Genesis 21:6
And Sarah said, "God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me."
Can you just picture the joy in this verse? I came across it while working on my copy of Genesis, and loved the sweet sweet sound of God making us laugh.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Say What!???
I copied this from Wikipedia after hearing it on KLOVE yesterday.
"In September 2008, the European Parliament deemed Mr. Clean potentially offensive, because his build might imply that cleaning can only be accomplished by a muscular man."
I'm sorry- But what warped reality are they living in?
And, ummm.. can I move there? ;-)
"In September 2008, the European Parliament deemed Mr. Clean potentially offensive, because his build might imply that cleaning can only be accomplished by a muscular man."
I'm sorry- But what warped reality are they living in?
And, ummm.. can I move there? ;-)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Matthew 25: The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Mat 25:1-Mat 25:13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish. They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
So, if you read Kari's comment, read on. If not, go here, scroll wayyyy down :-) and read it.
Here are the questions that came to me as I was reading her thoughts-- and I don't know these answers for sure, but it made me wonder, so you get to wonder too! And honestly, I don't consider the lamps or oil being symbolic or the point of the parable, so that isn't what I was thinking about.
1. Why does the bible refer to them as wise and foolish? Not just unlucky, but wise and foolish. Pretty strong words. (All versions I checked either used these words, or prudent in place of wise) (If you question how strong these words are, do a quick review of Proverbs!)
2. How does the response, "Verily I say unto you, I know you not," change how you view the virgins in regards to being foolish?
3. Do you believe that the virgins represent only believers, because they are all waiting for their bridegroom, or that they represent unbelievers and believers because the bridegroom says "I know you not?"
4. The word "watch" is translated according to the meanings "to watch, or give strict attention to, be cautious, active." Do you think this means "to be actively watching/looking for His return," or that "we should live our lives and just not fall away?"
Now, to reiterate: Please, if you are going to comment, pray and meditate on this. Don't just react. See what God is telling you!
And I am going to be guarded in what I allow commented. Different views are fine, but if anyone comes across as being negative/judgemental to someone else, or heretical(!) I will moderate. Thanks for your understanding!
So, if you read Kari's comment, read on. If not, go here, scroll wayyyy down :-) and read it.
Here are the questions that came to me as I was reading her thoughts-- and I don't know these answers for sure, but it made me wonder, so you get to wonder too! And honestly, I don't consider the lamps or oil being symbolic or the point of the parable, so that isn't what I was thinking about.
1. Why does the bible refer to them as wise and foolish? Not just unlucky, but wise and foolish. Pretty strong words. (All versions I checked either used these words, or prudent in place of wise) (If you question how strong these words are, do a quick review of Proverbs!)
2. How does the response, "Verily I say unto you, I know you not," change how you view the virgins in regards to being foolish?
3. Do you believe that the virgins represent only believers, because they are all waiting for their bridegroom, or that they represent unbelievers and believers because the bridegroom says "I know you not?"
4. The word "watch" is translated according to the meanings "to watch, or give strict attention to, be cautious, active." Do you think this means "to be actively watching/looking for His return," or that "we should live our lives and just not fall away?"
Now, to reiterate: Please, if you are going to comment, pray and meditate on this. Don't just react. See what God is telling you!
And I am going to be guarded in what I allow commented. Different views are fine, but if anyone comes across as being negative/judgemental to someone else, or heretical(!) I will moderate. Thanks for your understanding!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Comments on the Poll
I am just opening up this post to allow comments on the poll, and to say my piece quickly.
I really really enjoyed doing the discussion. I loved being challenged to find support or look deeper into what others were claiming. I normally am terrified of conflict, but God totally, through prayer, helped me to see that I should not be afraid of people disagreeing with me, but to welcome some fine tuning! And vice versa, that what He is teaching me is also good for others to glean from. We are all at different points in our walks with God, and "Scripture is alive and active" speaking to us where we are, making what we learn different, at different points. (Like for some reason, God just has me in an excited place about when Jesus is coming back-- and I wouldn't trade it for anything! But that doesn't mean everyone else is there too! Maybe He just knows I need some excitment in my cooking/laundry/dishes/cleaning toys day-to-day life:-)
Kari's comment that she would love to discuss other scripture's I used made me wonder if it would be fun to look at smaller portions together and share what God is teaching us. Personally, I found this to be so exhilarating that I would enjoy doing this. If I did, I would require that people commenting and sharing please do so prayerfully, and to meditate on the scripture to fully "get" what the Lord has for us. To share what God is teaching you is much more than just sharing what you think.
So anyway, let me know. And I will go by what the poll says, so make sure you vote :-)
I really really enjoyed doing the discussion. I loved being challenged to find support or look deeper into what others were claiming. I normally am terrified of conflict, but God totally, through prayer, helped me to see that I should not be afraid of people disagreeing with me, but to welcome some fine tuning! And vice versa, that what He is teaching me is also good for others to glean from. We are all at different points in our walks with God, and "Scripture is alive and active" speaking to us where we are, making what we learn different, at different points. (Like for some reason, God just has me in an excited place about when Jesus is coming back-- and I wouldn't trade it for anything! But that doesn't mean everyone else is there too! Maybe He just knows I need some excitment in my cooking/laundry/dishes/cleaning toys day-to-day life:-)
Kari's comment that she would love to discuss other scripture's I used made me wonder if it would be fun to look at smaller portions together and share what God is teaching us. Personally, I found this to be so exhilarating that I would enjoy doing this. If I did, I would require that people commenting and sharing please do so prayerfully, and to meditate on the scripture to fully "get" what the Lord has for us. To share what God is teaching you is much more than just sharing what you think.
