalm 111:9)
Verse 50 ... Duties To God; Fear; Blessedness of Fearing God
Verse 51 ... Fallen Man; Sins of The Spirit, & Against Ourselves; Pride, Its Hatefulness
Verse 52 ... Works of God; God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; Sends Changes of Fortune
(Leviticus 11:44-45; I Peter 1:15,16; Isaiah 57:15)
Verses 53-56 (Luke 1-2; Luke 1:68-79; I Samuel 2:1-10)
Verse 53 ... Works Of God; God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; Sends Changes of Fortune
Verses 54-55 ... Jesus Christ; Prophecies Concerning Christ; Descent (Birth, Lineage; fact of originating from an ancestral stock; one generation in an ancestral line or genealogical scale; Decline - descent of the family to actual poverty) ... Jesus/Yeshua is Rich over all - but became lowly - humble.
Verse 56 ... Civil & Social Life; Manners & Customs; Visiting & Returning Home
(Romans 1:28)
Monday - December 2, 2013 - My Heart Exults in the Lord - I Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah's song in thankfulness to God.
Tuesday - December 3, 2013 - O Magnify the Lord with Me - Psalm 34:1-8
David praises God, & exhorts others thereto by his experience. They blessed who trust in God.
Wednesday - December 4, 2013 - Give Thanks to the Lord - Psalm 100
Exhortation to praise the Lord. Praise - sing - all ye lands (HIS Gates - HIS Courts = Temple)
Thursday - December 5, 2013 - Bless the Compassionate Lord - Psalm 103:13-22
Exhortation to bless God for HIS Mercy. ... Mercy of the Lord - unto Children;s Children - HIS Covenant - HIS Commandments
Friday - December 6, 2013 - Praise the Gracious & Merciful Lord - Psalm 111
The psalmist incites to praise God.
Saturday - December 7, 2013 - The Lord Reigns for ALL Generations - Psalm 146
God is only worthy to be trusted.
Sunday - December 8, 2013 - God Has Done Great Things - Luke 1:46-56
Luke 1:46,57-60 ... The Magnificat form of a beautiful lyrical poem uttered by a Jewish peasant girl whose cultural background was the O.T. writings. The main source where she draws her song is song of Hannah (I Samuel 2:1-10) ... Elisabeth's baby is born soon after Mary's departure. Elizabeth announces his name is to be John, the father receives again the power of speech, after giving signs of consents.
I Samuel 1:9-2:11 ... Hannah's prayer for a son answered.
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, KJV Special Arrangement N.T. Bible, Vine's Expository Dictionary of O.T. & N.T. Words, & Merriam's Webster Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition
The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Luke 1:46-56 (Devotional Reading: Psalm 111; Background Scripture: Luke 1:46-56).
Hannah (grace), her vow & prayer (I Samuel 1:19); song of (I Samuel 2).
Horn ... used metaphorically to signify strength & honor, as a type of victory.
Promises: I Samuel 2:2b (Victory Over Enemies & Trouble); I Samuel 2:6; Psalm/Tehillim 146:8; 146:9 (Health & Healing); I Samuel 2:9; Psalm/Tehillim 103:13 (The Lord's Love & Care for HIS Children . The Upright are Blessed & Prospered); Psalm 34:7 (The Upright are Blessed & Prospered); Psalm/Tehillim 34:8; 111:5; 146:7 (Food Provided for the Lord's Children) .. Healing comes in various ways - Prosperity does not always mean material items or money.
Abimelech or Achish (serpent?), King of Gath ... Gath (a wine-press), Goliath of (I Samuel 17:4).
Praise, God worthy of.
Wisdom, given by God. Fear of the Lord - Wisdom - Understanding.
