.
Continued from Part I - Why Forgive?
What is Forgiveness?
From the Encarta World English Dictionary:
Definitions of forgiveness (n)
for·give·ness [ fər gívnəss ]
1. act of pardoning somebody: the act of pardoning somebody for a mistake or wrongdoing
2. forgiving quality: the tendency to forgive offenses readily and easily
Synonyms: pardon, absolution, amnesty, reconciliation, exoneration, exculpation
The Oxford English Dictionary
- 'to grant free pardon and to give up all claim on account of an offense or debt'.
There is currently no agreed upon psychological definition in research literature. From a purely Christian percpective, when someone hurts you wrongly, they incur a debt to you. Forgiveness is choosing not to collect the debt, turning it over to God to pay or collect, and blessing the one who owes you.
Easier said than done. The question is -is an apology required prior to forgiving? For most people - we'd sure like to see some humilty and repentance before we forgive them. We want them down a peg or two - at the very least, acknowledging that they know they did something wrong. But should we be waiting for or looking for that?
From a health perspective, studies show that people who forgive are happier and healthier than those who don't. A University of Wisconsin study found "the more forgiving people were, the less they suffered from a wide range of illnesses. The less forgiving people reported a greater number of health problems." (Dr. Robert Enright, Forgiveness is a Choice, American Psychological Association , 2001 ISBN 1-55798-757-2)
Therefore, waiting for an apology might not be in YOUR best interest. It might never come, and you will have wasted your life and happiness waiting for it.
For your own sake as well as the sake of people around you - Forgiveness is choosing not to hurt back, turning the matter over to God, and blessing the one who has hurt you.
Part III - How To: The Seven Promises of Forgiveness -
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Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Why Forgive?
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· It is only fair, since God has forgiven me of a much greater offense.
· I want to be forgiven by God.
· Forgiveness is a fountain of life and love.
· It brings great glory to God and joy to the heart.
- Because He said so.
God said it better than any man's lecture can:
Scripture: (NIV)
Genesis 50:17
'This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
Matthew 6:12-15
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.[a]' For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 18:35
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Luke 6:27-29
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Luke 6:36-37
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Luke 7:47
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
Luke 11:4
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. ' "
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
Matthew 18:21-22
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]
Luke 17:3-4
So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."
Luke 23: 34
Jesus asked for God's forgiveness of those who crucified him. "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'"
2 Corinthians 2:5-11
[ Forgiveness for the Sinner ] 5If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. 7Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Part II - What IS Forgiveness?
..
· It is only fair, since God has forgiven me of a much greater offense.
· I want to be forgiven by God.
· Forgiveness is a fountain of life and love.
· It brings great glory to God and joy to the heart.
- Because He said so.
God said it better than any man's lecture can:
Scripture: (NIV)
Genesis 50:17
'This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
Matthew 6:12-15
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.[a]' For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 18:35
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Luke 6:27-29
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Luke 6:36-37
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Luke 7:47
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
Luke 11:4
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. ' "
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
Matthew 18:21-22
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]
Luke 17:3-4
So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."
Luke 23: 34
Jesus asked for God's forgiveness of those who crucified him. "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'"
2 Corinthians 2:5-11
[ Forgiveness for the Sinner ] 5If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. 7Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Part II - What IS Forgiveness?
..
Sunday, April 26, 2009
How has God allowed you to serve others?
(1Timothy 1:12; thanking God for allowing you to serve in a specific way.)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
How has God been near to you?
(Times that you knew it, because if he hadn't been there, you wouldn't be here.)
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Describe gifts given you by God
- specifically given by God - couldn't have come from anywhere else, including spiritual gifts.(Creation and Salvation, and His personal closeness - are already said; think of something additional)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Catholic University Covers Up the Name of Jesus For Obama
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Georgetown University, a Catholic Institution founded in 1789 by the Jesuits, hid the inscription "IHS", (short for Iesous Christos - the Greek name of Jesus Christ) at the behest of President Obama's staff on Tuesday, April 14. Apparently, they didn't want Jesus' name to show up on TV during his speech.
Heaven forbid.
