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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Listen: DAY Twenty-Seven

Listen: DAY Twenty-Seven: " The First Book of the CHRONICLES ..."

DAY Twenty-Seven

                                            The First Book of the
                                               CHRONICLES
                                            King James Version
                                              HOLY BIBLE 

The books of First and Second Chronicles cover the same period of Jewish history described in Second Samuel through Second Kings, but the perspect of the Times." Chronicles wasive is different. These books are no mere repetition of the same material, but rather form a devine editorial on the history of God's people. While Second Samuel and First and Second Kings give a political history of Isreal and Judah. First and Second Chronicles present a religious history of the Davidic dynasty of Judah. The former are written from a prophetic and moral view-point, and the latter from a priestly and spritual perspective. The Book of First Chronicles begins with the royal line of David and then traces the spiritual significance of David's righteous reign.

     The books of First and Second Chronicles were originally one continuous work in the Hebrew. The title Dibere Hayyamim, meaning "The Words Events [accounts, events] of the Days. "The equivalent meaning today would be "The Events of the Times." Chronicles was divided into two parts in the third-century a.c. Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible (the Septuagint). At that time it was given the name Paraleipomenon, "Of Things Omitted," referring to the things omitted from Samuel and Kings. Some copies add the phrase, Basileon louda, "Concerning the Kings of Judah." The first book of Chronicles was called Paraleipomenon Primus, "The First Book of Things Omitted." The name "Chronicles" comes from Jerome in his Latin Vulgate Bible (A.D. 385-405): Chronicorum Liber. He meant his title in the sense of the "Chronicles of the Whole of Sacred History."

                                                            Day 27

                                                    Meditation of the day

We know God by spiritual vision. We feel that He is beside us. We feel His presence. Contact with God is not made by the senses. Spirit- consciousness replaces sight. Since we cannot see God, we have to perceive Him by spiritual vision. Many persons, through they cannot see God, have had a  clear spiritual consciousness of Him. We are inside a box of space and time, but we know there must be something outside of the box, limitless space, eternity of time, and God.

Prayer for the Day

I pray that I may have a consciousness of God's presence. I pray that God will give me spiritual vision.

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I Quilt and Sew for you contact Linda G. at a1itsinthebag@gmail.com 
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Monday, April 25, 2011

Day Twenty-Six

                                                       The Book of
                                                       NEHEMIAH
                                          King James Version Holy Bible.

NEHEMIAH, contemporary of Ezra and cupbearer to the king in the Persian palace, leads the third and last return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. His concern for the welfare of Jerusalem and its inhabitants prompts him to take bold action. Granted permission to return to his homeland, Nehemiah challenges his countrymen to arise and rebuild the shattered wall of Jerusalm. In spite of opposition from without and abuse from within, the task is completed in only fifty-two days, a feat even the enemies of Isreal must attribute to God's enabling. By contrast, the risk of reviving and reforming the people of God within the rebuilt wall demands years of Nehemiah's godly life and leadership.

     The Hebrew for Nehemiah is Nehemyah, "Comfort of Yahweh." The book is named after its chief character, whose name appears in the opening verse. The combined book of Ezra-Nehemiah is given the Greek title Esdras Deuteron, "Second Esdras" in Septuagint, a third-century B.C. Greek language translation of the Hebrew Old Testament. The Latinn title of Nehemiah is Liber Secundus Esdrae, "Second Book of Ezra" (Ezra was the first)/ At this point, it is considered a seperate book from Ezra, and is later called Liber Nehemiae, "Book of Nehemiah."

                                                   DAY 26

                                                Genesis 2 : 8

                              And the Lord God planted a garden
                             eastward in Eden; and there he put the
                                   man whom he had formed.

     The ground is so dry. Red clay dirt in this part of the country. Walking behind my tiller, dust flying in all directions.

     It's a job keeping my tiller up and running year after year. Draining the gas from it every Fall, so the gas does not set and become stale. Stale gas can gum up the motor. Every year making sure it has fresh gas and fresh oil.

     Tillers are expensive pieces of gardening equipment.

     Every year I start my tiller and put it into gear, walking behind it as it turns this red clay soil over.

     Thoughts of the perfect garden flow through my mind. Where am I going to plant my tomatoes, corn, okra, and beans. Remembering how nice the preceeding gardens have always been to me. I think every gardener likes to remember and to plan.

     It takes a good deal of planning to have the perfect garden. Do you garden?
Have you ever wondered what it was like for God when He planned the first garden?

     Eden, truly must have been perfect. Everything our Heavenly Father does is perfect and devine. Have you ever wondered what it must have been like for Adam and Eve to live in such a wonderful and beautiful place that was created by our Savior.

     God provides all of His children with what they need.

Prayer suggestion. As you walk through the beautiful grass take a real look at all that is and thank Him. Thank Him for the little things. Thank Him for the big things in your life.

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Thursday, April 21, 2011

Listen: Day Twenty-Five

Listen: Day Twenty-Five: " The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the THESSALONIANS ..."

Day Twenty-Five

                             The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the
                                       THESSALONIANS
                                King James Version Holy Bible

PAUL has many pleasant memories of the days he spent with the infant Thessalonian church. Their faith, hope, love, and perseverance in the face of persecution are exemplary. Paul's labors as a spritual parent to the fledging church have been richly rewarded, and his affection is visible in every line of his letter.
     Paul encourages them to excel in their newfound faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. He closes his letter with instruction regarding the return of the Lord, whose advent signifies hope and comfort for believers both living and dead.
     Because this is the first of Paul's two canonical letters to the church at Thessalonica, it received the title Pros Thessalonikeis A, the "First to the Thessalonians."

                                           Day 25

           May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may
                your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless
                          at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
                                                          1 Thessalonians 5 : 23

Plink! Plink! Plink! It's the sound a gardener loves to hear. Plink! It's like music to my ears and brings a smile to my lips every time I hear it. All the hard work and months of gardening--planting, weeding, harvesting-- are rewarded with that one sound. Plink!

"Plink!" is the sound a canning lid makes when the stock has been pressure cooked or canned for preservation. The "plink" tells me that the jar is sealed, and the food inside the jar will last for months or even years without spoiling.

Read today's Bible verse again. Can you hear a "plink"? It's the reassuring sound of God's promise--His promise to preserve us until Christ returns. Note the word BLAMELESS--not one tiny imperfection or blemish can be found on believers preserved in Jesus. That's because He took all our sins to His cross and buried them in His grave forever. Christ's resurrection preserves us even through physical death and keeps us safe until our own resurrection to eternal life with our Savior.