Zion or Sion (dry place), southwestern hill of Jerusalem, surrounded on all sides except the north deep valleys
Nazarites, law of (Numbers 6)
Luke 1:46-56
Verses 46-48
Verses 46,47 ... Duties To God; Praise; Praise Due To God
Verse 47 (Habakkuk 3:18)
Verse 48 ... Idolatry & Superstition; Adoration of Saints; The Virgin Mary
(I Samuel 2:1-10; Exodus 15:20-21 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)
Christian Praise Music, Gospel Music, Spanish Christian Praise Music, and African American Praise Gospel Music
Christian Books on Hannah the mother of Samuel and Mary the mother of Jesus and Elisabeth the mother of John the Baptist
Verses 49-52
Verse 49 ... Idolatry & Superstition; Adoration of Saints; The Virgin Mary
Verse 49 (Psalm 111:9)
Verse 50 ... Duties To God; Fear; Blessedness of Fearing God
Verse 51 ... Fallen Man; Sins of The Spirit, & Against Ourselves; Pride, Its Hatefulness
Verse 52 ... Works of God; God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; Sends Changes of Fortune
(Leviticus 11:44-45; I Peter 1:15,16; Isaiah 57:15)
Verses 53-56 (Luke 1-2; Luke 1:68-79; I Samuel 2:1-10)
Verse 53 ... Works Of God; God's Providence In Man's Temporal Affairs; Sends Changes of Fortune
Verses 54-55 ... Jesus Christ; Prophecies Concerning Christ; Descent (Birth, Lineage; fact of originating from an ancestral stock; one generation in an ancestral line or genealogical scale; Decline - descent of the family to actual poverty) ... Jesus/Yeshua is Rich over all - but became lowly - humble.
Verse 56 ... Civil & Social Life; Manners & Customs; Visiting & Returning Home
(Romans 1:28)
Monday - December 2, 2013 - My Heart Exults in the Lord - I Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah's song in thankfulness to God.
Tuesday - December 3, 2013 - O Magnify the Lord with Me - Psalm 34:1-8
David praises God, & exhorts others thereto by his experience. They blessed who trust in God.
Wednesday - December 4, 2013 - Give Thanks to the Lord - Psalm 100
Exhortation to praise the Lord. Praise - sing - all ye lands (HIS Gates - HIS Courts = Temple)
Thursday - December 5, 2013 - Bless the Compassionate Lord - Psalm 103:13-22
Exhortation to bless God for HIS Mercy. ... Mercy of the Lord - unto Children;s Children - HIS Covenant - HIS Commandments
Friday - December 6, 2013 - Praise the Gracious & Merciful Lord - Psalm 111
The psalmist incites to praise God.
Saturday - December 7, 2013 - The Lord Reigns for ALL Generations - Psalm 146
God is only worthy to be trusted.
Sunday - December 8, 2013 - God Has Done Great Things - Luke 1:46-56
Luke 1:46,57-60 ... The Magnificat form of a beautiful lyrical poem uttered by a Jewish peasant girl whose cultural background was the O.T. writings. The main source where she draws her song is song of Hannah (I Samuel 2:1-10) ... Elisabeth's baby is born soon after Mary's departure. Elizabeth announces his name is to be John, the father receives again the power of speech, after giving signs of consents.
I Samuel 1:9-2:11 ... Hannah's prayer for a son answered.
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, KJV Special Arrangement N.T. Bible, Vine's Expository Dictionary of O.T. & N.T. Words, & Merriam's Webster Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition
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Saturday, November 30, 2013
Surprised & Expectant ... 12/1/2013 Sunday School Lesson
Psalm/Tehillim . Maschil . Gospel of Luke . David (King) . Horn . Salvation . Father/God . Lord . Covenant . Promises . Israel . Egypt . Nations . gods (Little 'g') . Pray/Prayer . Ahaz (King) . Virgin . Espoused . Immanuel . butter/honey . house of David (royal household) . Elisabeth . Mary . Holy Ghost . angel Gabriel . Galilee . Nazareth . Joseph . Jesus . Son of God . Juda . Zacharias . II Samuel . Isaiah 7 . Sunday School Lesson
. Advent Season
The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Luke 1:26-40 (Background Scripture: Luke 1:26-45; Devotional Reading: Psalm 89:1-7).
Machil, Maskil (instructing) Psalm/Tehillim 89
David (beloved), King, son of Jesse, Prophecies connected with Psalm 89.
Horn (metaphorically to signify strength & honor/type of victory).
