| Name |
Comments |
| 22) |
 
|
Max Hashbarger  |
| ranchosantafemax(at)aol(dot)com |
Location:
Mexico |
|
The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living
#477 29 June 10
. . . And you, who were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgive us all our trespasses, having cancelled the bond which stood against us with its legal demands; this He set aside, nailing it to the cross . . .
Colossians 2:13, 14
Grateful for . . . .
THE WORD OF GOD !
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Greetings! Have you ever wondered why God gives so much? We could exist on far less. He could have left the world flat and gray; we wouldn't have known the difference. But He didn't.
He splashed orange in the sunrise and cast the sky in blue. And if you love to see geese as they gather, chances are you'll see that too.
Did He have to make the squirrel's tail furry? Was He obliged to make the birds sing? And the funny way that chickens scurry or the majesty of thunder when it rings? Why give a flower fragrance? Why give food its taste? Could it be He loves to see that look upon your face?
If we give gifts to show our love, how much more would He? If we -- speckled with foibles and greed -- love to give gifts, how much more does God, pure and perfect God, enjoy giving gifts to us? . . . He Chose the Nails . . . ~Max Lucado~
Be a blessing this week! And isn't He the One who made laughter??
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You say: "I can't forgive myself " God says: I forgive you 1Jn 1:9 .. Rom 8:1
This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ]
1. Which book of the Bible lists the fruits of the spirit?
2. What now stands on the former site of Solomon's temple (as of 1983)?
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Just because something does not make sense to you does not mean it doesn't make sense
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BIBLE MEDITATION: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Heb 12:14
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Bitterness is an emotional cancer that consumes many a person who once had the bloom of eternal springtime in his heart. Where does it come from? Usually from being hurt. Perhaps you were abused as a child, rejected by someone, fired from a job, or even bypassed at church. Bitterness sets in when the hurt goes unresolved. There is a solution. If you’ve been wronged and bitterness has become so strong that you can almost taste its bile within your mouth, then it’s time to pursue it with a holy vengeance. With the Spirit’s spade, root it out. Draw a circle that takes in those who have wronged you. Forgive them for Christ’s sake!
ACTION POINT: Bow before the Lord this morning and ask for grace and power to uproot the bitterness that has taken hold in your heart and is robbing you of the joy you desire.
from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers
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No matter what is happening in your life, know that God is waiting for you with open arms
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Blessing: The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me Heb 136
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This week's teaching by John Mac Arthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near
JUDGMENT PRONOUNCED . . . Rev 18:1-3
After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined with his glory. And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird. For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality."
This solemn opening pronouncement of judgment gives two reasons for Babylon's impending destruction: demonic activity and sensuality. The phrase "after these things" marks the beginning of a new vision. While still discussing the general theme of Antichrist's world empire, destroyed by the seven bowl judgments of chapter 16, chapter 18 moves from its religious to its commercial aspects. John saw another angel, distinct from the one in 17:1. Some view this angel as Christ, but the use of the Greek word indicating another of the same kind explains that this is an angel of the same type as the one in 17:1. He many be the angel who had earlier predicted Babylon's downfall (14:8). Three features reveal his unusual power and importance.
First, the angel came down from heaven with "great authority." Second, when he arrived, "the earth was illumined with his glory." He will make his dramatic appearance onto a darkened stage. The fifth bowl will have plunged the world into darkness (16:10). The flashing brilliance of a glorious heavenly being against the blackness will be an awe-inspiring sight to the shocked and terrified earth dwellers.
Third, the angel "cried out with a mighty voice." No one will be able to ignore him. Everyone will hear him as well as see him.
His message will add to the terror caused by his appearance. It will be a word of woe for Antichrist and his followers: "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!" The judgment predicted in 14:8 will now be carried out. This will be a greater and more far-reaching judgment than the one pronounced in identical words on ancient Babylon (Isa 21:9). A comparison of this passage with 16:17-19 suggests that this judgment takes place when the seventh bowl is poured out.
The first cause given for Babylon's destruction is that "she has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit." It was in the vicinity of Babylon that two hundred million formerly bound demons were released at the sounding of the sixth trumpet (9:13-16). They, along with the demons released from the abyss at the sounding of the fifth trumpet (9:1-11), those cast from heaven with Satan (12:4, 9), and those previously on earth, will be confined in Babylon.
Babylon will also be "a prison of every unclean and hateful bird." That phrase symbolized the city's total destruction. Like grotesque carrion birds, the demons will hover over the doomed city, waiting for its fall. The depiction of the demons as unclean and hateful reflects heaven's view of them.
Babylon's destruction will also come because "all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality." Antichrist's evil empire will spread its influence to all the nations of the world. Having drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality (14:8; 17:2), the people of the world will fall into a religious and materialistic daze. The all-encompassing terms "all the nations, the kings of the earth, and the merchants of the earth" reveal that Babylon will seduce the entire world.
next week: JUDGMENT AVOIDED . . . Rev 18:4-5
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Glance at your problems and gaze at your Lord
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BEWARE OF REDEFINED, SELF-CENTERED RIGHTEOUSNESS
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For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:20
MANY PEOPLE TODAY -- and sadly, more and more within the church -- have redefined biblical concepts to fit their own human perspectives. Like the scribes and Pharisees, religionists know they can't match God's righteousness, so they simply change the definition of holiness. A prime example from Old Testament times is how the Jews reinterpreted God's command, "Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy" .. Lev 11:44 .. They turned this from a call for inner holiness into a requirement to perform certain rituals.
The godly person will never rely on self-centered, redefined righteousness. Instead, he will focus on the kind of holiness Jesus taught. He will be broken about sin and mourn over the evil propensity of his heart. Such people long only for the righteousness God can give through His Spirit. They will never rely on their own strength or wisdom for what they can do spiritually.
God has always been focused on inner righteousness. When Samuel was ready to anoint David's oldest brother, Eliab, to succeed King Saul, God told him, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" .. 1 Sam 16:7 .. And that inner righteousness must be perfect: "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" .. Matt 5:48 .. To be truly qualified for entrance into Christ's kingdom we must be as holy as God Himself.
Ask YOURSELF
Being broken over sin is certainly a crucial part of dealing with its incessant appeal and presence in our lives. But be sure you're not choosing to remain in perpetual inactivity and introspection. How well is your grieving over sin being translated into renewed obedience?
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Everyone is talking today about so-called "safe sex."
But sex is not supposed to be dangerous
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FOLLOWING OUR OWN PATHS . . .
All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Isa 53:6
Adam and Eve turned their heads toward the hiss of the snake and for the first time ignored God. Eve did not ask, "God, what do you want?" Adam didn't suggest, "Let's consult the Creator." They acted as if they had no heavenly Father. His will was ignored, and sin, with death on its coattails, entered the world.
Sin sees the world with no God in it.
Where we might think of sin as slip-ups or missteps, God views sin as a godless attitude that leads to godless actions. "All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own." The sinful mind dismisses God. His counsel goes unconsulted. His opinion, unsolicited . . . .
The lack of God-centeredness leads to self-centeredness. Sin celebrates its middle letter -- sIn.
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I want to remind you girls that what you are depending on to catch
a man is what you will have to do to keep him. If he loves you because of your beauty,
what are you going to do when your beauty is no longer there?
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Answers to this week's Trivia's:
1. Which book of the Bible lists the fruits of the spirit?
A. Galations .. 5:22, 23
2. What now stands on the former site of Solomon's temple (as of 1983)?
A. A muslim mosque
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Contrary to popular belief:
"In God We Trust" has not been the official motto of the United States since 1776:
The verse "My God, in Him will I trust" first appeared in the King James Bible (Psalm 91:2). In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyric "And this be our motto, 'In God is our Trust' " in the fourth stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner." In 1864, Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase put the phrase "In God We Trust" on some U.S. coins to boost morale during the Civil War. In 1955, Congress ordered that the phrase appear on all U.S. coins and paper money. In 1956, Congress made the phrase the official U.S. national motto.
Today's Quote: "Life is a spiritual journey, and no, we're not 'there' yet."
Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!"
God loves you and yours . . . He really does!
Nancy <\\\><<
~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~
This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information
contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe:
Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net
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No hard feelings
Remember:
A man may go to heaven......
without health, without wealth;
without fame, without a great name;
without learning, without earnings;
without culture, without beauty;
without friends and without ten thousand other things-----
But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
|
| 21) |
|
| Max Hashbarger |
| ranchosantafemax(at)aol(dot)com |
Location:
Mexico |
|
The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living
#476 22 June 10
. . . [Jesus at Gethsemane]... going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, "My Father, if it be possible,
let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." . . .
Matthew 26:39
Grateful for . . . .
THE WORD OF GOD !
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Greetings! Welcome to our new list readers! God loves you . . .
The cup of which Jesus speaks [above verse] has been the subject of much discussion. Two views prevail generally. The first one suggests that the God-man in His humanity prayed for some other way to redeem man than Calvary. But since Calvary was the Father's only way, Jesus accepted it in His humanity, for He prayed not as I will, but as thou wilt. Those who hold the second view contend that Christ always prayed according to the will of His Father and that in the Garden He feared that Satan would kill Him before He made atonement at Calvary. Thus He prayed for deliverance in the Garden so that He might go to Calvary; but He was willing to die in the Garden if God so willed.
In this view His prayer was answered, and He was spared to go to the Cross. Perhaps more plausible than either view is a third explanation that He shrank with a holy abhorrence from the approaching experience of complete identification with the defiling sin of the human race upon the Cross, and the complete forsakenness which this would temporarily entail (My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?) .. 27:46 .. This was the horrid cup from which He shrank; nevertheless, He was willing finally to exalt the Father's will above His own and drink it to the dregs.
Be a blessing this week! The less I pray the harder it gets: the more I pray the better it goes . . . . Martin Luther
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You say: "Its not worth it" God says: It will be worth it Romans 8:28
This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ]
1. How did Jonah spend his time in the belly of the whale?
2. Who refused to believe in the resurrection of Jesus until he put his fingers into the nail-prints of his hands?
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The Lord never said, "I'll show you ... then you'll believe."
He said, "Believe. Then I'll show you."
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BIBLE MEDITATION: “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 1:21
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Guilt dogs the footsteps of mankind. It gnaws. It growls. It eats away at the joy God intends for us. Is there no peace from guilt? Will the ghosts of our guilt always lurk nearby? Not with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit and the healing power of our Lord in us! The devil is the prosecuting attorney who is going to point his bony finger of accusation at you. But the Holy Spirit is not the accuser. He is the Convictor. In love, He convicts to lead us to confession. Then we can confidently come to God and ask for cleansing. No psychologist or psychiatrist can take away guilt. Only Christ Jesus can.
ACTION POINT: Read the story of the adulterous woman in John 8:1-11. Praise God for His lovingkindness and generous mercy!
from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers
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Satan can't keep God from answering our prayers, but he will keep us from asking
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Blessing: Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ. Eph 4:32
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This week's teaching by John Mac Arthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near
THE BUSINESS OF BABYLON . . . Rev 18:1-24
Throughout history the petty kingdoms and empires built by proud, arrogant, God-rejecting rebels have come and gone. The spirit of humanism first expressed at Babel has permeated human history ever since. Unshakably optimistic despite centuries of war, slaughter, injustice, and cruelty, people still seek a utopia, to be brought about by humanity's upward scientific progress. Having taken control (so they think) of their own destiny through science, sinners have no use for God and haughtily replace Him as self-styled gods devoted to their own sovereignty.
Compared to the glorious, indescribable majesty of the omnipotent God, all of man's vaunted empires are a mere "drop from a bucket" (Isa 40:15), and God "has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed" (Acts 17:31). Nowhere in Scripture is there a more detailed description of the coming judgment than in Revelation 6-18. With the destruction of the last and greatest human empire, the stage is set for the triumphant return of the Lord Jesus Christ. That final empire is commercial Babylon, and its pending destruction is the theme of chapter 18.