Completely forgiven by God's grace, preserved by His love and power, we eagerly look forward to our eternal life with Jesus in heaven. Plink!

Prayer suggestion. Kneel or sit before your Lord and King, Jesus. Praise Him for preserving the believers who have shared His message of grace with you in the past. Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you to share this same  saving message with others and preserve you until you greet your Master Gardener face-to-face.
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Listen: Day Twenty-Four

Listen: Day Twenty-Four: " The Book of Psamls King James Version Bib..."

Day Twenty-Four

                                                   The Book of Psamls
                                               King James Version Bible.

THE Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps most widely used book in the Bible. It explores the full range of human experience in a very personal and practical way. Its 150 "songs" run from the Creation through the patriarchal, theocratic, monarchical, exilic, and postexilic periods. The tremendous breadth of subject matter in the Psalms includes diverse topics, such as jubilation, war, peace, worship, judgement, messianic prophecy, praise, and lament. The Psalms were set to the accompaniment of stringed instruments and served as the temple hymnbook and devotional guide for the Jewish people.
     The Book of Psalms was gradually collected and originally unnamed, perhaps due to the great variety of material. It came to be known as Sepher Tehillim--"Book of Praises"-- because almost every psalm contains some note of praise to God. The Septuagint uses the Greek word Psalmoi as its title for this book, meaning "Poems Sung to the Accompaniment of Musical Instruments." It also calls it the Psalterium (A Collection of Songs"), and this word is the basis for the term Psalter. The Latin title is  Liber Psalmorum, "Book of Psalms."

                                                                Day 24     

                       Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the
                                   woods will rejoice before the Lord. For he is coming.
                                                                                Psalms 96 : 12-13

There's a sense of excitement and anticipation as harvest time nears. Days, even weeks before I plan to harvest from my garden. I begin to prepare. I collect my harvesting "tools"--like fabric sacks. Yes, I  said fabric sacks (bags). I use my large fabric sacks that I sewed 6 years ago during the cold winter months. I like to use my large fabric sacks when I pick fruits and veggies. When the apples or carrots are gathered in the sack. I can wash them outside. I can turn my sacks inside out, shake the dirt out, toss them in my washer and they are ready to go the next trip out to my garden or to the grocery store any where I need to carry extra storage with me. They save time and keeps most of the mess outside the house.

As harvest approaches, I also take stock of my pantry. I count and check canning jars, shop for freezer bags and canning lids, and clear my freezer and basement shelves to make way for the new harvest stock.

Getting ready for harvest time is necessary and exciting! Preparing builds my anticipation and heightens my sense of purpose and joy about gardening.

Psalms 96 reminds me of a different kind of harvest--the final judgement--when our Lord and Savior, Jesus, will return to judge the earth and take us home to heaven. You might want to read the entire psalm to catch the excitement!

One day the final harvest will come. What a priviledge it is that God invites us to have a part in the preparation for that harvest--Judgement Day. How does the Holy Spirit help us prepare? He gives us a sense of purpose--to share our faith with others. The Spirit gives us strength--to remain faithful to Christ no matter what happens. And the Holy Spirit gives us joyful anticipation--the sure knowledge that the eternal life in heaven awaits us and all believers in Jesus, our risen and reigning Lord.

Prayer suggestion. Ask your Lord Jesus to help you purposefully live today in preparation for His final harvest.

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I SEW Contact Linda G. at a1itsin the bag@gmail.com
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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Listen: Day Twenty-Three

Listen: Day Twenty-Three: " The Book of ..."

Day Twenty-Three

                                                         The Book of                  
                                                           PSALMS
                                           King James Version Holy Bible

The Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps most widely used book in the Bible. It explores the full range of human experience in a very personal ans practical way. Its 150 "songs" run from the Creation through the patriarchal, theocratic, monarchical, exilic, and postexilic periods. The tremendous breadth of subject matter in the Psalms includes diverse topics, such as jubilation, war, peace, worship, judgement, messianic prophecy, praise, and lament. The Psalms were set to the accompaniment of stringed instruments and served as the temple hymnbook and devotional guide for the Jewish people.
     The Book of Psalms was gradually collected and originally unnamed, perhaps due to the great variety of material. It came to be known as Sepher Tehillim--"Book of Praises"--because almost every psalm contains some note of praise to God. The Septuagint uses the Greek work Psalmoi as its title for this book, meaning "Poems Sung to the Accompaniment of the Musical Instruments." It also calls it the Psalterum ("A Collection of Songs"), and this word is the basis for the term Psalter. The Latin title is Liber Psalmorum, "Book of Psalms."

                                                                     Day 23

                                                          Those who sow in tears
                                                                Shall reap in joy.
                                                 He who continually goes forth weeping,
                                                           Bearing seed for sowing,
                                                Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
                                                        Bringing his sheaves with him.
                                                                              Psalms 126:5 - 6

You need more than seeds to grow trees--you also need patience and longevity. That's because trees are very slow growers. If I plant a small sapling today, even if weather conditions are perfect, disease and pests are absent, and the sapling itself is from healthy stock,I still may not live long enough to see that tree reach maturity.

Why then do I plant trees? Because I love them! I know how good it feels to sit under a tree's shade. I love hearing the breeze whisper through the branches. I appreciate the strength and solid rootedness a tree represents. Will I see my trees reach maturity? I don't know, but I intend to keep planting them!

The sower in today's Bible reading  isn't planting trees, but he demonstrates the patience and faith of a person who plants seeds of a different type-seeds of faith that are sown as the Word of God is shared with others. Even though the job sometimes brings the sower to tears, he nevertheless keeps on planting.

Where are you sowing the seeds of God's Word? At work? With family members or friends? Do you ever feel discouraged? Then why sow seeds? Why share God's Word? Because you know what it's like to be securely held in your Savior's arms, and you know love how the Holy Spirit whispers encouragement into your life. You've come to appreciate and depend upon your Father's strength and love. And you want others to experience all these good gifts of God, too!

Most of all, we keep sowing the seeds of the Word because God has promised a harvest:

                        [The LORD says,] My word... shall not return to Me void,
                                       But it shall accomplish what I please, 
                               And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
                                                                               Isaiah 55:11

Prayer suggestion. Pray today for people who need to hear and believe the Good News of salvation through Jesus. Pray for help in sowing, too. </145494>
http://a1itsinthebag.blogspot.com/, http://listening4u.blogspot.com/, http://www.orble.com/winning, http://lindagjehoich.blogspot.com/

I sew for You. If you have repairs that need mending or you want something new sewn contact: Linda G. at a1itsinthebag@gmail.com

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Listen: Day Twenty-two

Listen: Day Twenty-two: " The Book of PSALMS ..."