Salvation, to be wrought out with fear & trembling (Philippians 2:12). Only through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Promises: Psalm 89:4 Health & Healing ... Psalm 89:21,22,23 Victory over enemies & trouble ... Psalm 89:28 The Upright are Blessed & Prosperous ... Psalm 89:29 Blessing on Children, Relatives & Friends ... Matthew 1 Pardon for Sins & Iniquities (Healing can come supernaturally/by exercise & nutrition/by rest/by medical care & supervision/God will give Christians/Believers new perfect bodies in Heaven) ... (Prosperity does not always mean material blessings - it can mean different things for different individuals).
Ahaz (possesor), King of Judah, refuses to ask for a sign (Isaiah 7).
Virgin, Christ born of, Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:27.
Espoused, promise in marriage, Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:27; 2:5, to woo & win with reference to the Virgin Mary.
Immanuel (God with us).
Elisabeth, Grecized form of 'Elishaba, God her oath,' mother of John the Baptist.
Mary (Miriam), the Virgin, mother of Jesus.
Holy Ghost. As a Spirit (Eternal) The Teacher. The Comforter. Appoints Ministers where to preach the Gospel, HE teaches & Commissions HIS servants. Emblems of The Holy Spirit. Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Gabriel (hero of God), archangel.
Galilee (circuit district), prophecy concerning.
Nazareth (twig, brushwood), in Isaiah connected with the word "branch." Low cliff above the town is probably the site of the attempt to precipitate Christ.
Joseph, husband of the Virgin.
Jesus (Joshua, Jeshua) Saviour - Son of God. Joshua (Jehovah is Salvation).
Juda, Judah (Jews - Israelites first called).
Zacharias, father of John the Baptist.
Biblical Maps of Galilee and Nazareth
Advent (period between 4 Sundays before Christmas observed by some Christmas as a season of prayer & fasting).
Luke 1:26-40
Verses 26-30 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; As Recorded by Luke
Matthew 1 (The genealogy of Jesus Christ: Mary's miraculous conception; Jesus is born; HIS names).
Verses 31-33
Verse 31 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; As Recorded by Luke
Verses 32,33 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Divinity; Is Called Lord
Verses 34-40
Verses 24,35,38 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; As Recorded by Luke
Verse 35 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Divinity; Is Called the Son of God
Christian Books & Bibles with the names of Jesus in Hebrew and Aramaic
Verse 36 ... The Family; Parents & Children; Barrenness, Miraculously Removed ... Miracles; Supernatural Bodily Gifts & Deprivations; Gift or Denial of Children ... Christ's Birth: Recorded by Matthew & Luke.
Verse 37 ... God; Attributes of God As Person; Omnipotence (unlimited authority/power)
Verses 39,40 ... Civil & Social Life; Manners & Customs; Visiting, & Returning Home
(Isaiah 55:8; Luke 1:37 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)
Monday - November 25, 2013 - A Covenant with David - Psalm 89:1-7
The psalmist praises God for HIS care of the Church. Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite (Psalm 89)
Tuesday - November 26, 2013 - God's Faithfulness & Steadfast Love - Psalm 89:19-24
Wednesday - November 27, 2013 - The Highest of Earthly Kings - Psalm 89:26-34
Thursday - November 28, 2013 - A Promise for a Distant Future - II Samuel 7:18-29
David's Prayer & Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day
Friday - November 29, 2013 - A Child Named Immanuel - Isaiah 7:10-15
Ahaz, having liberty to choose a sign, & refusing, hath for a sign, Christ promiseth. ... Ahaz comforted by Isaiah. Christ promised.
Saturday - November 30, 2013 - Elisabeth Blessing - Luke 1:41-45
Of Christ ... and of Christ. The prophecy of Elisabeth, & of Mary, concerning Christ (Luke 1:26-56).
Sunday - December 1, 2013 - The Announcement to Mary - Luke 1:26-40
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, Vine's Expository of O.T. & N.T. Words, & Merriam Webster's Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition
. Advent Season
The Sunday School Lesson is shared from Luke 1:26-40 (Background Scripture: Luke 1:26-45; Devotional Reading: Psalm 89:1-7).
Machil, Maskil (instructing) Psalm/Tehillim 89
David (beloved), King, son of Jesse, Prophecies connected with Psalm 89.
Horn (metaphorically to signify strength & honor/type of victory).