According to Fox News, White House staff asked the school to cover up all religious symbols and signs while the president was on stage.
The monogram, which is normally above the Gaston Hall stage, was covered over with what Fox News said appeared to be black wood during the speech
The White House said that the backdrop, which included blue drapes and American flags, was standard during policy speeches and other events. They insisted that the move was made only to provide a proper setting for the speech -- and said that "any suggestions to the contrary are simply false."
President Obama has stated many times that he is a Christian. All I know is, as a Christian;
#1) I am never ashamed of the Gospel.
#2) I cringe seeing someone cover up Christ's name in order to lift up his own. Has the President no humilty? Or is he like Kings throughout history that have been foolish enough to believe that their name and authority is bigger and more important than God's?
History time kids! - what happened to many of those foolish kings?
If Obama is a Christian, surely he has read and understands the spiritual consequences of pushing God aside in order to puff himself up.
.
Georgetown University, a Catholic Institution founded in 1789 by the Jesuits, hid the inscription "IHS", (short for Iesous Christos - the Greek name of Jesus Christ) at the behest of President Obama's staff on Tuesday, April 14. Apparently, they didn't want Jesus' name to show up on TV during his speech.
Heaven forbid.
According to Fox News, White House staff asked the school to cover up all religious symbols and signs while the president was on stage.
The monogram, which is normally above the Gaston Hall stage, was covered over with what Fox News said appeared to be black wood during the speech
The White House said that the backdrop, which included blue drapes and American flags, was standard during policy speeches and other events. They insisted that the move was made only to provide a proper setting for the speech -- and said that "any suggestions to the contrary are simply false."
President Obama has stated many times that he is a Christian. All I know is, as a Christian;
#1) I am never ashamed of the Gospel.
#2) I cringe seeing someone cover up Christ's name in order to lift up his own. Has the President no humilty? Or is he like Kings throughout history that have been foolish enough to believe that their name and authority is bigger and more important than God's?
History time kids! - what happened to many of those foolish kings?
If Obama is a Christian, surely he has read and understands the spiritual consequences of pushing God aside in order to puff himself up.
.
The Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts
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I) 1:5, "For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 7-8, "He said to them: "it is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
II) 2:4, "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." 14-21, "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: 'Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 32. "God has raised the Jesus to life 38, "
III) Acts 4:29-31; "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous sings and wonders through the name of your holy Servant, Jesus. After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."
IV) 5;3-4, "Then Peter said, 'Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit …you have not lied to men but to God." 9, "how could you agree to rest the Spirit of the Lord? Look.."
V) 6:3-4, "Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention for prayer and ministry of the word." 10, "But they could not stand up against his (Steven's) wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke."
VI) 7:59, "While they were stoning him, Steven prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
VII) 8:14-23, "When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria has accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit has not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the Laying o of the apostless hands, he offerece them money and said, "give me also this ability so that everyone whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin." 29, "The Spirit told Phillip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." 39-40, When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Phillip away and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Phillip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea."
VIII) 9:17-18, "Then Ananias went to the house and entered it., Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here - has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again."
IX) 10:19, "While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with then, for I have sent them."
X) 11:12-18, "The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved. As I began to speak, The Holy Spirit came on them as he has come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God? When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." 27-30 "During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. …The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul."
XI) 13:2-4, "While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus."
XII) 16:6-7, "Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "come over to Macedonia and help us. After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."
XIII) 19:1-6, "While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we haven not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit. So Paul asked, 'Then what baptism did you receive?' 'John's baptism,' they replied. Paul said, 'John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus. On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, they Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied."
XIV) 20:22-23, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." 28, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers."
XV) 21:4, "Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem." 10-11, After we had been there (Caesarea/house of Phillip) a number of days, a prophet by the name of Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and fee with it and said, 'The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over the Gentiles."
.
I) 1:5, "For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 7-8, "He said to them: "it is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
II) 2:4, "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." 14-21, "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: 'Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 32. "God has raised the Jesus to life 38, "
III) Acts 4:29-31; "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous sings and wonders through the name of your holy Servant, Jesus. After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."