Though some view it as a symbol for Antichrist's whole godless system, the Babylon described here is most likely an actual city. It is called a city five times in the chapter (verses 10, 16, 18, 19, 21), and other features in the text imply that a literal city is in view. Since the text plainly describes Babylon as a city, it is safest to view it as a real city. Although it will be one city, its influence will be worldwide. As Antichrist's capital city, it will represent his commercial empire. The judgment and destruction of Babylon will kill the head, and the rest of Antichrist's world empire will follow in death.
Despite repeated warnings--including 144,000 Jewish evangelists, the two witnesses, and an angel flying in the heavens and proclaiming the gospel message--the people of the world will refuse to repent (cf. 9:20-21; 16:9, 11). Finally, God's judgment will fall on Babylon. Chapter 18 records seven aspects of that judgment on Antichrist's commercial empire.
next week: JUDGMENT PRONOUNCED . . . [too long for this week]
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God gave you His unlisted telephone number and invites you to get in touch with Him anytime
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WARNING AGAINST PARTIAL RIGHTEOUSNESS
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For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:20
THE RIGHTEOUSNESS PRACTICED Jesus' by the religious leaders further displeased God because it was partial, falling way short of His perfect standard. Again in Matthew 23, Jesus illustrates this phony righteousness: "You tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others" (vs 23).
The Jewish leaders were conscientious about making nonessential tithes of the smallest plants and seeds, yet they totally neglected showing justice and mercy to others or having heartfelt faithfulness to God.
To a large degree this sin of partial righteousness flows directly from externalism. Unregenerate people disregard justice, mercy, and faithfulness because those traits basically reflect a divinely transformed heart. Without a new heart no one can accomplish "the weightier provisions of the law."
In a separate encounter, the Lord quoted Isaiah and further warned the Pharisees of their empty and misdirected religion: "This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men" (Mark 7:6-7). Like the religious leaders and many of the people of Jesus' day, professing believers today can be constantly exposed to Scripture but only superficially responsive to it. Their watered-down, partial obedience to God's commands demonstrates their failure to grasp the profound spiritual intent of God's law and their probable unsaved condition.
Ask YOURSELF
Realize afresh today that the only obedience which interests God is total obedience--the kind that can only be accomplished through Christ's righteousness, imputed to His redeemed children. What instances of partial obedience need to be converted to full obedience in your life?
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You deny yourself when you don't pray.
Prayer is the key that unlocks heaven's treasury
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Beware, The War Is On! - Joseph R. Chambers -
Spiritual warfare has never been at the present level. This is not an ordinary struggle or battle but the beginning of the final conflict before the kingdom of Christ fills the earth. While the entire earth is the scene, the nation of Israel and the saints of our Lord are the targets. Since we do not know the day of the Rapture, we must not give up the cultural war in our nations. What is occurring in America is nothing less than moral suicide. America is quickly going to Hell.
There are battles occurring in our nation on different levels, but the only one that can ultimately win is the spiritual. We must enlist everyone possible to start fighting by the Holy Spirit. He is the Restrainer and angels move in His wake. We are very close to witnessing a spiritual invasion that will unite the entire spirit world. Please do not think that this truth is unbiblical or impossible.
Read carefully what the great apostle wrote to us Gentiles, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). You must know that this fight is spiritual, which is clear from this statement. Because of this fact, our weapons must match and exceed the enemy’s weapons. Our Creator warned us often against thinking we can win in the flesh. Paul continued to discuss our enemy by giving instruction in warfare, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
The apostle then lays out our weapons. We must be girded with the infallible Word of God. The breastplate must be a righteousness that He has provided. He even says that we wear special footwear, which is provided in the Gospel message. Then, we hold forth a shield that can be moved in all directions and it is the “shield of faith.” That is our trust in His covenant of protection. Our sword that dashes the spirit world into pieces is the “Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” But, all of this is loaded into the human vessel or magazine by “praying in the Holy Ghost.” No wonder our empty prayer life leaves us in spiritual ruins.
Our church world keeps denying that God’s Holy Spirit is still supernaturally active in the saints. As a Pentecostal, I know better and would have shipwrecked long ago without the Holy Ghost. The apostle wrote, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). Then, let’s read what Jude, our Lord’s half brother, wrote, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 20). We have got to have this mighty power of the Spirit world. That alone will rescue our churches from their deadness.
It’s exciting to pray, preach, teach, or worship in a spiritual dimension. We are spiritual creatures not just of animal likeness. Apostle Paul said, “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (I Corinthians 14:15). He adds to that in his marvelous letter to the Roman believers, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27).
I love the fact that angels move in the wake of the Holy Spirit. The prophet Ezekiel taught this truth to Israel, “Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature (angels) was in the wheels” (Ezekiel 1:20). If you study the wars that Israel has fought since 1948 AD, you see much evidence of this fact. It has also often occurred in the great revivals of the past. Where there is a mighty move of the Holy Ghost, there is also a special move of angels.
Now, we see why this apostle made such an impact in the early church. God chose Him to exemplify this mighty ministry of the Holy Ghost and to teach us the same. Angels were often present in His ministry. It was said of him, “These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also” (Acts 17:6b). He was constantly a target for beatings or death. If we win in our individual battles we must follow his instructions, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:3-5).
Satan and the spirits of Antichrist are unleashing a barrage of evil powers and confusion. The human flesh is a prime place for Satan to sow seeds of doubt and roots of bitterness. Every believer must put on “the whole armor of God.” Keep the shield of faith at hand to quench the fiery darts. Above all live a life hid in the sweet Holy Ghost of God. If we are yielded to Him, He will storm the gates of Hell in our praying
Joseph R. Chambers jrc@pawcreek.org
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Praise infuses the energy of God and confuses the enemies of God
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Answers to this week's Trivia's:
1. How did Jonah spend his time in the belly of the whale?
A. Praying Jonah 2:1
2. Who refused to believe in the resurrection of Jesus until he put his fingers into the nail-prints of his hands?
A. Thomas (or Didymus) John 20:27
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Contrary to popular belief:
Moses did not climb up Mount Sinai only twice:
In the movie The Ten Commandments, starring Charlton Heston, Moses goes up Mount Sinai twice. In the biblical Book of Exodus, however, Moses climbs Mount Sinai at least seven times. The first time, God offers to make the Israelites a holy people. The second time, Moses tells God that the Israelites accept his offer. The third time, God instructs Moses to set bounds so the Israelites do not ascend the mountain. After God speaks the ten commandments to all the people at the base of Mount Sinai, Moses climbs the mountain a fourth time and receives the commandments that form the Book of the Covenant. The fifth time, Moses goes up for forty days and forty nights, receiving two tablets of stone written with the finger of God. After discovering the people worshipping the golden calf, Moses smashes the tablets and ascends the mountain a sixth time to atone for the people. The seventh time, he carries up two hewn tablets of stone, spending another forty days and forty nights on the mountain.
Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!"
God loves you and yours . . . He really does!
Nancy <\\\><<
~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~
This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information
contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe:
Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net
If you would rather not receive these Bbl Stdy's, please Send an e-mail with Un-Subscribe on the subject line to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net
No hard feelings
Remember:
A man may go to heaven......
without health, without wealth;
without fame, without a great name;
without learning, without earnings;
without culture, without beauty;
without friends and without ten thousand other things-----
But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
|
| 20) |
|
| Max Hashbarger |
| ranchosantafemax(at)aol(dot)com |
Location:
Mexico |
|
The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living
#475 15 June 10
. . . There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment,
and he who fears is not perfected love . . .
1 John 4:18
Grateful for . . . .
THE WORD OF GOD !
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Greetings! We fear rejection, so we follow the crowd. We fear not fitting in, so we take the drugs. For fear of standing out, we wear what everyone else wears. For fear of blending in, we wear what no one else wears. For fear of sleeping alone, we sleep with anyone. For fear of not being loved, we search for love in all the wrong places.
But God flushes those fears. Those saturated in God's love don't sell out to win the love of others. They don't even sell out to win the love of God.
Do you think you need to? Do you think, If I cuss less, pray more, drink less, study more . . . if I try harder, God will love me more?. Sniff and smell Satan's stench behind those words. We all need improvement, but we don't need to woo God's love. We change because we already have God's love. God's perfect love. ~ Max Lucado ~
Be a blessing this week! God loves you simply because he has chosen to do so.
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You say: "Its not worth it" God says: It will be worth it Romans 8:28
This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ]
1. What did Jesus tell us not to do, "lest they trample them under their feet"?
2. According to the book of John, who really took Jesus' life?
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God Keeps His Word – Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org
"Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure." 1 Jn 3:2–3
As we look at end times events, I think we need to approach it not only with our minds, but also with our hearts. We don't want to merely discuss these things in an academic way; it should move us as individuals. As God revealed to the prophet Daniel what was about to unfold in the future, he dropped to his knees. He was stunned. He was unable to say a word. His understanding of end times events moved him deeply. And the same should happen to us.
In fact, if we really understand what the Bible is saying about the imminent return of Jesus, then it should cause us to want to live a more godly life. As 1 John 3:2–3 reminds us, "Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure." We should want to be on our toes spiritually!
When it comes to Bible prophecy, some people might think, I don't know what it means. I can't sort it out. I'll let someone else figure out those things. But we don't want to ignore these things, because the Bible has a lot to say about them.
God must have wanted us to learn Bible prophecy, because 30 percent of the Scriptures are dedicated to this topic. And God wants us to know that He keeps His Word.
* * * * * * * * *
The Christian life is like riding a bicycle,
you are either moving ahead or falling off
* * * * * * * * *
BIBLE MEDITATION: “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Eph 2:6
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Have you ever noticed that we buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t even like? We try to keep up with the Jones family, but when we finally catch up with them, they refinance! Let me exhort you to get off that comparison treadmill and onto the pathway of serenity. You are accepted right now in Christ. God does not change you so He can love you. He loves you so He can change you! God loves you as much as He loves Jesus. If you are saved, you are in Christ. And where is He? He is seated in the heavenlies. You are also seated in those heavenly places, even though you still have your address on planet Earth. You are enthroned with Him.
ACTION POINT: When was the last time you compared yourself with someone else? It’s time to get yourself unharnessed from the comparison yoke and break free as a child of the King!
from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers
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In all spiritual things we should be natural.
In all natural things we should be spiritual
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Blessing: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble . Psalm 46:1
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This week's teaching by John Mac Arthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near
THE EXTERMINATION OF THE HARLOT . .
And the ten horns which you saw; and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire. For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled. Rev 17:16-17
Antichrist's alliance with the false religious system will not last. Eventually the ten horns (the ten kings) and the beast (Antichrist) will hate the harlot. Having used the false religious system to help him gain control of the world, Antichrist will discard it. He will want the world to worship only him. He will turn on the harlot and will make her "desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire." That graphic language of extreme violence is used to make clear that Antichrist and his henchmen will completely obliterate the false religious system.
Yet Antichrist's self-serving, satanically inspired actions are precisely in the scope of God's sovereign plan. In fact, it is God who will put it in the hearts of Antichrist's followers to execute His purpose by giving their kingdom to the beast. God's power is behind the destruction and consolidation of the evil empire. As always, Satan is the instrument of God's purposes. The one-world unification government so long sought by the humanists will have finally arrived, only to be destroyed in one great act of divine judgment. All prophecy of Christ's return and the setting up of His kingdom -- will be fulfilled completely.
next week: THE BUSINESS OF BABYLON . . .
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Jesus Christ is the Light.
There is no reason for you to walk in darkness
when you can walk in the Light
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WARNING AGAINST EXTERNAL RIGHTEOUSNESS
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For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:20
THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF Jesus' day were entirely concerned with a mere external observance of God's law, giving almost no consideration to motives or attitude. In Matthew 23:25, Jesus gives a descriptive view of such useless religion: "You are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." Because of that terrible condition, our Lord labeled the scribes and Pharisees as "hypocrites." They thought God would judge them only for what they did, not for what they thought.
But Jesus considers this sort of righteousness to be of the worst kind. Anybody who practices such "religion" is guilty of a large array of vile sins (Matt 23:25-31). At another time Jesus warned the Pharisees, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God" (Lk 16:15).
