SINGING SONG OF MATURATION

SINGING PSALM OF MATURATION

Friday, January 24, 2014

Psalm 40: [To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.] I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, …

Ephesians 5:8-10 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

  There are those that can tell of deliverance from alcohol, drugs, or other such. As with many of you, I cannot. We all however can testify of tales of redemption from self as God’s Spirit within brings forth fruit.

  Our family dentist of 3 decades is a lifelong avid waterfowl hunter. Knowing I would see him at scheduled 6 month cleaning this week I took my 80 dollar Duck Commander teal duck call to show him. After getting scraped and polished I sat with beautiful wood workmanship concealed in hand. He entered, checked x-rays and physically examined my teeth, then sat for our usual after session chat. I told him to hold out his hand and then placed the duck call in it.

  He immediately started gleefully calling ducks.

  After a time of honking he smiled broadly and thanked me for the gift.

  I sensed he needed this unexpected encouraging event, and though not originally intended to be a gift,  immediately decided to let it be a present, telling him “My privilege … you are appreciated.”

  Then, taking hygienist advice, I drove to the nearby Walmart to purchase an Oral-B electric toothbrush. While there I decided to buy a few bananas and salad vegetables.

  Sliding card, punching credit, the checkout screen read $6.75. I told the cashier the total was incorrect. She insisted it was. I politely disagreed. She insisted the total was correct. I again politely disagreed. She again insisted I was wrong.

  One of the two elderly women waiting behind me gently smiled and suggested the clerk look in the plastic bags. She did so, and made the correction. I re-swiped my card and paid the $60.22. Looking delightfully relieved, the clerk told us she hadn’t been feeling well lately. The three of us wished her improved health.

  Later at home I rejoiced thinking “It’s a mighty fine day when standing on solid ground above the rotten old swamp.”; for many years ago prior to 1Corintians 13:11 agreement I would have never recognized or considered people’s needs as I now sometimes do.

  How wonderful is the maturation of our Lord and King!  EBB4

 

PRAISEWORTHY TALES

PRAISEWORTHY TALES

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Psalm 103:1-2, 22; 104:1, 35 [A Psalm of David.] Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: … Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul. . . . Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. … Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.

Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance [Greek: self-control]: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

1Thessalonians 5:18-21 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

  There are two personal categories when it comes to telling tales. One is egocentric all-glory-to-meism. The other is embodied in the psalmists’ wanting to be a blessing to God.

  Christians, especially those with confessed history of braggadocio, are too often reluctant to tell about their Christian experiences for fear of it being interpreted as prideful conversation; whereas ours is the privilege and responsibility to honor and glorify God’s works as did the psalmists of yesteryear.

  As we are thankful, the work of His Holy Spirit within us is constant and productive. Thankfulness should not be conserved within or we thereby quench the Spirit. Publishing our thankfulness is the sharing of God’s life-giving refreshing: “On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” (NLT Jn.7:37-39)

  The Apostle Paul explained “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom.10:9-15)

  Now, as God’s 2Corinthians 5 ambassadorial tabernacles let us not practice a Lucifer pleasing false modesty. Let our souls join in marching forth with joyful tales that bless both God and man.  EBB4

   

FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE SAVES

FAITH THEN AND NOW

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

All of today’s scripture selections from New Living Translation (NLT)

Romans 4:4-8 Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. 3 For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: 7 “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. 8 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”

Galatians 2:16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”

Titus 3:5-8 [God] saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

James 2:24-26 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. 25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath,[a] so also faith is dead without good works.

  During the 70’s Walt rode back and forth to work with me for a number of years. He was my first pickup, last dropoff. Walt was a highly skilled Master Machinist, a devout Roman Catholic, one of the finest men I’ve known. An unsung hero that did not demand or expect recognition for the work he did as a volunteer developing medical devices in cooperation with Johns Hopkins. Once in use, there was no Walt in the credits. The public tribute went to the department manager.

  Each day in coming and going Walt and I had 10-12 minutes alone. It was a delightful time as he had a keen mind interested in many topics. His favorite subject was faith, which I was quite happy to discuss.

  Finally Walt was retiring, doing so early as he wanted to put more volunteer energy into medical device development. On our last day together Walt wanted to talk about faith. We did so.

  In his concluding farewell remarks he told me he liked and respected me, but to live as I lived by grace, love, and application derived from personal and group Bible study . . . would never work for him. Though a very intelligent men, he had decided that only the age old Roman Catholic church and its seminary educated priesthood had figured out what it took to please God and go to heaven; religious good works that contributed to hoped for present and eternal redemption.