Day Twenty-two

                                                           The Book of
                                                             PSALMS

The Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps most widely used book in the Bible. It explores the full range of human experience in a very personal and practical way. Its 150 "songs" ran from the Creation through the patriarchal, theocratic, monarchical, exilic, and postexilic periods. The tremendous breadth of subject matter in the Psalms includes diverse topics, such as jubilation, war, peace, worship, judgement, messianic prophecy, praise, and lament.
     The Book of Psalms was gradually collected and originally unnamed, perhaps due to the great variety of material. It came to be known as Sepher Tehillim--"Book of Praises"--because almost every psam contains some note of praise to God. The Septugint uses the Greek word Psalmoi as its title for this book, meaning "Poems Sung to the Accompaniment of Musical Instruments." It also calls it the Psalterium ("A Collection of Songs"), and this word is the basis for the term Psalter. The Latin title is Liber Psamorum, "Book of Psalms."  King James Version, Holy Bible.

                                                           Day 22

                                                         Like a tree...
                                      That brings forth its fruit in its season.
                                                                              Psalms 1:3

Timing is everything. If you want to enjoy your garden year-round, plant the right types of flowers, trees, and brushes, and you can enjoy color in your yard from January to December and every month in between. Planting the right combination of vegetables at the right time can ensure garden-fresh eating for months!

The Bible verse for today reminds us that every living thing brings forth its unique fruit in its season-at the proper time. I wonder if the same holds true for the harvest of "fruit" in our own lives. Here's what I mean: When I was young, I wished I was older so that I could sing in our church choir.

About the time I was old enough to join the choir, I wished I could be a teacher in a Christian school. When I was old enough to become a Christian teacher, I dreamed about serving as a missionary. And on it went. As I continually looked to the future, I failed to act on current opportunities for service--the "here-and-now harvest."

Don't misunderstand-I think dreams and aspirations are fine. I also know that preparation and maturity are sometimes a prerequisite for certain types of service. But merely waiting for the right time might mean an opportunity lost forever. It's great to work toward a goal, but the Holy Spirit also wants us to be open to fruit-bearing opportunities all along the way.

Prayer suggestion. Are you waiting for a more opportune "harvest time" in your own life? Could God be opening a door for service for you today? Ask Him to help you see fruitful possibilities in your life right now.
</145494>  King James Version, Holy Bible

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Listen: Twenty-First Day

Listen: Twenty-First Day: " &n..."

Twenty-First Day

                                          The First Book of Moses Called
                                                         GENESIS
                                            King James Version, Holy Bible

The first part of genesis focuses on the beginning and spread of sin in the world and culminates in the devasting flood in the days of Noah. The second part of the book focuses on God's dealings with one man, Abraham. Abraham and his descendants learn firsthand that it is always safe to trust the Lord in times of famine, blessing and bondage. From Abraham...to Isaac...to Jacob...to Joseph...God's promises begin to come to fruition in a great nation possessing a great land.
     Genesis is a Greek word meaning "origin,"  "source,"  "generation,"  or "beginning."  the original Hebrew title Bereshith means "In the Beginning."
     The literary structure of Genesis is clear and is built around eleven seprate units, each including the word generations in the phrase "There are the generations" or "The book of the generations":  (1) Introduction to the Genealogies (1:1--2:3);  (2) Heaven and Earth (2:4--4:26);  (3) Adam (5:1--6:8);  (4) Noah (6:9--9:29);  (5) Sons of Noah (10:1--11:9);  (6) Shem (11:10-26); (7) Terah (11:27--25:11); (8) Ishmael (25:12-18); (9) Isaac (25:19--35:29); (10) Esau (36:1--37:1); (11) Jacob (37:2--50:26).

                                                     Twenty-first Day

                              While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest
                 cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night, shall not cease.
                                                                                   Genesis 8:22

Ever wonder why gardeners garden? It's a valid question-one I've often asked myself. Especially as I hunker down in the damp spring soil to carefully cull weeds that are nested between emerging seedlings.

Why garden? I wonder, as I pinch potato beetles and slap at mosquitoes that buzz around my head.

Why garden? is the question I hear in my mind as I wrestle my tomato plants into their cages or apply calamine lotion to my poison ivy spots.

Why garden? I ask, especially when my kitchen temperature tops 90 degrees as quarts of green beans sizzle inside the pressure canner, and I frantically search cookbooks for new ways to use up the never-ending supply of zucchini.

Most gardeners garden because of the harvest--fresh fruit, ripe from the trees; snappy vegetables, bursting with flavor; or beautiful bouquets of fragrant, homegrown flowers. It's the harvest. It's all about the harvest.

The harvest is a reminder of the cycle we call life. Read Genesis 8:22 once more. There is a sure and abiding comfort in this verse. It's a promise that helps keep me focused on the real reason for living-God is growing me for His harvest. There will be difficulties-summer, slugs, and sadness; winter, weeds, and worries- but as long as the earth remains and I have life, God will be with me.  Along with the cold, my Savior will provide warmth of His forgiveness and love. Nighttime won't frighten me, because I know that as  I sleep, my God will not. And in the end-the very end- God will gather up His harvest. It will be a great and joy-filled harvest of believers in Jesus, the Savior.

Prayer suggestion. Picture yourself in the final harvest of believers. Ask Jesus to help you live today with that final harvest in mind.   http://a1itsinthebag.blogspot.com,http//lindagjehoich.blogspot.com,http://listening4u.blogspot.com, http://www.orble.com/Winning

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Listen: Day Twenty

Listen: Day Twenty: " &n..."

Day Twenty

                                                         THE ACTS
                                                       of the Apostles
                                           King James Version Holy Bible

JESUS' last recorded words have come to be known as the Great Commissions: "Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (1:8). The Book of Acts, written by Luke is the story of the men and women who took that commission seriously and began to spread the news of a risen Savior to the most remote corners of the known world.
     Each section of the book ( 1-7; 8-12; 13-28) focuses on a particular audience, a key personality, and a significant phase in the expansion of the gospel message.
     As the second volume in a two-part work by Luke, this book probably had no seperation title. But all available Greek manuscripts designate it by the title Praxeis, "Acts," or by an expanded title like "the Acts of the Apostles.' Praxeis was commonly used in Greek literature to summarize the accomplishments of outstanding men. While apostles are mentioned collectively at several points, this book really records the acts of Peter (1-12) and of Paul (13-28).