IV) 5;3-4, "Then Peter said, 'Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit …you have not lied to men but to God." 9, "how could you agree to rest the Spirit of the Lord? Look.."
V) 6:3-4, "Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention for prayer and ministry of the word." 10, "But they could not stand up against his (Steven's) wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke."
VI) 7:59, "While they were stoning him, Steven prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
VII) 8:14-23, "When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria has accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit has not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the Laying o of the apostless hands, he offerece them money and said, "give me also this ability so that everyone whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin." 29, "The Spirit told Phillip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." 39-40, When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Phillip away and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Phillip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea."
VIII) 9:17-18, "Then Ananias went to the house and entered it., Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here - has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again."
IX) 10:19, "While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with then, for I have sent them."
X) 11:12-18, "The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved. As I began to speak, The Holy Spirit came on them as he has come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God? When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." 27-30 "During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. …The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul."
XI) 13:2-4, "While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus."
XII) 16:6-7, "Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "come over to Macedonia and help us. After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."
XIII) 19:1-6, "While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we haven not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit. So Paul asked, 'Then what baptism did you receive?' 'John's baptism,' they replied. Paul said, 'John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus. On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, they Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied."
XIV) 20:22-23, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." 28, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers."
XV) 21:4, "Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem." 10-11, After we had been there (Caesarea/house of Phillip) a number of days, a prophet by the name of Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and fee with it and said, 'The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over the Gentiles."
.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Holy Spirit in the Book of John
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I) 14:16-17, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth, The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." 26,"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
II) 15:26, "When the counselor comes, whom I will send to you form the Father, the Spirit of truth, who goes out form the Father, he will testify about me."
III) 16:13-15, "But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what He hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."
IV) 20:21-22 "Again Jesus said, 'peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' And with that, he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive then, they are not forgiven."
.
I) 14:16-17, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth, The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." 26,"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
II) 15:26, "When the counselor comes, whom I will send to you form the Father, the Spirit of truth, who goes out form the Father, he will testify about me."
III) 16:13-15, "But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what He hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."
IV) 20:21-22 "Again Jesus said, 'peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' And with that, he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive then, they are not forgiven."
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Sunday, April 12, 2009
He was pierced for our transgressions.
He was pierced for our transgressions.
He was crushed for our sins.
By His wounds we are healed.
He is coming again. Is your oil ready?
"Count it all Joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3
He was crushed for our sins.
By His wounds we are healed.
He is coming again. Is your oil ready?
"Count it all Joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3
Saturday, April 11, 2009
How to be a Close Family
Without true love for Jesus Christ - from the heart - we will never be a close family, because God is Love, and without God, what we call love is just a plastic imitation.
It doesn't stand up to any heat. We will not - can not - have true love without God.
May Jesus Christ do a mighty work in all of our hearts.
Lord Jesus, please do whatever is necessary to show us Your power and authority, bring us all to our knees in submission before You, and cleanse our hearts from sin. I ask this in the Holy name of Jesus.
Amen.
It doesn't stand up to any heat. We will not - can not - have true love without God.
May Jesus Christ do a mighty work in all of our hearts.
Lord Jesus, please do whatever is necessary to show us Your power and authority, bring us all to our knees in submission before You, and cleanse our hearts from sin. I ask this in the Holy name of Jesus.
Amen.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
David Wilkerson letter...
A message written by David Wilkerson, who wrote the book "Cross and Switchblade."
http://davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com/
Subject: AN URGENT MESSAGE
I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world.
AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.IT IS GOING TO BE SO FRIGHTENING, WE ARE ALL GOING TO TREMBLE—EVEN THE GODLIEST AMONG US.
For ten years I have been warning about a thousand fires coming to New York City. It will engulf the whole megaplex, including areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. Major cities all across America will experience riots and blazing fires—such as we saw in Watts, Los Angeles, years ago. There will be riots and fires in cities worldwide. There will be looting—including Times Square, New York City. What we are experiencing now is not a recession, not even a depression. We are under God’s wrath. In Psalm 11 it is written,“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (v. 3).