Christ's next teachings in this sermon would declare that God's first concern is with people's hearts. He condemns attitudes of anger, hatred, and lust, not merely their outward manifestations in murder and adultery (Matt 5:22, 27-28). Similarly, anyone's deeds of righteousness, such as prayer, giving, or fasting -- of not done with a humble, loving attitude -- are worthless (cf. 6:5-18). Hypocrisy and externalism cannot substitute for genuine righteousness.
Ask YOURSELF
Where has hypocrisy slipped into your life? Confess every example of it today -- not the temptation itself, but rather every time you have gone on to mask pride and impurity with self-righteous appearances. Deal directly with these and repent, experiencing again the freedom of living whole, genuine lives of faith.
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It is better to be frightened into heaven than lulled into hell
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* THE GOSPEL IN ONE VERSE *
The most famous of all verses in the entire New Testament is John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The essence of the Christian gospel is contained in these familiar words Jesus originally spoke.
God so loved the world: The One who created the universe and mankind is a holy God who must judge sin in order to maintain the integrity of his holiness. But he loves those he created in his image.
He gave his one and only Son: The proof of God's love is apparent in his willingness to give Jesus (the physical expression of his spiritual essence) as a sacrifice for the sin of the sin of the world to fulfill the demands his holiness dictates.
Whosoever believes: Although God's overture of love is mind-boggling, it is not automatic. Those who are willing to admit their guilt and acknowledge their need of a Savior must personally appropriate the death of God's sinless Son on a Roman cross. The atoning death of God's sinless Son on a Roman cross is applied only to those who possess a genuine faith in Jesus.
Shall not perish: Even though sinful people (by definition) are separated from a holy God, the Creator will not judge or condemn those who accept Jesus's death as their substitute and claim the forgiveness God offers them.
But have eternal life: Christ's transaction of the cross is a lifetime warranty that entitles those who have "believed" to enjoy the presence of God in this life and beyond the borders of death.
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It's not the length of the prayer but the depth that counts
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Answers to this week's Trivia's:
1. What did Jesus tell us not to do, "lest they trample them under their feet"?
A. Cast our pearls before swine Matt 7:6
2. According to the book of John, who really took Jesus' life?
A. No man. He gave it voluntarily. John 10:18
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Today's Quote:
"In the beginning, there was nothing. Then God said, 'Let there be light!' And there was light. There was still nothing, but you could see it a whole lot better." Groucho Marx
Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!"
God loves you and yours . . . He really does!
Nancy <\\\><<
This week's Memory Verse: Mark 11:22
Read it out loud a few times, I did.
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No hard feelings
Remember:
A man may go to heaven......
without health, without wealth;
without fame, without a great name;
without learning, without earnings;
without culture, without beauty;
without friends and without ten thousand other things-----
But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
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| 19) |
|
| Max Hashbarger |
| ranchosantafemax(at)aol(dot)com |
Location:
Mexico |
|
The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living
#474 8 June 10
. . . No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it . . .
1 Corinthians 10:13
Grateful for . . . .
THE WORD OF GOD !
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Greetings! Many verses in the Bible ask you to do things that sound impossible. Love your enemies. Deal with your anger before the day ends. Give generously, even to strangers. Don't regard the opposite sex with lust in your heart. Forgive those who've hurt you. A common response may be, "Nice sentiment, but this is the real world. You don't know what I'm up against." It is true the world is filled with temptations, enticements to take a self-centered approach toward pleasure and personal gain. But appearances are deceiving. Any choice that leads you away from God leads you away from the life your heart truly longs for.
Trusting God is the antidote for making bad choices in life. You are not alone in your struggle. Everyone faces pressure, both internal and external, to make choices that dishonor God. Even Jesus was tempted in the same ways you are. Yet Jesus put into practice the truth promised here. God faithfully provided an escape route from temptation, and Jesus took it.
You have the same opportunity for victory. Be on the lookout for God's escape route when temptations come your way. Your escape may come through the power of prayer, accountability with others, or simply avoiding situations that lead you way from God instead of toward him. Whatever the escape route, God has promised that you will have the ability to make the right choice. All you have to do is use it.
Be a blessing this week! Memorizing this verse in 1 Corinthians is a great way to become more aware of the temptations you face and of the God-given options you have to avoid surrendering to them.
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You say: 'Nobody really loves me' God says: I love you John 3:16 & John 3:34
This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ]
1. Complete this statement from Proverbs: "The eyes of the Lord are in . . ."
2. What does Paul say should be done with legal cases between Christian believers?
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Why God Is Worthy . . . by David Jeremiah
Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Revelation 15:3
Recommended Reading
Psalm 100:1-5
Our English word "worship" is derived from the Old English weorthscipe, or "worthship." It was a word that meant "worthiness" or an "acknowledgement of worth." People today have ascribed worth to all sorts of things and people, thereby worshipping them: gold, wealth, appearance, position, and talent--among other things. But throughout Scripture, God is worshipped for two reasons: His perfection (who He is) and His ways (what He has done).
It's possible for the term "worship" to be loosely applied in Christian circles. There is a need to keep worship focused on the object of the Christian's love: the triune God--Father, Son, and Spirit. Whenever the apostle John caught a glimpse of worship in heaven, the songs were always about who God is and what He has done. For instance, in Revelation 15:3-4, God is called "Lord God Almighty," "King," and "holy." He is praised for his "works," "ways," and "judgments." It is clear from these words that God is worthy to be praised.
In your personal worship this week, remember to praise God for who He is and what He has done in your life--a simple outline for ascribing worthiness to Him.
What or whom we worship determines our behavior. John Murray
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If you woke up this morning, and you're still here . .
GOD STILL HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!!
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BIBLE MEDITATION: “Even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:10
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: I’ve heard people say, “Pray for us that we’ll hold out faithful to the end.” I think I know what they mean, but I always smile. I picture Noah’s ark, and I can see Noah and his wife and family. Rather than being on the inside, they’re holding on to some slimy pegs on the outside of the ark. And Noah says to Mrs. Noah, “Honey, pray for me that I’ll hold out faithful to the end.” But God said to Noah, “Come into the ark,” and the same God that shut the water out, shut Noah in. Now Noah may have fallen down inside that ark, but he never fell out of it. It’s not that we hold on to Him, but that He holds on to us.
ACTION POINT: Spend some time today simply praising God for His faithfulness, His steadfastness, and His unconditional love for you.
from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers
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It is safer on the waves with Jesus than in the boat without Him
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Blessing: He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
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This week's teaching by John Mac Arthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near
THE EXPLANATION OF THE HARLOT . .
And the angel said to me, "Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.
"The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come. Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits, and they are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. The beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction. The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful." . . .
"The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth." Rev 17:7-14, 18
In response to John's confusion and amazement, the angel asked, "Why do you wonder?" There was no need for John to remain puzzled by the relation of the beast to this beautiful yet bloody woman in the vision. The angel was about to explain the mystery of the woman (vs 18) and of the beast that carries her (vs' 8-17).
Verse 18 identifies the woman John saw as "the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth." Some commentators deny that the great city is a literal city, preferring to see it as a symbol of the religious aspect of Antichrist's empire. Some identify it as Rome, others as Jerusalem. But the angel quite clearly and repeatedly refers to Babylon on the Euphrates throughout chapters 17-18. The description of Babylon's destruction (18:10, 18, 21) also suggests that an actual city is in view. A rebuilt city of Babylon will be closely identifies with Antichrist's world empire, perhaps as its capital city. That city will be the center of his kingdom, the extent of which will be the whole earth.
The Old Testament predictions of Babylon's total destruction (e.g., Isa 13:1-14:27; Jer 50-51) also favor identifying the great city with Babylon on the Euphrates. The detailed description those passages give of Babylon's destruction was only partially fulfilled when the Medes and Persians sacked the ancient city of Babylon. As with many Old Testament prophecies, those predictions had both a near and far fulfillment.
The site of modern Babylon is strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa and is not far from the Persian Gulf. It is also near the world's richest oil fields and has a virtually unlimited water supply from the Euphrates.
In verses 8-14 the angel gives John a lengthy description of the beast. He is explaining to John the relationship between the harlot and the beast, which had mystified the apostle (vs 6-7). However, the angel needed first to give him further details about the beast. The beast that John saw is Antichrist, the satanic ruler of the last and most powerful empire in human history, who will serve as Satan's instrument to attack Israel, persecute believers, conquer the world for Satan, and oppose Christ. He is described as one "who was, and is not, and is about to come" again. That phrase refers to Antichrist's faked death and resurrection (13:3, 12, 14). Up till that point, Antichrist's economic empire will coexist with the false religious system headed by the false prophet. But after his staged "resurrection," Antichrist will turn on the false religious system and destroy it. He will tolerate only one religion -- the worship of himself.
Antichrist's phony resurrection and swift destruction of the false religious system will shock the world. As it does throughout Revelation, the phrase "those who dwell on the earth" describes unbelievers. They are the ones whose name has not been written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world (13:8). Amazed and deceived by Antichrist, his followers will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come. The specific cause for their amazement will be Antichrist's seemingly miraculous return to life after receiving an apparently fatal wound (13:3-4). Only the elect will not fall for Antichrist's deception (Matt 24:24).
The angel's statement "here is the mind which has wisdom" invites John and his readers to pay close attention to what follows. This unusual expression introduces a difficult and complex aspect of this vision. It will take much spiritual insight to understand it, and perhaps only those alive at the time will fully comprehend it.
The first aspect of the vision that needs to be understood is that the seven heads of the beast (vs 3) are "seven mountains [or hills] on which the woman sits." Some commentators associate the seven mountains with Rome, famous for being built on seven hills, and identify the woman as the Roman Catholic Church. Such an interpretation is too narrow. More than just Rome must be in view, because Antichrist's empire is worldwide. Nor can the woman be the Roman Catholic Church, since verse 18 identifies her as the city of Babylon. Also "when the woman sits on the 'many waters' (vs 1) this must be taken as metaphorical since it is interpreted in vs 15. When the woman sits upon 'a scarlet . . . beast' this again is symbolic. The seven mountains must also be figurative." Finally, the angel's call for spiritual discernment would have been pointless if the seven mountains were an obvious geographical reference to Rome.
Speculation is unnecessary, because the text plainly identifies the mountains as seven kings. Mountains are sometimes used in the Old Testament to represent rule or power (Ps 30:7; Isa 2:2; Jer 51:25; Dan 2:35). Here they represent seven world empires led by their rulers. The angel tells John that "five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come." The five Gentile world empires that had fallen were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. The one that existed at that time was obviously Rome. The other one that has not yet come is Antichrist's final world empire.
The angel further explains that when Antichrist comes, he must "remain a little while." His empire will be short-lived; he will be given "authority to act for forty-two months" (13:5; the second half of the tribulation). Then the angel offered the comment that "the beast which was and is not, is himself an eighth [king] and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction." How can the beast (Antichrist) be an eighth king and also one of the seven? The answer lies in the phrase "the beast . . . was and is not." Antichrist will be one of the seven kings before his supposed demise and resurrection and an eighth king afterwards during the second phase of his rule. Antichrist will go to destruction - eternal damnation in the lake of fire (19:20; 20:10). Unlike the first six empires, his empire will be destroyed by a direct act of God.
The angel further explained that the ten horns that John saw are "ten kings." They cannot be known to any earlier generation because they have not yet received a kingdom, since they are part of Antichrist's future empire. They will receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. Perhaps Antichrist's empire will be divided into ten administrative regions, which these ten kings will rule under him. The reference to "one hour is a figure of speech that emphasizes the shortness of their rule. During their brief reign, they will be unanimously devoted to Antichrist.
The agenda of the ten kings, like that of Satan and Antichrist, will be to wage war against the Lamb at the battle of Armageddon. John notes that the Lamb will overcome them. The battle will in reality be a slaughter. Christ will completely destroy the opposing forces gathered against Him at His second coming. The reason all the forces of hell cannot defeat the Lamb is because He is "Lord of lords and King of kings."
With Christ when He returns will be "the called and chosen and faithful," a reference that can only apply to believers (19:14; Matt 22:14). The terms are rich in their definition of believers as the eternally elect, chosen in the Son before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4); the called, summoned in time by the Father to repentance and faith that saves (Jn 6:44); and faithful, demonstrating the true saving faith - the genuine eternal life that endures by the power of the Spirit (Rom 8:9). Christ will effortlessly crush the greatest armed force ever assembled when He returns with His elect and the holy angels (Matt 24:30-31; 2 Thess 1:7).
next week: THE EXTERMINATION OF THE HARLOT . .