                                                           Day 20

                                    The gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out.
                                                                         Acts 10-45

What kind of gift can you give your favorite gardener? Most gardeners enjoy receiving packets of seeds, bulbs, and plant containers. Tools are useful, as are getting books. But for something a little out of the ordinary, consider giving homemade, organic plant food, better known in gardening circles as "willow water."

For centuries, herbalists and gardeners have used this simple, homemade solution for propagating seedlings and stimulating growth in existing plants.

It's easy to make willow water, or willow tea, as it's sometimes called. Simply cut tender, new-growth stems and leaves from a willow tree.

Trim your gathered foilage to one-inch pieces, and place roughly three cups of the willow trimmings into a five--gallon bucket of water. Let the mixture steep for several days, then strain the tea--colored willow water into jars and refrigerate. This unsual gift is sure to please your favorite gardening friend.

Not many gifts are "poured out" before they become useful. But take another look at today's Bible verse. In fact, you may find it helpful to read Acts 10 in it's entirety. This section of Scripture recounts the apostle Peter's visit with Cornelius. As Peter preaches, the Holy Spirit is suddenly poured out on everyone listening--Jews and Gentiles alike.

Peter made himself available to the Spirit's leading. The Spirit, in turn, worked through the apostle's message to instill faith in the hearts of the many listeners. Many were filled with the Spirit and were baptized.

What do you think happened next? The Spirit continued His work-pouring out God's grace and mercy-through the words and actions of those new believers. And on and on...

Prayer suggestion. How can you better yield to the Spirit's guiding in your own life? What obstacles sometimes prevent you from passing on the Good News of salvation to others? Talk to your Lord about it.
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The Holy Bible.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Listen: Day Nineteen

Listen: Day Nineteen: " &n..."

Day Nineteen

                                                 The Book of
                                                      Psalms  King James Version Bible

 The Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps most widely used book of the Bible. It explores the full range of human experience in a very personal and practical way. Its 150 "songs" run from the Creation through the patriarchal, theocratic, monarchical, exillic, and postexillic periods. The tremendous breadth of subject matter in the Psalms includes diverse topics, such as jubilation, war, peace, worship, judgement, messianic prophecy, praise, and lament. The Psalms were set to the accompaniment of stringed instruments and served as the temple hymnbook and divotional guide for the Jewish people.
     The Book of Psalms was gradually collected and originally unnamed, perhaps due to the great variety of material. It came to be known as Sepher Tehillim--"Book of Psalms"--because almost every psalm contains some note of praise to God. The Septuagint uses the Greek word Psalmoi as its title for this book, meaning "Poems Sung to the accompaniment of Musical Instruments.; It also callls it the Psalterium 9A Collection of Songs"), and this word is the basis for the term psalter. the Latin title is Liber Psamorum, "book of psalms." King James Version... Holy Bible.

                                                     Day 19

                          How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
                                   ...With You is the fountain of life.
                                                                  Psalms 36: 7-9

The quiet bubbling of a garden fountain adds peaceful tranquilty to any garden setting.

That's what the newspaper advertisement proclaimed, but I needed no convincing. I'd dreamed about a garden fountain for a long time, and now seemed like the perfect opportunity to act.

I toured several garden shops and home-inprovement stores in search of just the right fountain for my yard. The longer I looked, the more confused I became.

Fountains, I discovered, come in all sizes and shapes. There are stark, sleek, modern designs, as well as elaborately detailed fountains. Animals and human forms adorn some, while other fountains boast of flowers and birds. Each fountain produces its own unique sound, as well--from gentle gurgling to fierce splashing--and every sound in between. Then there are pump sizes, water requirements, installation, and maintence considerations.

The complexity of choosing a fountain suprised me. I'm glad the fountain in today's Scripture verse is a lot simpler! Can you see the picture the psalms paints? God's love and kindness bubble into and over our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. His mercy and grace splash down on us, even though we've done nothing to deserve it. The fountain of eternal life never runs dry, it pours out in continual streams, over and over and over again. Day after day, minute by minute, the fountain pours down blessings--a deeper relationship with Jesus, our Savior, and a continual growth in Him, demonstrated as we serve others in self--forgetful love.

God's beautiful and enduring fountain--aperfect picture of His love.

Prayer suggestion. Think about the first time the fountain of God's grace splashed mercy down on you. How is the Spirit currently refreshing you? Praise and thank Him for His eternal fountain of love. </145494>

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Listen: Day Eighteen

Listen: Day Eighteen: " &n..."

Day Eighteen

                                      The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the
                                                        ROMANS       King James Version, Bible.

Romans, Paul's greatest work, is placed first among his thirteen epistles in the New Testament. While the four Gospels present the words and works of Jesus Christ, Romans explores the significance of His sacrificial death. Using a question-and-answer format, Paul records the most systematic presentation of doctrine in the Bible. Romans is more than a book of theology; it is also a book of practical exhortation. The good news of Jesus Christ is more than facts to be believed; it is also a life to be lived--a life of righteousness befitting the person, "justified freely by [God's] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (3:24).
     Although some manuscripts omit "in Rome" in 1 :7, 15, the title Pros Romaious, "To the Romans," has been associated with the epistle almost from the beginning.

                                                     Day 18

                  The love of God has been poured out in our hearts
                                          by the Holy Spirit.
                                                                 Romans 5:5

I love the taste of fresh, homegrown tomatoes. This hearty plant does best when its roots grow deep into the soil so it can tap subsoil moisture during the dry, hot days of summer. I've found that if I water my tomatoe plants in a normal fashion, the roots tend to grow near the top of the ground, rather than at a deeper, healthier depth.

To solve my "shallow root" problem, I use a rather unconventional method to water my tomatoes. Here's what I do: First, I throughly clean an empty 2-liter plastic bottle or milk jug. I polk several holes in the sides and bottom of the bottle and bury it (up to the neck of the bottle) beside my tomato plant. Everyday, when I water the garden, I fill the buried container with water. Droplets slowly seep through the holes all day long, keeping the roots deeply hydrated. The constant, steady watering seems to produce a much healthier tomato plant.