God is judging the raging sins of America and the nations. He is destroying the secular foundations.
The prophet Jeremiah pleaded with wicked Israel, “God is fashioning a calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh, turn back each of you from your evil way, and reform your ways and deeds. But they will say, It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart” (Jeremiah 18:11-12).In Psalm 11:6, David warns, “Upon the wicked he will rain snares (coals of fire)…fire…burning wind…will be the portion of their cup.” Why? David answered, “Because the Lord is righteous” (v. 7). This is a righteous judgment—just as in the judgments of Sodom and in Noah’s generation.
WHAT SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS DO? WHAT ABOUT GOD’S PEOPLE?
First, I give you a practical word I received for my own direction. Lay in store a thirty-day supply of food, toiletries and other essentials. In major cities, grocery stores are emptied in an hour at the sign of an impending disaster.As for our spiritual reaction, David says, “He fixed his eyes on the Lord on his throne in heaven—his eyes beholding, his eyelids testing the sons of men” (v. 4). “In the Lord I take refuge” (v. 1).
I will say to my soul: No need to run…no need to hide. This is God’s righteous work. I will behold our Lord on his throne, with his eye of tender, loving kindness watching over every step I take—trusting that he will deliver his people even through floods, fires, calamities, tests, trials of all kinds.Note: I do not know when these things will come to pass, but I know it is not far off. I have unburdened my soul to you. Do with the message as you choose.
God bless and keep you.
In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSONDW:
bbm 3-05-09 Here, in an earlier message, he's talking about the rough times coming up in America, not just economically, racially, and within the moral divide - but deeper down, between God's people (those that fear him) and non-God fearing people...
PRAYER IN TROUBLED TIMES
In perilous time like these, is the church powerless to do anything? Are we to sit and wait for Christ to return? Or, are we called to take drastic action of some kind? When all around us the world is trembling, with men’s hearts failing them for fear, are we called to take up spiritual weapons and do battle with the adversary?
The prophet Joel saw a similar day approaching Israel, one of “thick darkness and gloom.” According to Joel, the day of darkness that was approaching Israel would be one such as never seen in their history. The prophet cried, “Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come” (Joel 1:15).
What was Joel’s counsel to Israel in that dark hour? He brought this word: “Therefore…saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping and with mourning: and rend your heart and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him…?” (Joel 2:12-14).
As I read this passage, I am most struck by two words: “Even now.” As gross darkness fell over Israel, God appealed to his people: “Even now, at the hour of my vengeance—when you’ve pushed me out of your society, when mercy seems impossible, when humankind has mocked my warnings, when fear and gloom are covering the land—even now, I urge you to come back to me. I am slow to anger, and I have been known to hold back my judgments for a season, as I did for Josiah. My people can pray and petition for my mercy. But the world won’t repent if you say there is no mercy.”
Do you see God’s message to us in this? As his people, we can plead in prayer and he will hear us. We can make requests of him and know he will answer the sincere, effectual, fervent prayers of his saints.
David Wilkerson
http://davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com/
Subject: AN URGENT MESSAGE
I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to send out an urgent message to all on our mailing list, and to friends and to bishops we have met all over the world.
AN EARTH-SHATTERING CALAMITY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.IT IS GOING TO BE SO FRIGHTENING, WE ARE ALL GOING TO TREMBLE—EVEN THE GODLIEST AMONG US.
For ten years I have been warning about a thousand fires coming to New York City. It will engulf the whole megaplex, including areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. Major cities all across America will experience riots and blazing fires—such as we saw in Watts, Los Angeles, years ago. There will be riots and fires in cities worldwide. There will be looting—including Times Square, New York City. What we are experiencing now is not a recession, not even a depression. We are under God’s wrath. In Psalm 11 it is written,“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (v. 3).
God is judging the raging sins of America and the nations. He is destroying the secular foundations.