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Do your best and then sleep in peace
God is awake
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OUR RESPONSIBILITY CLARIFIED
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Whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:19b
THE NEW TESTAMENT PRESENTS a paradox concerning God's law. On one hand, it is abolished; on the other, responsibilities to it remain. Regarding Jews and Gentiles, Paul writes that Christ "is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace" .. Eph 2:14-15 .. With the church's emergence, the "dividing wall" of civil ordinances disappeared.
The ceremonial law also has terminated. While Christ was on the cross, "the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom" .. Mark 15:38 .. With Jesus' death the Old Testament sacrifices became invalid and unnecessary.
In a certain sense God's moral law seems no longer binding on His children .. Rom 10:4; 6:12-15; Gal 5:17-18 .. Paul harmonizes this notion when he speaks of being "without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ .. 1 Cor 9:21 .. In Christ, believers are anything but without the law. Whereas His law is totally different from the Old Testament moral law with its penalties for disobedience, it is not different at all from the righteous standards which that law taught.
Whenever we look at the moral law with humility and a sincere desire to obey, the law will invariably point us to Jesus Christ -- as was always its ultimate intention.
Ask YOURSELF
What benefits do the teachings of the law continue to deposit in the life of the believer? If not for its guidance and its setting of boundaries, where would our human nature choose to live and operate?
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God is the Healer of broken dreams and
the Restorer of stolen years
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Answers to this week's Trivia's:
1. Complete this statement from Proverbs: "The eyes of the Lord are in . . ."
A. "every place." Prov 15:3
2. What does Paul say should be done with legal cases between Christian believers?
A. They should be settled out of court . 1 Cor 6:1-8
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Today's Quote:
"Remember not only to say the right thing at the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
Benjamin Franklin
Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!"
God loves you and yours . . . He really does!
Nancy <\\\><<
This week's Memory Verse: 1 Thess 5:15
Read it out loud a few times, I did.
~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~
This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information
contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe:
Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net
If you would rather not receive these Bbl Stdy's, please Send an e-mail with Un-Subscribe on the subject line to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net
No hard feelings
Remember:
A man may go to heaven......
without health, without wealth;
without fame, without a great name;
without learning, without earnings;
without culture, without beauty;
without friends and without ten thousand other things-----
But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
|
| 18) |
|
| Max Hashbarger |
| ranchosantafemax(at)aol(dot)com |
Location:
Mexico |
|
The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living
#473 1 June 10
. . . If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of
our members than that your whole body be thrown into hell . . .
Matthew 5:29
Grateful for . . . .
THE WORD OF GOD !
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Greetings! The above verse has even gotten me thinking that I should literally pluck out my eye and throw it in the garbage. But this utterance of Jesus is not to be taken literally, for He did not mean for men to pluck out their eyes or cut off their hands. Sin is so dangerous, however, that "it is better to lose the eye and the hand that thus offend than to give way to the sin, and perish eternally in it." (Matthew Henry, COMMENTARY ON THE WHOLE BIBLE, Vol. 5, pg 61)
Be a blessing this week!
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You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated' God says: Cast all your cares on ME 1 Peter 5:7
This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ]
1. How did God guide the Israelites through the desert by night from Egypt?
2. How many men did Nebuchadnezzar think he saw in the fiery furnace?
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The Boiling Frog . . . . David Jeremiah
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8
Recommended Reading
1 Peter 1:13-16
Most people have heard the "boiling frog" metaphor: Drop a frog in a pot of boiling water and it will frantically try to climb out. But place the frog in a pot of room-temperature water, then slowly heat the water, and the frog will get used to the change in temperature and slowly succumb to the boiling water. While factually incorrect, the metaphor is useful for pointing out the danger of complacency and inattention.
This metaphor could well be used to warn residents of planet earth about the slow rise to power of the one the Bible calls the Antichrist. Seen first as a savior by brokering peace between Israel and her enemies, this Man of Sin will ultimately consolidate world power and authority by threatening to punish those who do not acquiesce to his demands. By the time he is established on the world stage, it will be too late. Jesus spoke often of signs of the times (Matt 16:3; 24:3; Mark 13:28). It behooves us to be alert and watchful as God's end-time plans take shape.
The best way to avoid the terrible reign of the Antichrist is to be absent from earth, safely at home with the Lord (1 Thess 4:13-18).
A wandering heart needs a watchful eye.
Thomas Watson
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Loneliness is the first thing which God's eye named, not good
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BIBLE MEDITATION: “And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place.” Exodus 13:3
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Each year, Americans remember those brave-hearted souls who fought and gave their lives so that you and I would have the rights and privileges of living in a free country. Remembering is important. In fact, God instructs His people on many occasions in the Old Testament to remember from whence they came and to remember His providence. It is by the mighty hand of God that we are saved, we are protected, and we are free to live in the Land of the Brave. Never take that freedom for granted, my friend. It is a precious commodity for which the world hungers, and it is a powerful charge for you and me to protect.
ACTION POINT: Do you know someone in your life who has served in the armed forces of this country? Make it a point this week to express to them your gratitude for their service.
from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers
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Look away from those things that challenge us and look up to the Lord
and trust what God can do
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Blessing: God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth . John 4:24
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Have you ever been asked "what is a Gentile?" ... I have and what I thought it was, was wrong. A Gentile is anyone who is not a jew. Formerly, among Christians, a heathen. Among mormans, any person not a morman is a Gentile. A Pagan is a person who has no religion.
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Wisdom is uncommon sense
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This week's teaching by John Mac Arthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near
RELIGION of Babylon . . Rev 17:1-18
Throughout history Babylon has been an important center of false religion. In the end times, false religion will come back to where it started. The Devil who deceived the people at Babel, and from there launched false religion over the earth, will deceive the world once again. The final world religion, depicted as a harlot, is the theme of this version.
HER APPAREL . . Rev 17:4a
Prostitutes usually dress so as to attract attention to themselves, and metaphorically the harlot Babylon will be no different. John saw her clothed in purple and scarlet, the colors of royalty, nobility, and wealth. That she is adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls portrays her as a prostitute who is both attractive (Prov 7:10) and has become extremely wealthy.
HER ABOMINATIONS . . Rev 17:4b-5
As a further indication of her wealth, the harlot had in her hand a gold cup. Like prostitutes who want to take everything their victims have, she will make her victims drunk (Jer 51:7). The harlot's gold cup is "full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality."
As was customary for prostitutes to identify themselves in the Roman world, the harlot Babylon also had a name written on her forehead. The harlot is called mystery BABYLON to indicate that BABYLON in this context does not refer to a geographical location. This is not ancient Babylon, the Babylon of John's day, or the rebuilt city of Babylon in the end times. The details of this vision cannot be applied to any actual city. Here is a previously undisclosed Babylon, a secret reality to be revealed in the end times. Babylon will be the source of all the false, blasphemous worship in the end times. Her designation as "THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS" is appropriate, since harlotry in Scripture often symbolizes idolatry .. Judges 2:17; 8:27, 33; Ezekiel 16:30-31, 36 ..
HER ACCUSATION . . Rev 17:6
Like many harlots, this woman was drunk, but not from drinking alcohol. The Babylonian harlot is pictured as "drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus." That vivid expression was commonly used in the ancient world to depict a murderous lust for violence. Some see "the saints" and "the witnesses of Jesus" as two distinct groups, the former being the Old Testament saints and the latter the New Testament saints. More likely, however, the two descriptions refer to the same group and describe God's people throughout history. The important point is that false religion, represented here by the harlot, is a murderer. While the world becomes drunk with list for her, the harlot becomes drunk with the blood of God's people. The vision was so appalling that when John saw her, he "wondered greatly," expressing that he was confused, shocked, astonished, and frightened by the ghastly vision of such a magnificent figure of a woman with such a deadly intent.
next week: THE EXPLANATION OF THE HARLOT . .
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The devil is a better theologian than any of us and is a devil still
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POSITIVE RESPONSE TO GOD'S LAW
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Whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:19b
THOSE SAINTS WHO UPHOLD every part of God's Word in their lives and in what they teach exhibit a most positive response to His law and receive from Him the commendation "great." They see Paul as their pattern, when he told the Thessalonians, "You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory" .. 1 Thess 2:10-12; 1 Tim 4:11-12; 6:11-12 ..
The apostle kept and taught the entire purpose of God .. Acts 20:27 .. and therefore ranks among the greatest in God's kingdom. If we do the same, we too will be among the greatest in heaven.
One key to our positive response to God's moral law is knowing that it's changeless and eternal. In heaven, the traits it requires will not need to be commanded, for they will simply be manifested as part of God's own character. But we do not naturally reflect those characteristics while still on earth. Thus His moral standards must continue to be taught and heeded so that we might bear Spirit-produced fruit while we wait for its ultimate fulfillment .. Rom 8:2-4 ..
Greatness does not come by gifts, success, or popularity but by our reverence for, respect of, and obedience to the Word in daily life and how we encourage those attitudes in others.
Ask YOURSELF
What specific, noticeable things are "great" about a person who deliberately pursues obedience to the Word? How do they distinguish themselves from others in expression, attitude, and outlook?
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When a man jumps out of a ten story building,
he doesn't break the law of gravity, he demonstrates it.
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THE LIGHT OF HIS IMMINENT COMING . . . J. Vernon McGee
And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming
.. 1 John 2:28 ..
Why has He not revealed to us the time of His coming? "That, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." A Christian ought to live in the light of the imminent coming of Christ. If you tell me today that He is not coming for another ten years, then I do not need to worry about today, and I can be a little careless in my living. But if He might come today, if He came right at this moment, He would catch me preparing this Bible study and that would be fine. I hope He will come at a time like that, but I don't know when He will come. There are times when I get behind a driver who won't let me around to pass him, and I tell him what I think of him. If the Lord were to come at that moment, I might be ashamed at His appearance. So you and I need to be living all the time in the light of His imminent return.
A great many people are talking about the coming of Christ, and they get very excited about it; but it certainly is going to be embarrassing for them because they will not have any confidence and they are going to be ashamed before Him at His coming. Why? Because of their lives. The Lord Jesus says, "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" .. Rev 22:12 .. Many people will look around for their reward, and they will find that they haven't got any. Paul wrote, "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" .. 1 Cor 3:15 .. It is very important to have a life that commends the gospel.
False doctrine and false living go together; true doctrine and true living go together. Every now and then you hear of a cult leader who is in trouble because he is guilty either of adultery, or of taking money which doesn't belong to him, or of beating some person out of money. Why? False doctrine leads to false living. True doctrine leads to true living. There is nothing that will affect your life as much as the knowledge that you are going to stand in the presence of Christ and give an account of your works. Every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ .. 2 Cor 5:10 .. The issue of salvation has already been settled because we are His children and in His presence. It is not a question of whether you are saved or lost; it is a question of whether or not you are going to get any reward or recognition. There will be some folk who will not get any recognition. The Rapture is not going to be such a thrilling event for a great many believers because of the lives they lived down here.
If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him .. 1 Jn 2:29 ..
The Word of God is the real test. In effect John is saying that God's children look like the Father - they take after their Father. If they don't take after the Father, they must not be the Father's children. It is just as simple as that, my friend.
Answers to this week's Trivia's:
1. How did God guide the Israelites through the desert by night from Egypt?
A. With a pillar of fire Ex 13:22
2. How many men did Nebuchadnezzar think he saw in the fiery furnace?
A. Four Dan 3:25
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Remember this praise song: [?] [you can change the word Praise to know or love]
I want to Praise You Lord, much more than I do.
I want to Praise You Lord, much more than I do.
Learn to seek Your face
And the knowledge of Your grace
I want to Praise You
Birds in the sky, sing their songs to You
Trees in the fields, lift their arms to You
I want to sing, I want to lift my arms to You.
Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!"
God loves you and yours . . . He really does!
Nancy <\\\><<
This week's Memory Verse: Mark 16:6
Read it out loud a few times, I did.