Constant, steady watering...hmm, maybe there's a lesson that all of us can learn. Could there be a way for the Holy Spirit to constantly refresh us all through our day? Consider:

--Reading our Bible during breakfast

--Hearing Christian stations programmed into your car's radio

--Glancing at an inspiritional calendar or notes on your desk at work

--Persuing a pocket-sized Bible in your purse

--Placing "sticly dots" on your computer and elsewhere as a reminder to invite the Holy Spirit's help and peace

--Listening to Christian music CDs as you commute/or exercise

--Meditating on the text of a Bible or prayer book on your nightstand

Prayer suggestion. What can you do to keep a continual, steady stream of God's Word working in your life through the Holy Spirit? Ask your Lord's help in adapting new "watering methods" in your life today. </145494> http:lindagjehoich.blogspot.com,http://a1itsinthebag.blogspot.com,http://www.orble.com/Winning

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Listen: Day Seventeen

Listen: Day Seventeen: " &n..."

Day Seventeen

                                         The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to
                                                           TITUS

TITUS, a young pastor, faces the unenviable assignment of setting in order the church of Crete. Paul writes advising him to appoint elders, men of proven spiritual character in their homes and businesses,to oversee the work of the church. But elders are not the only individuals in the church who are required to excel spiritually. Men and women, young and old each have their vital functions to fulfill in the church if they are to be living examples of the doctrine they profess. Throughout his letter to Titus, Paul stresses the necessary, practical working out of salvation in the daily lives of both the elders and the congregation. Good works are desirable and profitable for all believers.
     This third Pastoral Epistle is simply titled Pros Titon. "To Titus." Ironically, this was also the name of the Roman general who destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and succeeded his father Vespasian as emperor. King James Version, The Bible.

                                                     Day 17

                     According to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of
                 regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out
                              on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.
                                                                           Titus 3: 5 - 6

It's a gardener's dream--a slow, steady, soaking rain. The kind of rain that sinks in, rather than runs off. Rain that gently, but thoroughly, washes off the dust and grime from eve and makes each plant's colors more vibrant and beautiful than before. Rain that hits the earthry leaf, every petal, and makes each plant's colors more vibrant and beautiful than before. Rain that hits the earth with purpose, steady streaming down--deep down--to the roots of every garden plant. Life--giving, life--sustaining rain.

A steady, soaking rain--that's the picture my mind paints as I consider today's Bible verse. I invite you to step into the picture, too.

Can you see yourself? Hesitantly removing your shoes. Your bare toes stepping out onto the grassy garden path. Catching the clear, cool water drops with your tongue. Laughing as streams of mercy wash across your nose and cheeks. Twirling, then dancing in the rain--rejoicing in God's forgivness and grace. Kicking up water drops with joy, knowing that you are clean--righteous because of your Savior, Jesus. Jumping and splashing in water puddles with wild abandonment.

God, your good Gardener, sees you. And as He watches your joyful dance, He smiles.

Prayer suggestion. Write a personal prayer of praise to your Lord today. Thank Him for His gift of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus. </145494>

Monday, March 28, 2011

Listen: Day Sixteen

Listen: Day Sixteen: " &n..."

Day Sixteen

                                                     The Book of ISAIH

ISAIH is like a miniture Bible. The first thiry-nine chapters(like the like the thiry-nine books of the Old Testament) are filled with judgement upon immoral and idollatrous men. Judah has sinned: the surrounding nations have sinned: the whole earth has sinned. Judgement must come, for God cannot allow such blatant sin to go unpunished forever.  But the final twenty-seven chapters (like the twenty-seven books of the New Testament) declare a message of hope. The Messiah is coming as a Savior and a Sovereign to bear a cross and to wear a crown.
     Isaih's prophetic ministry, spanning the reigns of four kings of Judah, covers at least forty years.
     Yesha 'yahu and its shortened form Yeshaiah means "Yahweh is Salvation." This name is an excellent summary of the contents of the book. The Greek form in the Septuagint is Hesalas, and the Latin form is Esaias or Isaias.   King James Version Bible.


                                                         Day Sixteen

                                           You shall be like a watered garden.
                                                                   Isaiah 58:11

"Dry" didn't begin to describe the drought that plagued our part of the country for four--going on five--years. Car washing and lawn irrigation had long been banned in an attempt to keep drinking water supplies at an adequate level. Brush fires posed a constant threat. Weary weather forecasters seemed hopelessly apologetic as night after night they warned of continuing hot, dry conditions. And everyone hoped and prayed for rain.

Spiritual droughts can be even more devastating: times when gaping cracks appear in the garden of your soul, seasons when the scorching heat of disappointment makes your mouth go dry and your spirit shrive.

Perhaps you've survived a spiritual drought. Maybe you're in the middle of one now. In either case, this week's Scripture verse renews our hope. Just picture it! The Holy Spirit tends your soul like a good gardener--pouring out comfort, joy, and a veritable flood of promises that no matter what the situation, God's  love and care will never fail.

Prayer suggestion. Name and the doubts that keep your soul in "drought condition." Then take a moment to picture the Holy Spirit pouring down the water of hope into your soul. Thank and praise God for His power and love as you meditate on Isaiah 44:1-8.  Bible/Prayer  </1454947>

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Day Fifteen

                                           The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the                                                           EPHESIANS   King James Version the Holy Bible
EPHESIANS is addressed to a group of believers who are rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ, yet living as beggers, and only because they are ignorant of their wealth. Paul begins by describing in chapters 1 - 3 the contents of the Christian's heavenly "bank account": adoption, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, inheritance, the seal of the Holy Spirit, life, grace,citizenship--in short, every spiritual blessing. In chapters 4 - 6 the Christianlearns a spiritual walk rooted in his spiritual wealth. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus [1 - 3] unto good works,...that we should walk in them [4 - 6]" (2:10).
     The traditional title of this epistle is Pros Ephesious, "To the Ephesians." Many ancient manuscripts, however, omit en Epheso, "at Ephesus," in 1:1. This has led a number of scholars to challenge the traditional view that this message was directed specifically to the Ephesians. The encyclical theory proposes that it was a circular letter sent by Paul to the churches of Asia. It is argued that Ephesians is really a Christian treatise designed for general use: it involves no controversy and deals with no specific problems in any particular church. Some scholars accept an ancient tradition that Ephesians is Paul's letter to the Laodiceans (Col. 4:16), but there is no way to be sure. If Ephesians began as a circular letter, it eventually became associated with Ephesus, the foremost of the Asian churches. Another plausible option is that this epistle was directly addressed to the Ephesians, but written in such a way as to make it helpful for all the churches in Asia. King James Version...the Holy Bible.