The prophet Jeremiah pleaded with wicked Israel, “God is fashioning a calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh, turn back each of you from your evil way, and reform your ways and deeds. But they will say, It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart” (Jeremiah 18:11-12).In Psalm 11:6, David warns, “Upon the wicked he will rain snares (coals of fire)…fire…burning wind…will be the portion of their cup.” Why? David answered, “Because the Lord is righteous” (v. 7). This is a righteous judgment—just as in the judgments of Sodom and in Noah’s generation.
WHAT SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS DO? WHAT ABOUT GOD’S PEOPLE?
First, I give you a practical word I received for my own direction. Lay in store a thirty-day supply of food, toiletries and other essentials. In major cities, grocery stores are emptied in an hour at the sign of an impending disaster.As for our spiritual reaction, David says, “He fixed his eyes on the Lord on his throne in heaven—his eyes beholding, his eyelids testing the sons of men” (v. 4). “In the Lord I take refuge” (v. 1).
I will say to my soul: No need to run…no need to hide. This is God’s righteous work. I will behold our Lord on his throne, with his eye of tender, loving kindness watching over every step I take—trusting that he will deliver his people even through floods, fires, calamities, tests, trials of all kinds.Note: I do not know when these things will come to pass, but I know it is not far off. I have unburdened my soul to you. Do with the message as you choose.
God bless and keep you.
In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSONDW:
bbm 3-05-09 Here, in an earlier message, he's talking about the rough times coming up in America, not just economically, racially, and within the moral divide - but deeper down, between God's people (those that fear him) and non-God fearing people...
PRAYER IN TROUBLED TIMES
In perilous time like these, is the church powerless to do anything? Are we to sit and wait for Christ to return? Or, are we called to take drastic action of some kind? When all around us the world is trembling, with men’s hearts failing them for fear, are we called to take up spiritual weapons and do battle with the adversary?
The prophet Joel saw a similar day approaching Israel, one of “thick darkness and gloom.” According to Joel, the day of darkness that was approaching Israel would be one such as never seen in their history. The prophet cried, “Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come” (Joel 1:15).
What was Joel’s counsel to Israel in that dark hour? He brought this word: “Therefore…saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping and with mourning: and rend your heart and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him…?” (Joel 2:12-14).
As I read this passage, I am most struck by two words: “Even now.” As gross darkness fell over Israel, God appealed to his people: “Even now, at the hour of my vengeance—when you’ve pushed me out of your society, when mercy seems impossible, when humankind has mocked my warnings, when fear and gloom are covering the land—even now, I urge you to come back to me. I am slow to anger, and I have been known to hold back my judgments for a season, as I did for Josiah. My people can pray and petition for my mercy. But the world won’t repent if you say there is no mercy.”
Do you see God’s message to us in this? As his people, we can plead in prayer and he will hear us. We can make requests of him and know he will answer the sincere, effectual, fervent prayers of his saints.
David Wilkerson
Monday, April 6, 2009
God
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For God so loved the world, That He Gave His only Begotten Son that whosoever Believeth in Him Should Not perish, But have Everlasting life."John 3:16
.
For God so loved the world, That He Gave His only Begotten Son that whosoever Believeth in Him Should Not perish, But have Everlasting life."John 3:16
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Stop Obama's Destructive Legislation
.
I recieved this letter from a friend today:
"I am sending this out to some people on my list who profess to adhere to Christian principles or those principles that are similar. As you know, America is in trouble. We now have an administration that is taking advantage of this economic crisis to fund social re-engineering projects under the pretense of “economic stimulus” with no financial basis from which to draw the money being handed out. We are seeing a huge percentage of funds in these early hand-outs going to efforts that will continue to erode the freedoms we now enjoy.
"I normally do not send out a petition like this. In fact, I am often skeptical of them or their effectiveness, but my mind is changing. We are called to peacefully petition our government for righteousness and justice. This is an opportunity. A simple signature on this petition is one more effort to accomplish that. And, passing it on to others you know with similar adherence to the principles of a limited republic established by our founders will allow them to express their position.
"Though we would like to separate abortion, the subject of this petition, from “the economy”, we cannot. And the administration is showing it will not. As Francis Schafer taught us more than 30 years ago, “Abortion leads to infanticide and infanticide leads to genocide.” It happened in Germany and is happening in America.