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No hard feelings
Remember:
A man may go to heaven......
without health, without wealth;
without fame, without a great name;
without learning, without earnings;
without culture, without beauty;
without friends and without ten thousand other things-----
But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
|
| 17) |
|
| Max Hashbarger |
| ranchosantafemax(at)aol(dot)com |
Location:
Mexico |
|
The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living
#472 25 May 10
. . . And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ and in the Spirit of our God . . .
1 Corinthians 6:11
Grateful for . . . .
THE WORD OF GOD !
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Greetings! Welcome to our new list reader!! God loves you . . .
There are two aspects to the biblical use of the term "sanctification" (hagiasmos, from hagios, or "holy"). The first aspect refers to that act of grace whereby a believer is at conversion set apart from the world (and from self-seeking) unto God as His sacred possession. In this sense we have already been perfectly sanctified in the sight of God .. Heb 10:10 ..
The second aspect refers to that process of spiritual growth by which the believer dies more and more to self and sin and lives more and more to Chris and righteousness. Justification and regeneration are "once for all" acts. Sanctification is progressive and continues to the end of one's earthly life. In justification God did something for us. In sanctification God does something in us. Justification has to do with our standing before God; sanctification concerns our character and conduct.
Sanctification proceeds from Father, Son, and Holy Spirit .. 1 Thess 5:23; Heb 2:11; 13:12; 1 Cor 6:11; Rom 15:16 ..
Negatively it implies the putting off of the old; positively it connotes the putting on of the new .. Rom 6:11, 12; Col 3:5, 8, 12-17 ..
The ultimate goal is to bring us into conformity to Jesus Christ .. Rom 8:28, 29; 1 Thess 4:3 .. and to His sinless perfection.
Either upon death or at the coming of Christ we shall be made perfect in holiness, for we shall see Him as He is .. 1 Jn 3:2 ..
Be a blessing this week!
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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
If there's ever a time when you and I need to be in the Lord's way, it's that time of choosing someone to walk with us through life .
This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ]
1. What do the following chapters both contain .. Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5?
2. Quote Jesus' response to the disciple who asked, "How can we know the way?"
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God can't give something when we're not ready to recieve it
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BIBLE MEDITATION: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: What is an idol and how does it come to be? An idol is created when a man takes his own ideas and puts them into the work of his hands and begins to worship that. What he is really worshiping is himself. You may say, “Well, I’m not guilty of idolatry.” Let’s just see. Is there anything you love more than God? Is there anything you fear more than God? Is there anything you serve more than God? Is there anything you trust more than God? Am I getting hot? You say, “Well, I give God a place in my life.” God doesn’t want a place in your life. Then, you say, “Well, I give God prominence in my life.” God despises prominence in your life. God demands preeminence in your life. He will take nothing less.
ACTION POINT: Is there anyone or anything in your life that takes precedence over God? Confess it and repent of it. Now, put the rightful Master on the throne—the Lord Jesus!
from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers
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When God takes things away from us - its to get our attention
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Blessing: The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9
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You cannot change the Truth - But the Truth can change you
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This week's teaching by John Mac Arthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near
RELIGION of Babylon . . Rev 17:1-18
Throughout history Babylon has been an important center of false religion. In the end times, false religion will come back to where it started. The Devil who deceived the people at Babel, and from there launched false religion over the earth, will deceive the world once again. The final world religion, depicted as a harlot, is the theme of this version.
THE EXPOSURE OF THE HARLOT . .
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality." And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality, and on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, "BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." and I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered greatly . . .
And he said to me, "The waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are the peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues." 17:1-6, 15
That it was one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls who came and spoke with John connects the judgment of the harlot with the seven last plagues (16:1-21). Chronology halts in chapters 17 and 18 as the scene shifts from God's judgments to Antichrist's world empire, the target of those judgments. The great harlot that will be judged is not an actual prostitute. The term "harlot" is a metaphor for false religion, spiritual defection, idolatry, and religious apostasy. John's vision exposes several aspects of the harlot city of Babylon.
HER AUTHORITY (17:1b, 15)
The harlot in John's vision sits in a position of authority and sovereignty like a king on his throne on or beside "many waters." Cities in ancient times were usually located near a source of water, either the ocean, a river, lake, or spring. That was true of Babylon, which was located on the Euphrates River. Jeremiah 51:13 addresses ancient Babylon as "you who dwell by many waters," the same phrase applied in this passage to her future counterpart. Just as the proud capital of the Babylonian Empire took her seat beside many waters, so also will the Babylonian harlot city of the future.
The phrase "many waters" does not, however, refer to the harlot's geographical location. Instead, as the angel explains to John in verse 15, "The waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues." The metaphor is an apt one, since a city situated in a commanding position on a great waterway would be highly influential. The harlot will not merely influence, but will dominate all the unredeemed "peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues" of the earth. The harlot's authority will be universal; the entire world will be committed to the false worship of the Babylonian system.
next week: HER ALLIANCES . . Rev 17:2-3
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The Lord will put someone in your path as a lesson for some preparedness or teach us something of ourselves
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GOD'S LAW NOT UP FOR ANNULMENT
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Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:19a
PEOPLE RESENT PROHIBITIONS AND demands on their behavior. Even believers, out of ignorance, misunderstanding, or blatant disregard, sometimes want to water down God's standards. But when anyone "annuls" (breaks, sets loose) any part of God's Word, he or she is not following Christ's example.
Jesus did acknowledge that not all of God's commands are of equal importance. He told a pharisaical lawyer that one divine commandment is above all others and that another is second .. Matt 22:3739 .. Thus all the other commandments fall somewhere below those two and vary in significance.
Our Lord's point here in the sermon, however, is that we must not annul -- by ignoring, modifying, or disobeying -- even the smallest aspect of God's law. Some commands might be greater than others, but none should be disregarded. Paul did not pick and choose what he would teach. He did emphasize some issues more than others, but he omitted nothing .. Acts 20:27 .. And we certainly must not teach others to disregard or disobey any portion of the law. To do so shows that our disobedience is conscious and intentional.
Jesus does not restrict His warning to formal teachers. By example, every Christian teaches those around him to be more obedient or more disobedient. Our words of respect for God's Word present a guide for others. To speak disparagingly of the Word or to ignore its requirements present testimony to others of the law's unimportance to us. This ought to be the furthest thing from our agenda.
Ask YOURSELF
On what subject matters do you find your self most tempted to comment, "I know what the Bible says, but . . ."?
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True repentance changes the way we think and the way we talk
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Answers to this week's Trivia's:
1. What do the following chapters both contain .. Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5?
A. The Ten Commandments
2. Quote Jesus' response to the disciple who asked, "How can we know the way?"
A. "I am the way, the truth and the life." John 14:6
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Wisdom: the less I pray the harder it gets; the more I pray the better it goes.
Martin Luther
A chuckle for you: Where there's smoke, there's turkey ...
A few years ago Mark Lowry sent me a smoked turkey for Christmas. It was, according to his enthusiastic endorsement, some of the best turkey in the world. Unfortunately, I didn't get to test that claim because I didn't take time to read the directions. Not knowing the word "smoked" meant "fully cooked," I assumed I should roast the bird the same way I do all my turkeys: in a 350-degree oven until tender, or until the firemen arrive, whichever comes first.
For the entire time that turkey was roasting, everything seemed to be going fine. There weren't any dark clouds billowing out of the oven. There was no odor of burning meat. My smoke alarm didn't even go off.
But when I finally took that poor bird out of the oven, some fourteen hours later, and pulled back the aluminum foil covering it, I couldn't believe my eyes. The poor thing looked as if it'd been struck by lightning! Twice! It was as black as a pair of army boots and about as tender. Its poor legs were pointing in opposite directions, and the meat on each drumstick had shrunk, leaving four inches of bare bone protruding in the air. Had the ASPCA seen it, I'd still be paying off the fine!
Well, now I don't feel so bad about some of the 'what went wrong?' turkey dinners I put together......
Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!"
God loves you and yours . . . He really does!
Nancy <\\\><<
This week's Memory Verse: ll Tim 2:3
Read it out loud a few times, I did.
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contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe:
Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net
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No hard feelings
Remember:
A man may go to heaven......
without health, without wealth;
without fame, without a great name;
without learning, without earnings;
without culture, without beauty;
without friends and without ten thousand other things-----
But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
|
| 16) |
|
| Max Hashbarger |
| ranchosantafemax(at)aol(dot)com |
Location:
Mexico |
|
The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living
#467 20 April 10
. . . We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. . . .
Romans 8:28-29
Grateful for . . . .
THE WORD OF GOD !
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Greetings! Vs 28, where it says "We know ..." is the Christian's certainty. Vs 29, "predestination or foreordination" may be defined as that act of God by which the salvation of man is affected in accordance with the will of God. Some explain predestination as conditioned upon a foreknowledge by which God simply foresees what men are going to do, and then ordains that it shall come to pass as He foresaw it. This involves an interpretation of God's foreknowledge which is hard to reconcile with His absolute sovereignty. Perhaps it is better to conclude that here we are confronted with a divine mystery in which God works out his sovereign will in such a way as to preserve inviolate [<not violated] that prerogative of free will which is implicit in the divine image .. Gen 1:27 .. in which man was created. Thus man may act freely, i.e., he can accept or reject God's free offer of the gift of eternal life through Christ, though only the Holy Spirit can move him to accept it. At the same time his response to God's grace and truth are fully certain, foreknown, and foreordained in the mind and will of God.
Be a blessing this week!
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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
Your viewpoint of Jesus Christ and the cross will not change Him or that cross one whit - but it will change your eternal destiny. What you think of the cross tells who you are; it does not tell who He is or what the cross is. There have been too many men down through the centuries who have found in the cross the power of God for the evaluation of little man to make any impression whatsoever.
This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ]
1. Jesus said that the money changers had turned the temple from a house of prayer into what?
2. How many Israelite men were led by Moses out of Egypt?
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Everyone has a right to his own opinion,
but no one has the right to be wrong about the facts
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BIBLE MEDITATION:
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Gal 6:10
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Do you remember the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37 ? He was on a journey but stopped and helped a bruised and broken man. He didn’t make excuses saying, “It’s none of my business.” It was a golden moment, and he took it. All around you are people who need the compassion of Christ. They need you to see their pain as a golden opportunity to serve them in the name of Jesus. The chief enemy to kindness is busyness. We have our priorities, our jobs, our duties, our responsibilities, and we’re too busy. But if we’re too busy to be kind, we’re too busy.
ACTION POINT: What’s on your schedule for today? If someone had a flat tire, could you fix it? If someone called and needed a ride to the hospital, could you take them? Clear the way for Jesus, my friend.
from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers
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If you live as if there is no God, you'd better be right
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Blessing: "Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things!" Joel 2:21
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Loneliness is the first thing which God's eye named, not good. John Milton
Read: Psalm 25:16-18
Exasperated from running and hiding among caves during his flight from Saul, David knew the grip of loneliness. He cried out to God, acknowledging that he was lonely and afflicted, and asked God to turn to him and be gracious.
David's example is ideal for all who suffer loneliness. It is one thing to know why you're lonely, to be able to readily identify a source like divorce or death. It is quite another to wonder the source of your emotions and whether something is wrong with you.
But think about this: God doesn't want you to be lonely. He knew even before you were born that you would encounter this season, and He is as close as you will let Him be. Just like David, you have the privilege of calling out to the Lord, asking Him to be the friend and confidant you need.
One way to overcome loneliness is to drown out Satan's lies with the truth. Do not respond to loneliness on the basis of feelings, but go to God's Word. In John 14:16-18, Jesus promised the disciples that He would not leave them alone but would send the Holy Spirit as their Helper, a pledge He fulfilled for all believers.
In John 16:32, Jesus reminded the disciples that even in His darkest hour, even after they had deserted Him, He would not be alone: "because the Father is with Me." Right now, this very moment, the Father is with you.
from "In Touch Ministries" by Charles Stanley
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If you live for this world, you are in the junk
business. It's all just premature junk
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This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near
THE BOWL JUDGMENTS.. 16:1-21
THE THIRD BOWL . .