                                                                 Day 15
                                           You were sealed for the day of redemption.
                                                                                  Ephesians 4:30

My backyard garden shed houses many unsual items-- homemade contraptions and remedies--that are perhaps unconventional, yet essential to my success in gardening. The nail polish is a good example. Nail polish? Yes, clear nail polish sits on a small shelf right above my gardening gloves and pruning snips. And no, the polish isn't used on my fingernails. I use it when pruning to seal completely the snipped plant stem. Applying the polish to the wounded stem provides an effective barrier that holds out pests and disease spores. The seal protects the pruning site and ensures the plant's recovery.

Today's Scripture verse offers a similar snapshot, taken in the garden of God's grace. As we come through a time of pruning--work challenges, health concerns, monetary worries, grief--we can be sure of one thing: God is with us. He seals and protects us from Satan's taunts. He guards our wounded spirits with the comfort of His Holy Spirit. He stands as our shield and defender against everything that might prevent our hurts from healing.

Jesus never leaves us to hang--exposed and vulnerable--to the dangers of despair. Instead, when God has confronted us in His Word or through circumstances, He draws us to repentance. He welcomes us home, welcomes us with open, gracious arms. Our wounds are bound up by His forgiveness, grace, and love.

Prayer suggestion. What sins have broken your heart? Don't let the hurt continue. Don't hold onto the guilt in a misguided attempt to make amends with your Savior or even God's forgiveness. Instead, let God bind up your broken heart and seal you forever in His grace. 

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Day Fourteen

                                                   The Epistle of JAMES      KJV.  Bible.

Faith without works cannot be called faith. "Faith without works is dead" (2:26), and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all. Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible. Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient. Faith must be there, but it must be more. It must be inspired action. Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that faith must manifest itself in works of faith.
     Faith endures trials. Trials come and go, but a strong faith will face them head-on and develop endurance. Faith undertsands temptations. It will not allow us to consent to our lust and slide into sin. Faith obeys the Word. It will not merely hear and not do. Faith produces doer's. Faith harbors no prejudice. For James, faith and favoritism cannot coexist. Faith displays itself in works. Faith is more than mere words; it is more than knowledge; it is demonstrated by obedience; and it overly responds to the promises of God. Faith controls the tongue. This small but immensely powerful part of the body must be held in check. Faith can do it. Faith acts wisely. It gives us the ability to choose wisedom that is heavenly and to shun wisdom that is earthly. Faith produces separation from the world and submission to God. It provides us with the ability to resist the Devil and humbly draw near to God. Finally, faith waits patiently for the coming of the Lord. Through trouble and trial it strifles complaining.
     The name Iakobos (James) in 1:1 is the basis for the early title Iakobou Epistole, "Epistle of James." Iakobos is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jacob, a Jewish name common in the first century.

                                                               Day 14

                                     No sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat
                                           than it withers the grass; its flower falls,
                                            and its beautiful appearance perishes.
                                                                               James 1:11

I'd forgotten. I was accustomed to living in Virginia, where lawns stay green year-round. So when our grass began to fade from its brilliant emerald to dull, yellow-green and then to brown, I panicked. I panicked until I remembered that in the Midwest, grass goes dormant in the winter as well as in the heat of summer. Dormancy-that listless, inactive, nongrowing season when extreme cold or brutal heat rob the beauty of a lush, green landscape.

Have you ever been tempted toward dormancy in your spiritual life? I have. The temptation comes when the heat is on and troubles that have been smoldering suddenly burst into angry flames all around me.

Or when worry's icy fingers squeeze my confidence so tightly that it shatters into pieces. These are times when I, too, am tempted to dr up-go dormant. God seems so very far away.

What does dormancy look like for a Christian woman? She stops going to church or goes only out of habit and shields her sooul so nothing of consequence can touch her there. She avoids faith-filled friends. She cancels her devotion time with Jesus. She slips quietly into the silent, spiritual desert, the icy polar cap, where nothing grows.

Our Savior, Jesus, promises in Matthew 10:22, "He who endures to the end will be saved."  What's more, Jesus makes enduring possible through the enabling strength of His Word. Christ enables us to focus on Him-- not on our circumstances. Jesus helps us focus on His power, instead of on our feelings. And while the world snickers at our faith, the Spirit assures us that the Lord is faithful. He will bring us through the toughest trails because He loves us with an everlasting love.

Prayer suggestion. When you are tempted to go to the desert or to go dormant, ask the Spirit in to remind you of the truth: God is faithful. He loved you to death in the cross of His Son, and He will not abandon you. Do you know someone who needs this kind of encouragement today? Ask your Lord to help you give it.   KJV  BIBLE

Friday, March 25, 2011

Day Thirteen

                                The Second Epistle of PETER...KJV  the BIBLE

First Peter deals with problems from the outside; Second Peter deals with problems fron the inside. Peter writes to warn the believers about the false teachers who are peddling damaging doctrine. He begins by urging them to keep close watch on their personal lives. The Christian life demands diligence in pursuing moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perserverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and selfless love. By contrast, the false teachers are sensual, arrogant, greedy, and covetous. They scoff at the thought of future judgement and live their lives as if the present would be the pattern for the future. Peter reminds them that although God may be longsuffering in sending judgement, ultimately it will come. In view of that fact, believers should live lives of godliness, blamelessness, and steadfastness.
     The statement of authorship in 1:1 is very clear: "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ." To distinguish this epistle from the first by Peter it was given the Greek title Petrou B, the "Second of Peter."

                                                        Day 13

                                    Grow in the grace and knowledge of our
                                            Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
                                                                          2 Peter 3:18

Fungus, Gophers, Persistent weeds. These are a few of the pests that drive me to my gardening books or horticultural Web sites. I admit, when my gardening goes smoothly, I seek the experts advice less frequently. When my efforts fail--then I look for help. I'd no doubt be a much better gardener if I studied my horticultural books more often.

It sometimes reminds me of my spiritual life. When my life pleasantly passes from one sunny day to the next, I seek my Lord less...read my Bible less frequently...attend Bible study with less enthusiam...and my prayer life diminishes. But if disaster strikes--sickness, loss of job, or other calamity--I'm driven to my Lord, often accompanied by a sense of deperation. I know this isn't the way my Savior wants our relationship to function.