"With the unfolding of current events as rapidly as they are, this is our first step in resistance to evil. The next step is currently brewing around the United States. I am reading of “tea parties” (open resistance to this massive government spending and taxing) that are already scheduled in over 2,000 cities across the US for tax day, April 15. If we ignore our government‘s actions via methods like this simple petition, we will then be given the opportunity to also ignore the increasingly open rebellion that is brewing. It is best to peacefully resist in favor of freedom, always first and whenever possible. I fear that if we do not, we will be facing the same thing German citizens did prior to Hitler’s rise to power. That rise became unstoppable because the church not only stood aside but often endorsed Mr. Hitler’s philosophies and ultimately his actions of genocide. Few resisted and though there were others, Dietrich Bonhoeffer is the only name that comes to mind. Do I say genocide is coming to America? All I can say is that we are following the same trail and I believe we need to resist every attempt to take our freedoms away unless, like the German people and the illustrated frog in slowly heating water, we wake up one day seeing a cauldron around us and wonder whatever might have caused this?
"If you do not live in the States, I suggest you forward this on to those who you know do.
"President Elect Obama said during the campaign that one of the first things he wanted to do was sign Foca (Freedom of Choice Act) into law.
"Foca would lift all restrictions on abortions.It would force all faith based hospitals to perform abortions. Christian Doctors would be forced to do abortions even if they felt it was wrong, because it would now be law. The Parents of younger girls would not need to be notified. And lots more. We need to sign the petition against F.O.C.A.
Please go to http://www.fightfoca.com/ and sign the petition.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Russ Wahl"
.
I recieved this letter from a friend today:
"I am sending this out to some people on my list who profess to adhere to Christian principles or those principles that are similar. As you know, America is in trouble. We now have an administration that is taking advantage of this economic crisis to fund social re-engineering projects under the pretense of “economic stimulus” with no financial basis from which to draw the money being handed out. We are seeing a huge percentage of funds in these early hand-outs going to efforts that will continue to erode the freedoms we now enjoy.
"I normally do not send out a petition like this. In fact, I am often skeptical of them or their effectiveness, but my mind is changing. We are called to peacefully petition our government for righteousness and justice. This is an opportunity. A simple signature on this petition is one more effort to accomplish that. And, passing it on to others you know with similar adherence to the principles of a limited republic established by our founders will allow them to express their position.
"Though we would like to separate abortion, the subject of this petition, from “the economy”, we cannot. And the administration is showing it will not. As Francis Schafer taught us more than 30 years ago, “Abortion leads to infanticide and infanticide leads to genocide.” It happened in Germany and is happening in America.
"With the unfolding of current events as rapidly as they are, this is our first step in resistance to evil. The next step is currently brewing around the United States. I am reading of “tea parties” (open resistance to this massive government spending and taxing) that are already scheduled in over 2,000 cities across the US for tax day, April 15. If we ignore our government‘s actions via methods like this simple petition, we will then be given the opportunity to also ignore the increasingly open rebellion that is brewing. It is best to peacefully resist in favor of freedom, always first and whenever possible. I fear that if we do not, we will be facing the same thing German citizens did prior to Hitler’s rise to power. That rise became unstoppable because the church not only stood aside but often endorsed Mr. Hitler’s philosophies and ultimately his actions of genocide. Few resisted and though there were others, Dietrich Bonhoeffer is the only name that comes to mind. Do I say genocide is coming to America? All I can say is that we are following the same trail and I believe we need to resist every attempt to take our freedoms away unless, like the German people and the illustrated frog in slowly heating water, we wake up one day seeing a cauldron around us and wonder whatever might have caused this?
"If you do not live in the States, I suggest you forward this on to those who you know do.
"President Elect Obama said during the campaign that one of the first things he wanted to do was sign Foca (Freedom of Choice Act) into law.
"Foca would lift all restrictions on abortions.It would force all faith based hospitals to perform abortions. Christian Doctors would be forced to do abortions even if they felt it was wrong, because it would now be law. The Parents of younger girls would not need to be notified. And lots more. We need to sign the petition against F.O.C.A.