Then the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters; and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters saying , "Righteous are You, who are and who were, O Holy One, because You judged these things; for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it." And I heard the altar saying, "Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments." Rev 16:4-7
When the third angel poured out his bowl, the same appalling judgment that affected the oceans was visited on the rivers and the springs, as they too "became blood." By the time the third bowl is poured out, freshwater will be in critically short supply. The third trumpet judgment (8:10-11) will result in the poisoning of one third of the world's freshwater. Additionally, the two witnesses will "have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying [the last three and a half years of the tribulation]; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood" (11:6). The temporary restraining of the earth's winds (7:1) will also cause drought. With no wind to move clouds and weather systems, the hydrological cycle will be disrupted and no rain will fall.
The destruction of what is left of the earth's freshwater will cause unthinkable hardship and suffering. The scene is so unimaginably horrible that people will wonder how a God of compassion, mercy, and grace could send such a judgment. And so there is a brief interlude in the pouring out of the judgments while an angel speaks in God's defense.
Appropriately, it is the angel of the waters who defends God's righteous judgment in song in 15:3-4. In contrast to the curses and blasphemies of men (verses 9, 11), the angel declares, "Righteous are You, who are and who were, O Holy One, because You judged these things." God's judgment of sinners is unquestionably righteous because He is the Holy One. And although His wrath is terrifying and deadly, it is a just and appropriate response to sinners' rejection of Him.
Fittingly, those ho have spilled so much innocent blood will be given blood to drink. In the angel's chilling words, "They deserve it." God is just and holy and will execute vengeance for His people .. Rom 12:19; Heb 10:30 .. Having willfully rejected the knowledge of the truth .. Heb 10:26 .. there is nothing left for the unbelieving world but to receive what they deserve, "a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries" .. Heb 10:27 ..
Then the apostle John heard the altar saying, "Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments." The personified altar echoes the sentiments of the angel with words similar to 15:3. It may be that the very altar under which the saints were earlier seen praying for vengeance (6:9-11) now affirms that God's true and righteous judgments are the answer to those prayers.
next week: THE FOURTH BOWL . .
* * * * * * * * *
On the myths in New-Ageism:
Man cannot turn into God by being nice any more
than he can turn into a flower by wearing perfume
* * * * * * * * *
JESUS CHRIST IS SUPERIOR TO THE CEREMONIAL LAW
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. Matt 5:17
THE CEREMONIAL LAW GOVERNED the form of Israel's worship. When Jesus died on the cross, He fulfilled that law as well as the judicial. Sacrifice was the heart of all Old Testament worship, and as the perfect sacrifice, Jesus brought all the other sacrifices to an end. While He was on the cross, "the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom" .. Matt 27:51 .. Christ Himself became the new and perfect way intot he Holy of Holies, into which any man could come by faith.
In this way, the Levitical, priestly, sacrificial system ended. Though the temple was not destroyed until A.D. 70, every offering made on its altar after Jesus died was needless. Symbolically, they had no more significance. Of course, the Tabernacle and Temple sacrifices that were offered even before Christ's death never had power to cleanse from sin. They were only pictures of the Messiah-Savior's work of cleansing, pictures that pointed to that supreme manifestation of God's mercy and grace.
The ceremonial law ended because it was fulfilled. Since the reality had come, the pictures and symbols had no more place or purpose. From Genesis 1:1 through Malachi 4:6, the Old Testament is Jesus Christ. It was inspired by Christ, it points to Christ, and it is fulfilled by Christ.
Ask YOURSELF
What does the magnificence of God's story stir in you as you consider it again -- the signs and fulfillments created by God's design before the foundation of the world and forged through long centuries of human history? Sit at His feet again today in awe-filled worship.
* * * * * * * * *
There are two kinds of people in this world:
those who take things for granted and
those who take things with gratitude
* * * * * * * * *
Answers to this week's Trivia's:
1. Jesus said that the money changers had turned the temple from a house of prayer into what?
A. A den of thieves Matt 21:13 .. or .. a house of merchandise John 2:16
2. How many Israelite men were led by Moses out of Egypt?
A. 600,000 Ex 12:37
* * * * * * * * *
To look for scientific proof of God would
be like taking a piano apart to look for a song
* * * * * * * * *
A chuckle for you:
A psychiatrist was examining a country patient, a farmer who seemed not overburdened with "the smarts." He began to ask questions. "What's the opposit of sorrow?"
"Easy, Doc . . . joy."
"And the opposite of misery?"
"Even easier, Doc . . . happiness."
The physician was surprised and pleased.
"Your doing great. Now tell me the opposite of woe." To which the farmer replies without hesitation, "Giddyap!"
Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!"
God loves you and yours . . . He really does!
Nancy <\\\><<
This week's Memory Verse: James 1:22
Read it out loud a few times, I did.
Remember:
A man may go to heaven......
without health, without wealth;
without fame, without a great name;
without learning, without earnings;
without culture, without beauty;
without friends and without ten thousand other things-----
But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~
This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information
contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe:
Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net
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| 15) |
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| Max Hashbarger |
| ranchosantafemax(at)aol(dot)com |
Location:
Mexico |
|
The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living
#460 2 March 10
. . . our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power which enables Him even to subject all things to Himself . . .
Philippians 3:20-21
Grateful for . . . .
THE WORD OF GOD !
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Greetings! The above verse is a great promise and gives us Christians something wonderful to look forward to! The true commonwealth or citizenship of the believer is in heaven. The world is not the believer's spiritual home, for it is impermanent and dominated by Satan, whereas heaven obeys the rule of God and endures forever. The normal attitude of the believer who is in this world but not of it, is to look for the coming of the Lord to celebrate His triumph over the powers of evil and perfect His work of redemption. The Christian rejoices in the prospect of living in the glory of Christ's presence, and of enjoying the bliss and delight of heaven's eternal home.
At the same time, one should nether overlook nor underestimate the present and effective Lordship of Christ over all things.
Be a blessing this week!
* * * * * * * * *
You say: "I'm not able .." ........... God says: I am able .................. 2 Cor 9:8
This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ]
1. During the NT times what was the Greek word for charitable love?
2. Which book tells us not to forget to entertain strangers, since some have thus entertained angels?
* * * * * * * * *
I have been saved from the penalty of sin. I am being saved from the power of sin.
I will be saved from the possibility of sin.
* * * * * * * * *
BIBLE MEDITATION:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt 6:33
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Do you know what the problem with many of us is? Our faith is something tacked onto our lives. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters…” (Matthew 6:24). Do you believe that? You are to have but one goal in your life, and that is to know Jesus Christ personally, powerfully, passionately, and preeminently. Everything else will flow out of that. You say, “But wait a minute. I’ve got other things to do! I’ve got a job. I’ve got to rest. I’ve got to have recreation. I’ve got to have friends. I can’t just narrow my interests to one.” When you bring your life into a burning focus, all of these other things will contribute to the main thing.
ACTION POINT:
What is the burning focus of your life? Make it Jesus and you’ve made it!
from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers
* * * * * * * * *
On overcoming temptation:
If you want to take a bone from a dog, give him a steak, and he'll drop the bone.
* * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Blessing: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sin and purify
us from all unrighteousness 1 Jn 1:9
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * *
Our sins were the nails that nailed Him to that tree,
and our hard hearts were the hammers that drove those nails.
* * * * * * * * *
This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near
HARVEST TIME: THE GRAIN HARVEST [14:14-16]
Joel, Isaiah, and the Lord Jesus Christ all spoke of a coming harvest of divine wrath when the Messiah will execute final judgment (Joel 3:12-13, 21; Isa 63:1-6; Matt 13:30, 39-42). That final outpouring of the judgmental fury of the Lamb is the theme of the remaining text of Revelation 14.
This passage pictures the final harvest of divine wrath in two agricultural motifs: the grain harvest symbolizes the seven bowl judgments. The grape harvest symbolizes the judgment of Armageddon. Both harvests involve a sickle and reaping.
1. The Reaper . . .
Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, having a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. 14:14
The familiar phrase "I looked, an dbehold" often intorduces a new and important subject in Revelation .. cf. 4:1; 6:2, 5,8; 7:9; 14:1 .. What caught John's attention was "a white cloud," an image drawn from Daniel 7:13-14. John saw "sitting on the cloud . . . one like a son of man." This is Jesus Christ, coming to establish His kingdom in fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy. The brilliant, white cloud symbolizes His glory and majesty .. 1:7; Acts 1:9 .. The reaper is sitting as He waits for the proper time to stand and begin the reaping. That reaping (the seven bowl judgments) will be followed by Christ's return to establish His kingdom.
The description of Christ as "one like a son of man" also derives from Daniel's prophecy .. Dan 7:13 .. It was Christ's favorite title during His earthly ministry. . . when He "emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and [was] made in the likeness of men . . . [and was] found in appearance as a man" .. Phil 2:7-8 .. This is the last time Scripture refers to Him by that title, and it presents a marked contrast with the first time the New Testament calls Him the Son of Man. Then He did not even have a place to lay His head .. Matt 8:20 .. Now He is about to take possession of the entire earth.
The reaper is further described as "having a golden crown on His head." This crown is not the kind worn by a king (Greek diadema) but the type of crown (Greek stephanos) worn by victors in war or athletic events. It pictures the Son of Man as the triumphant conqueror over all His enemies .. Matt 24:30 ..
The reaper also had "a sharp sickle in His hand." A sickle was a long, curved, razor-sharp iron blade attached to a long, broomstick-like wooden handle. Sickles were used to harvest grain. They were held with both hands spread apart and swept back and forth, their sharp blades would cut off the crain stalks at ground level. The picture is of the Lord Jesus Christ, mowing down His enemies like a harvester cutting grain.
2. The Ripeness
And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe." 14:15
Another angel, the fourth one mentioned in this chapter (verses 6, 8-9), appears on the scene. The first three angels proclaimed that judgment was coming. The fourth brings the command to execute it. This angel came out of the heavenly temple before the throne of God. In a loud voice conveying the authority delegated to him from God, the angel cries out, "Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe." He delivers the message from God and Father to the Son of Man that it is time for Him to move in judgment. God's anger has reached its limit, and His wrath is poured out. The verb translated "is ripe" actually means "dried up" or "withered." The grain pictured here has passed the point of any usefulness and it fit only to be "gathered up and burned with fire" .. Matt 13:40 ..
3. The Reaping
Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped 14:16
Here is one of the most tragic and sobering statements in all of Scripture. Without fanfare, it announces the executing of divine judgment. The frightening details of that judgment are unfolded in Revelation 16. Those seven rapid-fire bowl judgments marked the first phase of the final reaping of the earth.
next week: THE GRAPE HARVEST .. 1. The Reaper 2. The Ripeness 3. The Reaping
* * * * * * * * *
Temptation is trying to get us to fulfill a legitimate desire in an illegitimate way.
* * * * * * * * *
En Route to Heaven by David Jeremiah
For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Heb 13:14
When evangelist Billy Graham turned 91 last November, the Tennessean sent him some questions to answer. One involved the difficulties of aging. Graham said that the burdens of life remind us this world is not our final home. "My wife Ruth died almost two years ago," he said, "and every day I miss her very, very much. But someday soon we'll be together in Heaven--in God's presence forever, free from all the burdens of this life. If our hope is truly in Christ, we know we are only pilgrims on this earth, en route to our eternal home in Heaven. Old age should make us look forward with joy to heaven."
Heaven is real, Christ is coming, and we should discipline our thoughts accordingly. If we're pilgrims eager for an eternal city, we'll be happier, harder-working, more forward-thinking people on earth, whatever our age. Our permanence isn't on earth; we long for the city whose builder and maker is God. So let's work till Jesus comes, then we'll be gathered home. Recommended reading: Hebrews 13:10-16
Alas! How we forget that we are but strangers and pilgrims on the earth; that we are journeying to our eternal home, and will soon be there!
Octavius Winslow
* * * * * * * * *
When you see Jesus through Scripture, you see God at work
* * * * * * * * *
REASONS FOR GLADNESS
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you
Matt 5:12
JESUS PROVIDES US WITH TWO reasons for our rejoicing and being glad when we are persecuted for His sake.