Salvation, to be wrought out with fear & trembling (Philippians 2:12). Only through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Promises: Psalm 89:4 Health & Healing ... Psalm 89:21,22,23 Victory over enemies & trouble ... Psalm 89:28 The Upright are Blessed & Prosperous ... Psalm 89:29 Blessing on Children, Relatives & Friends ... Matthew 1 Pardon for Sins & Iniquities (Healing can come supernaturally/by exercise & nutrition/by rest/by medical care & supervision/God will give Christians/Believers new perfect bodies in Heaven) ... (Prosperity does not always mean material blessings - it can mean different things for different individuals).
Ahaz (possesor), King of Judah, refuses to ask for a sign (Isaiah 7).
Virgin, Christ born of, Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:27.
Espoused, promise in marriage, Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:27; 2:5, to woo & win with reference to the Virgin Mary.
Immanuel (God with us).
Elisabeth, Grecized form of 'Elishaba, God her oath,' mother of John the Baptist.
Mary (Miriam), the Virgin, mother of Jesus.
Holy Ghost. As a Spirit (Eternal) The Teacher. The Comforter. Appoints Ministers where to preach the Gospel, HE teaches & Commissions HIS servants. Emblems of The Holy Spirit. Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Gabriel (hero of God), archangel.
Galilee (circuit district), prophecy concerning.
Nazareth (twig, brushwood), in Isaiah connected with the word "branch." Low cliff above the town is probably the site of the attempt to precipitate Christ.
Joseph, husband of the Virgin.
Jesus (Joshua, Jeshua) Saviour - Son of God. Joshua (Jehovah is Salvation).
Juda, Judah (Jews - Israelites first called).
Zacharias, father of John the Baptist.
Biblical Maps of Galilee and Nazareth
Advent (period between 4 Sundays before Christmas observed by some Christmas as a season of prayer & fasting).
Luke 1:26-40
Verses 26-30 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; As Recorded by Luke
Matthew 1 (The genealogy of Jesus Christ: Mary's miraculous conception; Jesus is born; HIS names).
Verses 31-33
Verse 31 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; As Recorded by Luke
Verses 32,33 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Divinity; Is Called Lord
Verses 34-40
Verses 24,35,38 ... Jesus Christ; Genealogy, Birth, & Early Life; As Recorded by Luke
Verse 35 ... Jesus Christ; Christ's Divinity; Is Called the Son of God
Christian Books & Bibles with the names of Jesus in Hebrew and Aramaic
Verse 36 ... The Family; Parents & Children; Barrenness, Miraculously Removed ... Miracles; Supernatural Bodily Gifts & Deprivations; Gift or Denial of Children ... Christ's Birth: Recorded by Matthew & Luke.
Verse 37 ... God; Attributes of God As Person; Omnipotence (unlimited authority/power)
Verses 39,40 ... Civil & Social Life; Manners & Customs; Visiting, & Returning Home
(Isaiah 55:8; Luke 1:37 ... Reference Scriptures in Sunday School Book)
Monday - November 25, 2013 - A Covenant with David - Psalm 89:1-7
The psalmist praises God for HIS care of the Church. Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite (Psalm 89)
Tuesday - November 26, 2013 - God's Faithfulness & Steadfast Love - Psalm 89:19-24
Wednesday - November 27, 2013 - The Highest of Earthly Kings - Psalm 89:26-34
Thursday - November 28, 2013 - A Promise for a Distant Future - II Samuel 7:18-29
David's Prayer & Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day
Friday - November 29, 2013 - A Child Named Immanuel - Isaiah 7:10-15
Ahaz, having liberty to choose a sign, & refusing, hath for a sign, Christ promiseth. ... Ahaz comforted by Isaiah. Christ promised.
Saturday - November 30, 2013 - Elisabeth Blessing - Luke 1:41-45
Of Christ ... and of Christ. The prophecy of Elisabeth, & of Mary, concerning Christ (Luke 1:26-56).
Sunday - December 1, 2013 - The Announcement to Mary - Luke 1:26-40
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Promise Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, Vine's Expository of O.T. & N.T. Words, & Merriam Webster's Deluxe Dictionary 10th Collegiate Edition
Labels:
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Isaiah 7,
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