  Whether Walt still walks this side of death or not, I know not as we never met again. Hopefully he rethought the Scripture (above) I had shared with him, and trusted Jesus Christ alone as his redeemer and realized God’s blessed assurance.  EBB4

CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT OF SIGHT

CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT OF SIGHT

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

John [MKJV] 1:1-13; 3:1-7 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it. 6 There was a man sent from God; his name was John. 7 This one came as a witness, to bear witness concerning the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 He was the true Light; He enlightens every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own received Him not. 12 But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name, 13 who were born, not of bloods, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but were born of God. . . . 3:1 And there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles which you do unless God is with him. 3 Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again.

  Trusting the Redeemer at age 27 drastically changed my life and continues to do so. The big change wasn’t so much in stopping doing certain things, but in how I afterward see life, love, people, property, position, authority, who I am and why I am here.

  To further comprehending Scripture I took a course using text written by J. Edwin Hartill, Principles of Biblical Hermeneutics. I encourage you as brethren in Christ to gain the study tool of hermeneutics.    

  For reasonable price study books on the topic can be acquired on paper or Kindle. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Principles+of+Biblical+Hermeneutics

  Why bother, what is hermeneutics?

  For a succinct one page essay on the answer, go to http://www.compellingtruth.org/biblical-hermeneutics.html

EBB4 

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: ME

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: ME

Monday, January 20, 2014

  As promised, today’s DT is written from my notes and sidebar thoughts jotted down while Sunday morning sitting at feet of Pastor Paul as he taught second of “D” JOURNEY 6 month sermon series. Associate pastor, Josh Klein, preached the first last Sunday. EBB4

  One aspect of fasting, whether from food, TV, internet, Facebook, cellphone et al, is what we may learn about self in relationship/fellowship with God and others. Our Sunday School class leader, Cheryl, first asked in class, then pastor asked in church: What did you give up and what did you learn and/or gain from the experience. Answers ranged from headaches without caffeine to serious categorical God got my attention about self. One person shared that they heard their complaining.

  In Genesis 41:50-52 is the record of Joseph, after going from favored son to dispossession of being sold into slavery to trusted position in Potiphar’s household to deprivation in prison to position of authority there to Chief Operating Officer of great nation Egypt . . . indicative of appreciative attitude named his sons Manasseh (Hebrew: causing to forget) and Ephraim (Hebrew: double fruit).

  In NT we read of Saul of Tarsus, man of great education and social standing with tremendous civil authority, accustomed to having things his way, humbled by God, then as Apostle Paul serving the Lord faithfully in his new 2Corinthians 5:17-20 identity . . . and suffering deprivation in many ways and yet declaring “Always be joyful in the Lord! I'll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. Practice what you've learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you. The Lord has filled me with joy because you again showed interest in me. You were interested but did not have an opportunity to show it.  I'm not saying this because I'm in any need. I've learned to be content in whatever situation I'm in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” (GW Phil.4:4-13)

  Do we see ourselves as new creatures in Christ, a royal priesthood ordained to present to others His way of redemption; God’s present and eternal reconciliation? (2Cor.5:17-21) Or do we still think as is typical of immature children: me, myself, and I? (Rom.12:2; 1Cor.13:11)

  Consider this: God likes us better than we do. Study Scripture and find absolute proof.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=who+am+I+in+Christ&qpvt=who+am+I+in+Christ&FORM=IGRE#view=detail&id=73B7A618546EB8113798255EC475DEAD0A5A5007&selectedIndex=1

  “What can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who can be against us? God didn't spare his own Son but handed him over to death for all of us. So he will also give us everything along with him. Who will accuse those whom God has chosen? God has approved of them. Who will condemn them? Christ has died, and more importantly, he was brought back to life. Christ has the highest position in heaven. Christ also intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or violent death separate us from his love?” (GW Rom.8:31-35)

  But how can I change from living a ME life? Let go of my ideas! Be like the one out of many as epitomized in Luke 17:11-19; free of the self leprosy of life, thankful for God’s salvation. To not be thankful is not just dampening one’s spirit, it suppresses the Spirit! (1Thes.5:18-19)

  Satan reminds us of our shortcomings, failures, sins. Hear him not!

  And be prepared to report what we learned from fasting again this week.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY?

Question: "What is the difference between religion and spirituality?"