First, He says, "Your reward in heaven is great." Whatever we do for the lord now, including suffering for Him - especially suffering for Him - reaps eternal dividends.
But God's dividends aren't ordinary dividends. They are not only "eternal" but also "great." We often hear, and perhaps are tempted to think, that it is unspiritual and crass to serve God for the sake of rewards. But that is one of the motives God Himself gives for serving Him. We first of all serve and obey Christ because we love Him. But it was also because of "the joy set before Him" that Christ Himself "endured the cross, despising the shame" .. Heb 12:2 .. It is neither selfish nor unspiritual to do the Lord's work for a motive that He Himself gives and has followed.
Second, we are to rejoice because the world "persecuted the prophets who were before" us in the same way that it persecutes us. Persecution is a mark of our faithfulness just as it was a mark of the prophets' faithfulness. When we suffer for Christ's sake, we know beyond a doubt that we belong to God because we are experiencing the same reaction from the world that the prophets experienced. So realize that if you are persecuted, you belong in the line of that great company of righteous servants.
Ask YOURSELF
What's your immediate reaction to the idea that we labor for the "reward" of God's blessing? God knows our hearts. He has given us desires to register our growth and progress in the faith. As long as the reward we seek is more of Jesus and to see Him glorified, should we be averse to wanting return on our faithful investment?
* * * * * * * * *
Sin is not just breaking God's laws; it is breaking His heart.
* * * * * * * * *
Answers to this week's Trivia's:
1. During the NT times what was the Greek word for charitable love?
A. Agape
2. Which book tells us not to forget to entertain strangers, since some have thus entertained angels?
A. Hebrews 13:1
* * * * * * * * *
[this week's chuckle:] A Nun Grading Papers
Imagine a Nun sitting at her desk grading these papers, all the while trying to keep a straight face and maintain her composure!
[pay special attention to the wording and spelling. If you know the Bible, even a little, you'll find this pretty amusing! It comes from a Catholic Elementary School test]
Kids were asked questions about the Old and New Testaments. The following statements about the the Bible were written by children. They have not been retouched or corrected. Incorrect spelling has been left in. . . .
1. In the first book of the Bible, Guinessis. God got tired of creating the world so he took the Sabbath off.
2. Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah's wife was Joan of Ark. Noah built and ark and the animals came on in pears.
3. Lots wife was a pillar of salt during the day, but a ball of fire during the night.
4. The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had a trouble with unsympathetic genitals.
5. Sampson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a jezebel like Delilah.
6. Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles...
7. Moses led the Jews to the Red Sea where they made unleavened bread, which is bread without any ingredients.
8. The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up to mount cyanide to get the ten commandments.
9. The first commandments was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.
10. The seventh commandment is Thou Shalt Not Admit Adultery.
11. Moses died before he ever reached Canada then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol.
12. The greatest miricle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.
13. David was a Hebrew king who was skilled at playing the liar. He fought the Finkelsteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times.
14. Solomon, one of Davids sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.
15. When Mary heard she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the Magna Carta.
16. When the three wise guys from the East side arrived they found Jesus in the manager.
17. Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption...
18. St. John the blacksmith dumped water on his head.
19. Jesus enunciated the golden rule, which says to do unto others before they do one to you. He also explained a man doth not live by sweat alone.
20. It was a miricle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the tombstone off the entrance.
21. The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 decibels.
22. The epistels were the wives of the Apostles.
23. One of the oppossums was St. Matthew who was also a taximan.
24. St. Paul cavorted to Christianity, he preached Holy Acrimony, which is another name for marriage.
25. Christians have only one spouse. This is called monotony.
I tried to eliminate a couple to save space ... which one would you take out?
Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!"
God loves you and yours . . . He really does!
Nancy <\\\><<
This week's Memory Verse: James 1:5
Read it out loud a few times, I did.
Remember:
A man may go to heaven......
without health, without wealth;
without fame, without a great name;
without learning, without earnings;
without culture, without beauty;
without friends and without ten thousand other things-----
But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
~ This is a FREE e-mailing ~
This Bible Study is sent to subscribers only according to our strict NO SP*M policy. If you appreciate the information
contained in this letter, please forward it to your friends. If you have acquired this letter from a friend and want to subscribe:
Send an e-mail with Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net
If you would rather not receive these Bbl Stdy's, please Send an e-mail with Un-Subscribe in the subject to: hisfootprints4us@comcast.net
No hard feelings
|
| 14) |
|
| Max Hashbarger |
| ranchosantafemax(at)aol(dot)com |
Location:
Mexico |
|
The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living
#454 19 January 10
. . . It is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God
and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him . . .
Romans 8:16-17
Grateful for . . . .
THE WORD OF GOD !
(\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/) (\0/)
Greetings! The Scripture defines the children of God as those who have received Christ as their Savior and are regenerated: He gave power to become children of God .. Jn 1:12 .. There is no biblical basis for the common supposition that all men are by nature the children of God. By means of the new birth, sinners not only become saints; they are adopted into the family of God as His sons and daughters .. Jn 1:13; 1 Jn 3:2 ..
Be a blessing this week!
* * * * * * * * *
This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ]
1. Fill in the following blank with two words: "Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be _______ he cannot see the kingdom of God."
2. What river did God dry up to let the Israelites cross?
* * * * * * * * *
Faith honors God and God honors faith
* * * * * * * * *
BIBLE MEDITATION:
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 2 Cor 9:8
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
The devil wants you to live your life from an empty cup. He wants you to think that God’s cup of grace has dried up for you. He wants you to be disenchanted with God. Most especially, he wants you to feel that God is a cosmic killjoy…that God is always thinking of ways to rob you of joy and peace. Satan knows that if you start to feel negatively about God, then he can have his way with you in other areas. Take courage. Be strong. Jesus has won the victory for you! Send those lies back to the pit where they came from and claim the promises of God.
ACTION POINT:
Wish someone the peace and joy of the Lord today.
from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers
* * * * * * * * *
Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defense... Job 22:25
* * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Blessing: I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble,
thou has known my soul in adversities .. Psalm 31:7
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
What God Knows about You – Greg Laurie – www.harvest.org
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
— Psalm 56:8
Scientists now tell us that we never forget anything. It is estimated that in a lifetime, the human brain can store one million billion bits of information. I have a hard time believing that, because it seems like I forget a lot. Yet there have been times when certain things have triggered memories that go back so many years, and I am surprised that I can still remember them so vividly.
God remembers everything—at all times. There is never a lapse in His memory. He never forgets someone. God is omniscient, which means He knows everything. God's knowledge is as eternal as He is. What God knows now, He has always known and always will know. God doesn't learn new things; He knows them from the beginning. And He doesn't forget what He has learned like we do. We learn new things, but God never does.
The Bible says that God knows about every little bird that falls to the ground. And not only that, He knows about you. Jesus said, "The very hairs on your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30). Now it doesn't require a lot to number the hairs on my head. But for others, it is a lot more work.
This awesome God who created the universe is interested in you. What bothers you? What concerns you? What brings heartache to you? What brings tears to your eyes? It is of concern to God. So whatever you are facing right now, He knows about it. He is concerned about it. He is aware of the wrongs that are done in our world today. Nothing catches Him by surprise, because He dwells in the eternal realm. He knows the end from the beginning. This all-knowing God loves you. And He welcomes you into fellowship with Him.
* * * * * * * * *
No one is ever saved without the act of will
* * * * * * * * *
This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of REVELATION: Because The Time IS Near
TRIBULATION ANNOUNCEMENTS ...
THE 144,000
THEIR PRAISE
And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth.
Rev 14:2-3
Standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion, the 144,000 will join in the heavenly song of redemption. With all the trouble they have faced, one might expect them to be too sorrowful to sing. However, they will joyously praise the Lord for their protection and triumph.
This is not the first time John heard a voice from heaven .. Rev 4:1; 10:4, 8; 11:12; 12:10 .. nor the last .. vs 13; 18:4; 19:1 .. The voice he heard was very loud and continuous, "like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder" .. see Eze 43:2; Rev 1:15; 19:6 ..
The mighty voice was not mere noise. It had a musical quality, "like the sound of harpists playing on their harps." The reference to harpists and harps suggests that the voice expressed joy. Heaven will resound with loud praise when Jesus returns in triumph.
The new song sung in heaven is the song of redemption. The angels will join the Old Testament saints, the raptured church, and the redeemed tribulation martyrs in praising God for salvation. All heaven will overflow with praise because God's redemptive work culminating in the return of Christ is accomplished.
John notes that "no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth." Why the song is restricted to the one hundred and forty-four thousand is not stated. However, it is clear that the focus is upon the praise of Jesus for His redemptive work.
next week: THEIR PURITY; PARTISANSHIP; PURPOSE; PRECISION; and PERFECTION
* * * * * * * * *
No sinner will ever be willing until the power of God enters
* * * * * * * * *
THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:10
OUR LORD MADE IT CLEAR from His earliest teaching that following Him was costly. Those who entered His kingdom would suffer for Him before they would reign with Him.
The cost of discipleship is billed to our account in many different ways. A believer today might be expected to hedge on the quality of his work to increase company profits. To follow one's conscience in obedience to the Lord might cost him his job or at least a promotion. A Christian housewife who refuses to listen to gossip or to laugh at the crude jokes of her neighbors may find herself ostracized. Some costs will be great and some will be slight. But by the Lord's and the apostles' repeated promises, faithfulness always has a cost, which true Christians are willing to pay.
In the early days of the church, the price paid was often the ultimate. To choose Christ might mean choosing death by stoning. To choose Christ could mean torture by any number of excessively cruel and painful methods. That was the very thing Christ had in mind when He identified His followers as those willing to bear their crosses. That is His call to be ready to die, if need by, for the cause of the Lord .. Matt 10:35-39; 16:24-25 ..
Are you willing to pay that cost?
Ask YOURSELF
What are our usual reasons for not being willing to pay the cost of discipleship? Fear? Reputation? A stronger desire to be liked than to be lumped together with Christ's followers? Ask yourself, "What makes me more strongly attached to these excuses than to bearing the name of my Lord?"
* * * * * * * * *
Jesus went to the cross willingly. No one had to force Him there
* * * * * * * *
Answers to this week's Trivia's:
1. Fill in the following blank with two words: "Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be _______ he
cannot see the kingdom of God."
A. Born again .. John 3:3
2. What river did God dry up to let the Israelites cross?
A. The Jordan River Josh 3:13-14
* * * * * * * * *
Jesus was forsaken in order that we might be forgiven
* * * * * * * * *
This week's chuckle:
A large commercial jet was flying from Chicago to Los Angeles. About an hour after takeoff, the passengers on board heard a voice over the loudspeaker. It began: "This is a recording. You have the privilege of being on the first wholly electronically controlled jet. The plane took off electronically. It is now flying at forty thousand feet electronically. And it will land in Los Angeles electronically.
"This plane has no pilot, it has no copilot, and no flight engineer because they are no longer needed. But do not worry, nothing can possibly go wrong . . . go wrong . . . go wrong . . . go wrong . . . go wrong."
[whoa there! kindly let me off this plane, wait, where are the parachutes?]
Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!"
God loves you and yours . . . He really does!
Nancy <\\\><<
This week's Memory Verse: Philippians 1:6
Read it out loud a few times, I did.
Remember:
A man may go to heaven......
without health, without wealth;
without fame, without a great name;
without learning, without earnings;
without culture, without beauty;
without friends and without ten thousand other things-----
But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ.
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| Max Hashbarger |
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The goal of Bible Study is not just learning, but living
#429 28 July 09
. . . What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet, if it had not been for the law, I should
not have known sin. I should not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, "You shall not covet." . . .
Romans 7:7
Grateful for . . . .
THE WORD OF GOD !
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Greetings! This whole passage (7:7-25 .. take the time to read it! It pertains to 'The Christian struggle'), dealing with Paul's experience with the law is one which is the subject of widely different interpretations. The principal question is whether Paul is speaking of his life before or after conversion. Perhaps the answer is not a sharp either/or but a both/and. Paul shows what God's law, itself holy, just, and good (vs 12), did for him. Before Paul was conscious of the Law's demands he was unaware of his own sin and so, relatively speaking, he was then alive (vs 7, 9); but with the knowledge of the law came the awareness of his own sin and guilt. Thus sin sprang to life and "killed" Paul. Sin is powerless apart from the law; the law itself is good, but sin works through it to convict a man of his own sinfulness (vs13).