Please go to http://www.fightfoca.com/ and sign the petition.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Russ Wahl"
.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Is Your Family Crumbling, Too?
It has to stop. Everyone is angry at at least half the people in the house - and in that, blames those other people for all their unhappinesses.
As a result, the anger and unhappiness grows worse every week.
Few in the house want to take time to listen. The fact is, we've all been taught how to live in happiness and peace.
It involves taking our eyes off of those around us, and focusing our eyes on Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the only source of true Joy and Peace.
There is no perfect world. There is no perfect home. There is no perfect family. We aren't the best family, but we aren't the worst, either.
We are all irritating. But Kids - everyone in any family is irritating - there is no getting away from that no matter who you marry. Therefore, take every opportunity to learn how to live with and love irritating people. You're going to need the skill for your thje rest of your life - for your marriage, work and neighbors.
Look to God, Trust in God, Obey God. There is no happiness or peace outside of Jesus Christ. If God is putting extreme pressure on the family right now, it's for the purpose that we learn the things He wants us to learn. Praise God that He is giving us opportunities to learn to love and trust Him more.
Further, because God is our creator, everyone in a family has a purpose. This means that despite how angry we all are with each other, there is a reason for God having put us all together. No one is useless or unneeded. For every irritating, horrible thing that someone in the family does, there are also wonderful, beautiful things that that person does. But we have become so horribly critical of each other that we aren't seeing any of the beauty.
We can't survive as a family unless we start seeing what God has seen in each.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5
As a result, the anger and unhappiness grows worse every week.
Few in the house want to take time to listen. The fact is, we've all been taught how to live in happiness and peace.
It involves taking our eyes off of those around us, and focusing our eyes on Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the only source of true Joy and Peace.
There is no perfect world. There is no perfect home. There is no perfect family. We aren't the best family, but we aren't the worst, either.
We are all irritating. But Kids - everyone in any family is irritating - there is no getting away from that no matter who you marry. Therefore, take every opportunity to learn how to live with and love irritating people. You're going to need the skill for your thje rest of your life - for your marriage, work and neighbors.
Look to God, Trust in God, Obey God. There is no happiness or peace outside of Jesus Christ. If God is putting extreme pressure on the family right now, it's for the purpose that we learn the things He wants us to learn. Praise God that He is giving us opportunities to learn to love and trust Him more.
Further, because God is our creator, everyone in a family has a purpose. This means that despite how angry we all are with each other, there is a reason for God having put us all together. No one is useless or unneeded. For every irritating, horrible thing that someone in the family does, there are also wonderful, beautiful things that that person does. But we have become so horribly critical of each other that we aren't seeing any of the beauty.
We can't survive as a family unless we start seeing what God has seen in each.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Just Another Coincidence
Roland picked me up early at the bus station Thursday morning, we all went out to breakfast. After breakfast, we got back into the car, tired and ready to go back to bed. But the car wouldn't start. It didn't seem to be getting any gas, and then the battery began to die. While Roland was trying and trying to get it started, I tried to think of other things. And I prayed. While praying, I notice a man go into the restaurant. He was carrying a book. Roland tried the car again. The battery sounded near dead now.
What do we do about the car? We can't call someone from home to come help us in town. It's not even 7am yet! I went back into the restaurant, looked in the yellow pages and tried the pay phone. But none of the "service" stations I called actually come out and do service any more. That's what they told me anyway. So what do we do? I called another station. No one answered.
"Lord, why is this happening? You know Roland and I are both at the ends of our ropes already. Why add another thing? We're going to fall apart! Please help us get home."
In everything give praise. "Okay. I'm trying to sing that song, Rejoice, rejoice." Can't remember all the words though. "Rejoice, in the Lord...Rejoice, in the Lord..."
I stand in the restaurant and see a group of men at a back table. The man with the book is with them.
"Waitress, are they having a Bible study back there?"
"Yes."