It's important to understand that God doesn't zap people with diseases or disaster. It's against His loving nature. He loves us. Always. He's on our side. Forever. The reality is that we live in a world sick with sin and its consequences. We will inevitably face hardships in this life, but that doesn't mean God causes them. Instead, He intends to help us in them and bring us through them.

Our gracious Lord is powerful enough to deflect every trouble that heads our direction. Why doesn't He? Because He knows the challenges will lead us and sometimes even drive us to His Word--where God can show us our sin, assure us of His forgiveness, and empower us to change. God's Word also nourishes our relationship with Him so that we can truly grow in grace and a deeper understanding of His love.

God also "prunes" us with good times. His abundant blessings fill our hearts with incredible joy, and we seek Him with thankfulness and wonder at His love. The Spirit works through every circumstance--good or bad--to draw us ever closer to His heart of love.

Prayer suggestion. How might your life change if you truly believe that God is on your side no matter what your outward circumstances? Ask Jesus to plant that knowledge in your heart today and help you grow in His grace forever.  </1454947>  http://lindagjehoich.blogspot.com,http//a1itsinthebag.blogspot.com,http://www.orble.com/winning

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Listen: Day Twelve

Listen: Day Twelve: " &n..."

Day Twelve

                              The Book of Proverbs...King James Version of the Bible.

The key word in Proverbs is wisdom, "the ability to live life skillfully." A godly life in an ungodly world, however, is no simple assignment. Proverbs provides God's detail instructions for His people to deal successfully with the practical affairs of everyday life: how to relate to God, parents, children, neighbors, and government. Solomon, the principal author, uses a combination of poetry, parables, pithy questions, short stories, and wise maxims to give in strikingly memorable form the common sense and devine perspective necessary to handle life's issues.
     Because Solomon, the prinnacle of Isreal's wise men, was the principal contributor, the Hebrew title of this book is Mishle Shelomoh, "Proverbs of Solomon" (1:1). The Greek title is Puroimial Salomontos. "Proverbs of Solomon." The Latin title Liber Proverbiorum, "Book of Proverbs," combines the word pro "for" and verba "words" to describe the way the proverbs concentratr many words into a few. The rabbinical writings called Proverbs Sepher Hokhmch, "Book of Wisdom." KJV. Bible.

                                                                Day Twelve

                                           Do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
                                                       Nor detest His correction;
                                               For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
                                           Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
                                                                              Proverbs 3: 11-12

From all outward appearances the evergreen bushes looked fine. Healthy- looking green needles formed a dense, seamless hedge in front of our home. But looks can be deceiving. Under all that lush exterior, the inside of our hedge was a tangled, dying mass of overcrowded limbs and deadwood from broken branches.

Most landscape gardeners know that evergreen hedges and other shrubs need adequate light and air throughout all of the branches in order to grow and thrive. Without the necessary air and light, plants will literally die from the inside out. Careful pruning-thinning the interior branches- help to ensure the plant's health and vitality.

I have to admit that there are times when I resemble those dead-on-the-inside hedges. From all outward appearances, my life looks fine. But inside--down deeply in my soul- I feel suffocated, even dead. All my busy external service blocks the cool, refreshing breeze of the Spirit and the life-giving light of Christ. And that's when God, the good gardener, steps in with His pruning tools.
 allows sickness, financial calamity, relationship challenges, and other hardships to carefully cut away our deadwood. It's important to remember that God allows these things because He loves us. He intends that hardships drive us to His Word, where He can comfort, refresh, and strengthen us, helping us to see more clearly His priorities for our lives.

Read today's Scripture verses once more. Read them again, out loud. Do you see it? hear it? really believe it/ God loves you. He delights in you. Most of all, He knows you-like a father knows his son-He knows what's best for you. And sometimes what's best is pruning.

Prayer suggestion. How has God "pruned" you in the past> How did that experience hack away at spiritual deadwood? How did the Holy Spirit refresh your soul in and after that experience? Do you know someone who faces difficult challenges today? Pray that the Holy Spirit's cool breeze will refresh and encourage that person to grow stronger in faith and closer to Jesus, our Savior. </145494> </listening4u> http://lindagjehoich.blogspot.com,http//a1itsinthebag.blogspot.com,http://www.orble.com/winning, http://listening4u.blogspot.com/   

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Listen: Day Eleven

Listen: Day Eleven: " &n..."

Listen: Day Eleven

Listen: Day Eleven: " &n..."

Day Eleven

                               The Fifth Book of Moses Called DEUTERONOMY

DEUTERONOMY, Moses' "Upper Desert Discourse," consists of a series of farewell messages by Isreal's 120- year-old leader. It is addressed to the new generation of destined to possess the Lord of Promise--those who survived the forty years of wilderness wandering.
     Like Leviticus, Deuteronomy contains a vast amount of legal detail, but its emphasis is on the laymen rather than the priests. Moses reminds the new generation of the importance of obedience if they are to learn from the sad example of their parents.
     The Hebrew title Deuteronomy is Haddebharim, "The Words," taken from the opening phrase in 1:1, "These be the words." The parting words of Moses to the new generation are given in oral and written form so that they will endure to all generations. Deuteronomy has been called "five-fifths of the Law" since it completes the five books of Moses. The Jewish people have also called it Mishneh Hattorah, "Repetition of the Law" which is translated in the Septuagint as to Deuteronomy Touto, "This Second Law." Deuteronomy, however, is not a second law but an adaptation and expansion of much of the original law given on Mount Sinai. The English title comes from the Greek title Deuteronomion, "Second Law." Deuteronomy has also been appropriately called the "Book of Remembrance."  King James Version--Bible.

                                                               Day Eleven

                                                [God] fed you in the wilderness...
                                         that He might test you, to do good in the end.
                                                                                    Deuteronomy 8: 16

My grandmother grew beautiful roses. They trailed up and over a white trellis that framed the view into her vegetable garden. I can still smell those wonderful old-fashioned roses in my memory. Just two steps out Grandma's back door, the heady rose fragrance rushed up to greet you. I sometimes liked to sit beneath the trellis and attempt to count all the blooms. It seemed impossible that so many flowers could grow in one place. It was glorious!

Given my feelings about the roses, you can imagine my suprise one day in early spring when I saw Grandma heading toward the roses with pruning clippers. I watched from a safe distance. I'd never seen this side of Grandma. She loved her flowers, didn't she? I mean, this is the woman who sang to her houseplants to make sure they stayed happy. What could she be thinking of doing with those clippers?