Paul's description of the civil war raging within him (vs 15-24) is so intimate and vivid as to make it quite probable that he was talking of the paradox of the Christian life, stressing here the element of struggle, the recognition of one's own helplessness in attempting to live up to God's requirements. It is precisely the man who has experienced God's free grace and forgiveness who is the most acutely aware of his own sin and plight. The cry of despair, who will deliver me from this body of death? is answered at once in the grateful assertion, Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! God's grace is immeasurably greater than man's sin.
Be a blessing this week!
* * * * * * * * *
This week's Trivia's: [answer's below . . ]
1. Who adopted Moses?
2. Who did Jesus tell the disciples would come after he had gone to Heaven and who would help them remember all the things Jesus had told then?
* * * * * * * * *
Conscience .. is that thing that feels bad when everything else feels good
* * * * * * * * *
BIBLE MEDITATION:
"Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine." John 21:12a
"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Genesis 18:14
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Is Satan whispering that God is not for you in your daily battles? Is he whispering lies that God is going to erase your name from the Book of Life for something you’ve done, yet repented over? Satan never had it so wrong! And Jesus never had it so right! Salvation in Christ is not a funeral, but a feast! The Bible is a continual feast from Genesis right through to Revelation. Covenant meals and meals of fellowship are frequent occurrences in Scripture. Our Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, has given many examples of His open invitation to be replenished and restored, to remember, and to rejoice at His table.
A little boy was trying to roll a rock as his father watched from a distance. The boy was heaving and sighing, but he couldn’t turn the stone over. His dad with a smile said, “Son, are you using all of your strength?” He said, “Yes, Daddy, I’m using all my strength.” And the father said, “No, you’re not because you haven’t asked me to help you. My strength is your strength.” Sometimes we wrestle with problems and say, “I don’t know what to do.” Our Father wants us to say, “I’ve run out of my strength,” and run into His. He is there. There is no problem too big for Jesus to solve. Do you believe that? I hope so.
ACTION POINT:
Call your family together and celebrate the Lord’s Supper this week as a family…remembering the powerful promise of His resurrection, replenishment, and restoration.
Is there a problem too big for you to solve? Give it to Jesus. He can handle it.
from the Ministries of Love Worth Finding .. by Adrian Rogers
* * * * * * * * *
On Sin: You'll get what you want,
but you won't want what you get.
* * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Blessing: If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself,
that where I am, there you may be also .. John 14:3
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * *
Sin will take you farther than you want to go,
keep you longer than you want to stay,
and cost you more than you want to pay
* * * * * * * * *
This week's teaching by John MacArthur on the book of Revelation: Because The Time IS Near
THE LITTLE BOOK AND TWO GREAT WITNESSES
THE MEASURED TEMPLE:
Then there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, "Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it. Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months." Rev 11:1-2
After his renewed commission to write the prophecies yet to come in Revelation (10:11), John again became involved in one of the visions he was recording. He was given a "measuring rod like a staff," by either the same angel in 10:8 or the strong angel in 10:9-11. The Greek word translated "measuring rod" refers to a reedlike plant that grew in the Jordan Valley to a height of fifteen to twenty feet. It had a stalk that was hollow and lightweight, yet rigid enough to be used as a walking staff or to be shaved down into a pen. The stalks, because they were long and lightweight, were ideal for use as measuring rods. In Ezekiel's vision, an angel used such a rod to measure the millennial temple .. Eze 40:3 - 43:17 .. .
John was told to measure the temple of God, including "the altar, and those who worship in it." Obviously, this was not an effort to determine its physical dimensions, since none are given, but was conveying some important truth beyond architecture. It could have indicated, as in the Old Testament, that God sometimes marks things out for destruction .. 2 Sam 8:2; 2 Ki 21:13; Isa 28:17; Amos 7:7-9 .. However, John's measuring is better understood as signifying ownership, defining the parameters of God's possessions .. 21:15; Zech 2:1-5 .. This measuring signified something good, since what was not measured was evil. It is best to see it as God's measuring off Israel for salvation and His special protection, preservation, and favor. The prophecies yet to be given to John will distinguish between God's favor toward Israel and His wrath on the world.
The Greek word for "temple" does not refer to the entire temple complex, but to the inner temple, made up of the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. The altar is probably the brazen altar, located outside the inner sanctuary in the courtyard, since that is where those who worship in the temple would have gathered. The people were never permitted into the inner temple. Only the priests could enter the Holy Place. The worshipers in John's vision depict a remnant of believing Jews worshiping God during the tribulation.
The tribulation temple will be built early in the first half of the tribulation under the influence of Antichrist. Many orthodox Jews today dream of rebuilding their temple, but its site is now occupied by the Islamic Dome of the Rock. Because Muslims believe it to be the place from which Muhammad ascended to heaven, it is among the most sacred shrines in the Islamic world. For the Jews to take that site from the Muslims and build their temple there would be unthinkable in today's political climate. But during the tribulation, under the protection of Antichrist .. Dan 9:24-27 .. they will be able to rebuild the temple.
John's instructions on measuring the temple included a significant omission. He was commanded, "Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it." The reference is to the court of the Gentiles, located outside the courtyard containing the brazen altar. It marked the boundary where Gentiles were forbidden to go. In New Testament times, the Romans had given the Jews the right to execute any Gentile who went beyond the court of the Gentiles. For a Gentile to do so was to defile the temple .. Acts 21:28-29 ..
John was told not to measure the outer court because "it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months." The forty-two months (three and one-half years) correspond to the overtly evil career of Antichrist, which dominates the last half of the tribulation (13:5). That period will be the culmination of the "times of the Gentiles" .. Lk 21:24 .. the thousands of years during which Gentile nations have in various ways occupied and oppressed Jerusalem.
next week: SALVATION THROUGH TWO WITNESSES: THEIR DUTY
* * * * * * * * *
Nothing is more destructive than sin.
Sin fascinates, and then it assassinates. Sin thrills, and then it kills.
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GENTLENESS AS DEFINED BY JESUS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Matt 5:5
In this verse, "Gentleness" [a word often rendered "meek" in other translations] means mild or soft. Looking ahead to His triumphal entry, the prophet hailed Christ this way: "Behold your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey" .. Matt 21:5; cf Zech 9:9 ..
From Old Testament times, gentleness has been God's way for mankind. The book of Job says God "sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety" .. Matt 5:11; cf Ps 25:9 .. "Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth" .. Num 12:3 ..
Gentleness does not connote weakness, but rather a way of utilizing all its resources and emotions appropriately .. Prov 16:32; 25:28 .. The gentle person has died to self and therefore does not resort to violence to defend himself, knowing his person has nothing to commend before God. Gentleness is not cowardice, lack of conviction, or niceness. It is the spirit of Christ, who defended the Father's glory, not His own, and left us an example: He "committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously" .. 1 Peter 2:22-23 ..
Christ's gentleness, however, did not mean He was passive in defending righteousness. He guarded the temple against the moneychangers .. Jn 2:14-15 .. denounced the hypocritical religious leaders .. Matt 23:1-33 .. and warned the disobedient of judgment .. Matt 25:45-46 .. His gentleness was power completely surrendered to God's control.
Ask YOURSELF
What's been your interpretation of "meekness" or "gentleness"? Is this a quality you value and aspire to? If gentleness was more a part of your demeanor, what benefits would you begin to see in your daily life?
* * * * * * * * *
Sin that used to slink down the
back alley now STRUTS down Main Street.
* * * * * * * * *
Life Without Rules . . . by Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1
Timothy was not the son of Paul in a physical way. He was his spiritual son in the sense that it was under Paul's ministry that this young man had turned to Christ. A child of God is born into God's family by means of his faith in Christ. "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" .. 1 Pet 1:23 .. Timothy is in the family of God, and he is a child of God.
I love this - "be strong in grace." My friend, if you think that you can grit your teeth and go out and live the Christian life on your own, you're in for a great disappointment. If you feel that you can follow a few little rules or some clever gimmicks to make you a mature Christian, then you have fallen into a subtle trap of legalism. Paul gives no rules, and the Word of God has no rules to tell the child of God how to live the Christian life. We are saved by grace, and now we are to live by the grace of God and be strong in that grace.
Let me give you an example from my boyhood. My dad traveled a great deal in his work, and he always put down a few rules for me to follow while he was away. Some of them I obeyed. I had to cut the wood, and I didn't mind that. But my father had some other rules that I frankly didn't go for. I hate to admit this, but one of those rules was that I should attend Sunday school. The interesting thing is that he never went himself, but he always made me go. Anyway, when he was away from home, I didn't go. One time I was fishing, and he came home suddenly and found me. I had just pulled out a fish, turned around, and there stood my dad. He said, "Son, are you having any luck?" Well, my luck ran out right at that moment! I appealed to him and admitted that I had done wrong, and by grace he was good to me. I really took advantage of his good nature and the fact that I was his son.
My father died when I was fourteen, but now I have a heavenly Father, and I sure do appeal to His grace. When things go wrong down here, I go to Him and appeal to Him. When I fail, I don't run from Him like I used to. I have found that when I am away from Him, the whipping He gives me hurts lots worse. I don't want to et out at the end of that switch where it really stings. I come in close to Him, and the closer I am the less it hurts. I am a son of my heavenly Father. What a marvelous figure of speech!
When I hear Christians say, "I don't do this, and I don't do that, and I am following a set of rules," I immediately recognize that they now very little about the grace of God. They are trying to live the Christian life in their own strength. But Paul says, "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
* * * * * * * * *
Everything that is not nailed down is coming loose.
And the devil is pulling nails as fast as he can.
* * * * * * * * *
Thorns and Snares in America
I read a statistic that stated that 1.1 million teenagers become pregnant in America each year. One-third of all births in this nation are born to unwed people.
Do you know what they said when they put the Ten Commandments on the walls of some schools and then took them down? They said, that may be harmful to some child reading them.
Do you know what is wrong in America? God has just taken away His protection, Judges 2:3 says, “Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.”
America has thorns in its side and snares around its feet. Why? One generation generates, another generation speculates, a third generation dissipates. That’s where we are today.
Adrian Rogers
* * * * * * * * *
Answers to this week's Trivia's:
1. Who adopted Moses?
A. Pharaoh's daughter Ex 2:10
2. Who did Jesus tell the disciples would come after he had gone to Heaven and who would help them remember all the things Jesus had told then?
A. The Holy Spirit or Ghost John 14:26
* * * * * * * * *
This week's Chuckle: Trading up . . .
One stormy night, a Marine private was on his first guard-duty assignment.
Presently, a general stepped out to take his dog for a walk.
The nervous young private snapped to attention, made a perfect salute, and cried out, "Sir, good evening, sir!"
The general, out for some relaxation, returned the salute and said, "Good evening, soldier. Nice night, isn't it?"
It was hardly a nice night, but the private wasn't about to disagree with the general, so he saluted again and replied, "Sir, yes, sir!"
The general continued, "You know there's something about a stormy night that I find soothing. It's all really relaxing, don't you agree?"
The private didn't agree, but then the private was just a private, and responded, "Sir, yes, sir!"
Indicating the dog, the general said, "This is a Golden Retriever, the best type of dog to train."
The private glanced at the dog and saluted yet again. "Sir, yes, sir!"
The general continued, "I got this dog for my wife!"
The private said, "Good trade, sir!"
* * * * * * * * *
OOPS!! : ) . . .
Until next time, remember, "Keep Looking Up!"
God loves you and yours . . . He really does!
Nancy <\\\><<
This week's Memory Verse: 1 Cor 1:18
Read it out loud a few times, I did.
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Good day,
Our company seeks for new part-time employes. You can earn from $300/week for simple task completion. For example: filling online surveys, reading emails, online customer support.
OffshoreDreams, LLC is an offshore based company, we provide B2C services and solutions. Our business partners look for new oportunities at your region/country.
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