Praise God! I walk back. Slowly and quietly though. I don't want to be a disruptive. At least, anymore than I have to be. Four feet from them, I stop and wait. One looks up, "Can we help you?" (Why do I always feel like crying at times like this?) (Don’t worry, I didn't. I just felt like it.)
I tell them our car trouble, and immediately two get up and come. They aren't able to get our car jump started though. There's something wrong with the fuel pump or filter, maybe. Maybe we need to call the dealer.
Okay. Then I ask, "Are you already through with devotions?"
"No, we've just begun. Would you like to join us?"
Yes. Roland and I say we would like to. So we went back in with them, and had a really great study. Roland participated in the discussion and prayed with them and it was great. (I also, actually, got a couple nagging questions answered. 2 Cor. 5:17, in the koine Greek, actually says BECOMING. NOT a sudden transformation. This was offered by one of the men without my even asking.)
The devotions over, a third man said he was going to look at the car. He even goes to his own car and gets coveralls. Another man brings a box of tools.
While they are working, I have further discussion with a fourth man in the lobby of the restaurant. He's a retired pastor. He tells me that just before I came in, they had finished reading the verses about gladly helping brothers that are in trouble. They had all thought it was pretty funny when I came in and asked for help directly after that.
Oh my. Oh My Lord Jesus, thank you.
A few minutes later, our car was running. It still needed a new part, but it would get us home. Seems like we just weren't supposed to leave that restaurant that day without getting our morning devotions done. It might still take awhile to figure out just why I came home early. I can think of lots of reasons, but don't know the Lord's reason yet. For that matter, it's going to take awhile to figure out what the whole Mexico trip was about. I'm suspecting that, as usual, there's a whole lot more to it then meets the eye.
What do we do about the car? We can't call someone from home to come help us in town. It's not even 7am yet! I went back into the restaurant, looked in the yellow pages and tried the pay phone. But none of the "service" stations I called actually come out and do service any more. That's what they told me anyway. So what do we do? I called another station. No one answered.
"Lord, why is this happening? You know Roland and I are both at the ends of our ropes already. Why add another thing? We're going to fall apart! Please help us get home."
In everything give praise. "Okay. I'm trying to sing that song, Rejoice, rejoice." Can't remember all the words though. "Rejoice, in the Lord...Rejoice, in the Lord..."
I stand in the restaurant and see a group of men at a back table. The man with the book is with them.
"Waitress, are they having a Bible study back there?"
"Yes."
Praise God! I walk back. Slowly and quietly though. I don't want to be a disruptive. At least, anymore than I have to be. Four feet from them, I stop and wait. One looks up, "Can we help you?" (Why do I always feel like crying at times like this?) (Don’t worry, I didn't. I just felt like it.)
I tell them our car trouble, and immediately two get up and come. They aren't able to get our car jump started though. There's something wrong with the fuel pump or filter, maybe. Maybe we need to call the dealer.
Okay. Then I ask, "Are you already through with devotions?"
"No, we've just begun. Would you like to join us?"
Yes. Roland and I say we would like to. So we went back in with them, and had a really great study. Roland participated in the discussion and prayed with them and it was great. (I also, actually, got a couple nagging questions answered. 2 Cor. 5:17, in the koine Greek, actually says BECOMING. NOT a sudden transformation. This was offered by one of the men without my even asking.)
The devotions over, a third man said he was going to look at the car. He even goes to his own car and gets coveralls. Another man brings a box of tools.
While they are working, I have further discussion with a fourth man in the lobby of the restaurant. He's a retired pastor. He tells me that just before I came in, they had finished reading the verses about gladly helping brothers that are in trouble. They had all thought it was pretty funny when I came in and asked for help directly after that.
Oh my. Oh My Lord Jesus, thank you.
A few minutes later, our car was running. It still needed a new part, but it would get us home. Seems like we just weren't supposed to leave that restaurant that day without getting our morning devotions done. It might still take awhile to figure out just why I came home early. I can think of lots of reasons, but don't know the Lord's reason yet. For that matter, it's going to take awhile to figure out what the whole Mexico trip was about. I'm suspecting that, as usual, there's a whole lot more to it then meets the eye.
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