You probably know--especially if you grow roses. Grandma's pruning helped the roses stay healthy, helped them continue to grow the way she wanted them to--up over the trellis. I was very suprised to learn from Grandma that pruning was also what caused the plants to bloom so profusely! In the end, I learned that pruning was a good thing for roses.

And not just roses either. Pruning, or testing, is good for Christians, too, especially when a loving God holds the pruning tool in His gracious hand. Pruning doesn't always seem good--especially when you're going through a difficult time of testing. What matters is that in the end, God has promised to accomplish something productive in us--a stronger faith, a change of heart, a deeper walk in our love relationship with Jesus.

Prayer suggestion. If God has brought you to a difficult time of testing, thank Him for loving you enough to guide you closer  to Him and helping you to bloom even more than before!  </145494> </listen>

Monday, March 21, 2011

Day Ten

                                                  The Book of Psalms

The Book of Psalms is the largest and perhaps most widely used book in the Bible. It explores the full range of human experience in a very personal and practical way. Its 150 "songs" run from the Creation through the patriarchal, theocratic, monarchical, exilic, and postexilic periods. The tremendous breadth of subject matter in the Psalms includes diverse topics, such as jubilation, war, peace, worship, judgement, messianic prophecy, praise, and lament. The Psalms were set to the accompaniment of stringed instruments and served as the temple hymnbook and devotional guide for the Jewish people.
     The Book of Psalms was gradually collected and originally unnamed, perhaps due to the great variety of material. It came to be known as Sepher Tehillim--"Book of Praises"--because almost every psalm contains some note of praise to God. The Septuagint uses the Greek word Psalmoi as its title for this book, meaning "Poems Sung to the Accompaniment of Musical Instruments." It also calls it the Psalterium ("A Collection of Songs"), and this word is the basis for the term Psalter. The Latin title is Liber Psalmorum, "Book of Psalms."

                                                                     Day Ten

                               One generation shall commend your works to another.
                                                                     Psalm 145: 4

Some plants go in and out of style much like colors in home decor or clothing fashion. Take for instance, hens and chicks (Sempervivum). Thissucculent, very popular in early European times, came into vogue again during our country's "disco era." Hens and chicks , known for its hardiness and versatility, could be planted as groundcover. It could grow indoors as a houseplant. Now it has fallen out of favor again--perhaps because of its amazing ability to reproduce. And reproduce. And reproduce!

 In a back corner of my gardening shed not long ago, I found the planter I used for hens and chicks when my children were young. Smilling with memories, I gently rubbed years of grime off the unique planter--a strawberry pot. Of medium size, the pot has five small pockets that protrude at equally spaced intervals all around the outside of the planter.

The hen, or mature plant, is usually planted in the middle of the pot. With a little care and good drainage, the hen soon sprouts little chicks--small replicas of herself. These chicks appear inside the pockets of the planter, and because of the unique design of the strawberry pot, when you water the hen, water runs down through the pockets to water the chicks, as well.

 What a great illustration of God's continual grace the Sempervivum is! Semper means "always"; vivo means "i live." Jesus died for us and was raised from the dead, never to die again. He lives forever, and He continually gives the new life of faith to people, one generation after the next, pouring out the life--giving Word from mother to daughter, daughter to grandchild, grandchild to great grandchild, all the while nurturing faith through that same powerful Word.

As you complete this week's topic, "Nutured by Grace," take a moment to reflect:

--Can you name three people who have shared God's grace with you?
How might you thank them or honor their memory?
--Can you think of two or three people you yourself might encourage today with the Good News of God's grace, His  undeserved love in the Crucified One? Find a way to do it!

Prayer suggestion. Pray Psalms 145 aloud as a prayer of praise to your Lord. </145494> </TruthinThinking> 


One generation shall commend your works to another.

Day Nine

Lets go to the Bible-King James Version to see what's going on with John in The Second Epistle of John.

                                                         The Second Epistle of John

Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10: 12). These words of the apostle Paul could well stand as a subtitle for John's little epistle. The recipients, a chosen lady and her children, were obvisiously standing. They were walking in truth, remaining faithful to the commandments they had received from the Father. John is deeply pleased to be able to commend them. But he takes nothing for granted. Realizing that standing is just one step removed from falling, he hesitates not at all to issue a reminder: "love one another" (v.5). The apostle admits that this is not new revelationn, but he views it sufficiently important to repeat. Loving one another, he stresses, is equivalent to walking according to God's commandments.
     John indicates, however, that this love must be discerning. It is not a naive, unthinking, open to anything and anyone kind of love. Biblical love is a matter of choice; it is dangerous and foolish to float through life with undiscerning love. False teachers abound who do not acknowledge Christ as having come in the flesh. It is false charity to open the door to false teaching. We must have fellowship with God. We must have fellowship with Christians. But we must not have fellowship with false teachers.
     The "elder" of verse 1 has been traditionally identified with the apostle John, resulting in the Greek title Ioannou B, the "Second of John."

                                                                     Day 9

                          (Jesus said,) "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot
                                         bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine,
                                             neither can you, unless you abide in Me."
                                                                             John 15:4

With plants, positioning is critical. If a shrub requires partial shade, you dare not plant it in the full sunshine. If a certain flower variety needs full sun, that's where you must plant it -- not in a spot that's shady during most of the afyernoon.

I learned this important gardening rule the hard way. When I first began to garden, I ignored the planting instructions that came with the flower or shrubs from my local nursery. I put new houseplants wherver I felt they made my living room look best, rather than near the window where they could get the correct amount of sunlight. You can probably guess what happened--the plants suffered and sometimes even died.

An experienced gardener appreciates and respects the power of the sun. An experienced Christian appreciates the power of the Son, too. (Pardon the pun!) In our Scripture reading for today, Jesus reminds us to abide in Him, to remain close to Him in His Word, so that He can best nurture our souls. When we abide in Him, we set roots down deep and draw up the water and nutrients that nourish our spiritual lives.

Can you remember times in your faith walk when you didn't want to follow God's directions for "Son light"? I can. I distinctly remember times when what other people thought of me or my position on the  social ladder mattered more than staying in the "Son shine." Praise Jesus that His mercy and grace never stop shining. The Bible says that His kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). When we see our misplaced priorities, our rebellion, and our willfulness, and confess these sins, that same grace welcomes us back into the "Son shine" again.

Prayer suggestion. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal more to you about the security that comes from His unconditional love. Then think of a way to share His grace with someone who needs special encouragement today.