Answer: Before we explore the difference between religion and spirituality, we must first define the two terms. Religion can be defined as “belief in God or gods to be worshipped, usually expressed in conduct and ritual” or “any specific system of belief, worship, etc., often involving a code of ethics.” Spirituality can be defined as “the quality or fact of being spiritual, non-physical” or “predominantly spiritual character as shown in thought, life, etc.; spiritual tendency or tone.” To put it briefly, religion is a set of beliefs and rituals that claim to get a person in a right relationship with God, and spirituality is a focus on spiritual things and the spiritual world instead of physical/earthly things.
  The most common misconception about religion is that Christianity is just another religion like Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, etc. Sadly, many who claim to be adherents of Christianity do practice Christianity as if it were a religion. To many, Christianity is nothing more than a set of rules and rituals that a person has to observe in order to go to heaven after death. That is not true Christianity. True Christianity is not a religion; rather, it is having a right relationship with God by receiving Jesus Christ as the Savior-Messiah, by grace through faith. Yes, Christianity does have “rituals” to observe (e.g., baptism and communion). Yes, Christianity does have “rules” to follow (e.g., do not murder, love one another, etc.). However, these rituals and rules are not the essence of Christianity. The rituals and rules of Christianity are the result of salvation. When we receive salvation through Jesus Christ, we are baptized as a proclamation of that faith. We observe communion in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. We follow a list of do’s and don’ts out of love for God and gratitude for what He has done.
  The most common misconception about spirituality is that there are many forms of spirituality, and all are equally valid. Meditating in unusual physical positions, communing with nature, seeking conversation with the spirit world, etc., may seem to be “spiritual,” but they are in fact false spirituality. True spirituality is possessing the Holy Spirit of God as a result of receiving salvation through Jesus Christ. True spirituality is the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in a person’s life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Spirituality is all about becoming more like God, who is spirit (John 4:24) and having our character conformed to His image (Romans 12:1-2).
  What religion and spirituality have in common is that they both can be false methods of having a relationship with God. Religion tends to substitute the heartless observance of rituals for a genuine relationship with God. Spirituality tends to substitute connection with the spirit world for a genuine relationship with God. Both can be, and often are, false paths to God. At the same time, religion can be valuable in the sense that it points to the fact that there is a God and that we are somehow accountable to Him. The only true value of religion is its ability to point out that we have fallen short and are in need of a Savior. Spirituality can be valuable in that it points out that the physical world is not all there is. Human beings are not only material, but also possess a soul-spirit. There is a spiritual world around us of which we should be aware. The true value of spirituality is that it points to the fact that there is something and someone beyond this physical world to which we need to connect.
  Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of both religion and spirituality. Jesus is the One to whom we are accountable and to whom true religion points. Jesus is the One to whom we need to connect and the One to whom true spirituality points. Are you interested in discovering true religion and true spirituality? If the answer is yes, please begin your journey on our webpage that describes receiving Jesus Christ as your Personal Savior - http://www.gotquestions.org/personal-Savior.html.

© Copyright 2002-2014 Got Questions Ministries.

(Used with permission.)

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Printer/religion-spirituality-PF.html#ixzz2qqS6E1xh

DISCIPLES ARE LEARNERS, MAYBE

DISCIPLES ARE LEARNERS, MAYBE

Friday, January 17, 2014

John [NLT] 4:21-26 Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”26 Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!”[Ex.3:14]

  So, dear fellow follower of Christ (i.e. Christian), what did you learn from yesterday’s longest ever DT?

A.      “disciple” means “learner”.

B.      Reading all “disciple” “disciples” Bible verses in context and pondering takes a lot of time.

C.      Discipleship is a major theme throughout God’s Word.

D.      “disciple” means personal application of God’s Word.

E.       I know more about my job and/or hobby than I do about being a disciple of the Word.

F.       Being a disciple of The Word Living (Jesus) and written (the Bible) isn’t just about eventually dying and going to heaven.

G.     I am lazy when it comes to mental work.

H.      I am a dilatory follower of Christ.

I.        I learned a lot by reading and pondering all those verses.

J.        Reading the verses led me to a deeper understanding of God’s desire for me.

K.      Reading the verses I learned a lot about myself.

L.       Reading the verses I now understand where I stand in God’s family.

M.    I don’t focus enough on spiritual matters.

N.     I’ve been focusing on sacred places and events at the expense of that which is most important, sacred relationships.

O.     I discovered some thing(s) I’ve been taught in Sunday School, catechism, or church, is not according to the emphasis of God’s Word. (Emphasizing church attendance while not teaching His Word about discipleship is a prime example.)

P.      Reading the verses I learned a lot about God’s love for me.

Q.     I didn’t read the verses.

R.      I am never going to read the verses.

S.       I am going to continue studying discipleship.

T.       Reading the verses I enjoyed God’s blessed assurance.

U.     I spend more time shaving and brushing my teeth than about being a disciple of Christ.

V.      I love studying God’s Word.

W.    I dislike reading or studying God’s Word and need to be honest about why.

X.      ______________________________________________________ .

Y.       I drank 3 cups of coffee while reading the verses.

Z.       I’m not sure I like EBB4