So anyway, let me know. And I will go by what the poll says, so make sure you vote :-)
Like-Larry's Chicken Strips
I know, I am late posting this, as I promised it weeks ago. I just couldn't come up with a good picture! But this one is decent, barring Melia's bizarre smile.
This recipe is originally from over at Baker's Dozen. She has lots of recipes that I have tried and want to try-- fun kid friendly ones. Crepes are one of Melia's favorite breakfasts-- "the ones that roll up, mommy." I tried the chicken recipe because my friend Brooke said she did and "they taste exactly like Larry's, only baked!" So, I had to try.
Now, I have to relate to you the only other time I have ever tried to cook Larry's. (For those of you who don't know me, my siblings and I all worked at this little drive-in called Larry's that just plain has the best boneless chicken strips anywhere.) I was still living at home, and I bought all the ingredients, heated up the oil, and proceeded to catch the stove-top on fire. And haven't tried since.
But when I read through the recipe from Baker's Dozen, I thought, "that is almost exactly like Larry's." As the following: BD recipe- flour, beaten egg, bread crumbs. Larry's- flour, milk, cracker meal. Basically the same thing. So, my recipe: flour, milk, italian bread crumbs. (Because two giant jugs of italian bread crumbs at Costco is approx. $4.50)
When you bite into it the first time, you will notice the italian seasoning. Maybe even the second bite. If you're really into it, maybe the whole meal. But not one time after that! We are truly enjoying this frugal recipe-- and a cheaper option is to buy the fresh strips when they are on sale, and freeze them up. Locally, Food Pavilion often has them for $1.78/lb when you buy 10 lbs. And yea, 10 lbs is a lot, but when I was stacking them in my freezer, I appreciated that I had several meals worth stored! Oh yea, and to make them even more like Larry's cut the strips in two or three pieces so they're small and skinny, and then beat them a little when you are breading them :-)
And... for those of you who really wish they could find Larry's sauces, I included the ones we have in the picture. Longhorn BBQ sauce and Minors Sweet and Sour, both available at URM cash and carry in Sunnyslope. No, I don't know which ranch he uses, and the tartar is made from scratch. Hope that helps. Ask Darcy or Shaun if they know about the Ranch situation :-) Or better yet, maybe they will comment with an answer!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A Side Note
I just wanted to publicly thank all of you for your private phone calls and emails regarding the discussion we've had-- and by all means, if there is something that I say that you question or doubt, please let me know! commenting or emailing-- it is by challenging each other in love that we grow! And I do respect those of you who don't want to cause a fight on someone else's blog, thank you for that ;-)
I will say though, that email is best, because then I can think things through more thoroughly before responding, and not be so distracted by my little distractions! :-)
if you need it, smittenkennels @ gmail. com (remove spaces ) or pyro926 @ verizon. net
Thanks!!!
Edited: I am sorry if I came across as accusing certain individuals as starting fights-- this is not what I meant. I meant that I appreciated the courtesy you showed me by asking permission-- I do not mean that anyone is fighting. A healthy discussion is vital to our growth and fellowship!
Pro 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
I will say though, that email is best, because then I can think things through more thoroughly before responding, and not be so distracted by my little distractions! :-)
if you need it, smittenkennels @ gmail. com (remove spaces ) or pyro926 @ verizon. net
Thanks!!!
Edited: I am sorry if I came across as accusing certain individuals as starting fights-- this is not what I meant. I meant that I appreciated the courtesy you showed me by asking permission-- I do not mean that anyone is fighting. A healthy discussion is vital to our growth and fellowship!
Pro 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Should we study?
Now, because what I would love to help you to do, I also want to do: Challenge my beliefs. Why do I believe what I believe? How do I know that I know that I know? Because this is how faith grows, through testing. Let's grow, shall we? Grab a cup of coffee and a little chunk of dark chocolate, and settle in-- this is going to be good!
Why don't we start by working through what was discussed:
"Can I propose another option?"
Nope, once someone votes, I can't change it other than to delete it. Sorry.
He says no man will know the day or time. I don't know and I don't worry about it.
Let's look at these verses in context:
Matthew 24:36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." This is also repeated in Matthew 25:13 and Mark 13:32. But let's add a little more:
Matt 24:42-44 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
So it says. But it also says this:
1Th 5:1- 1Th 5:5 "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness."
Read it again and again, until you get it. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night for those who are in darkness; but we are not in darkness! We are sons of the light and the day! What joy! We can know, we can be watchful and not taken by surprise!!! If this doesn't blow your mind, ask Him to give you a fresh understanding!
We should never not be looking for it. Jesus told of the parable of the bridegroom who didn't recognize those who weren't prepared.
Matthew 25 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
13 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
There is significance to 'no man knows the day or the hour'
Great significance, in my opinion: It references one of the Feasts of Israel. No one knew the day nor the hour when the feast would start because it depended upon the rising of the new moon. The Hebrews would have men watching at all hours to make sure they didn't miss it!
We need to be studying what His word says and constantly looking.
Oh, the references I can give for that! I will try to limit myself!
Act 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
1Ch 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.
2Ti 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Hbr 4:12 For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Eph 6:14- Eph 6:17
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Here is what I base my belief's on: Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
This is a fantastic verse regarding our faith and what we should be concerned about-- Let's look at the whole passage.
Mat 6:25- Mat 6:34
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
My response to the use of this verse as a reason not to worry? Great verse, we shouldn't worry. Got it.
But let's look closer! Worry, by definition: to torment oneself, fret, anxieties, trouble, plague, uneasiness. By definition, I am absolutely not worrying about Christ's coming when I study it! Not in the least! I am so excited, so filled with joy that I can hardly contain it! Thinking that we might be mere months, weeks, days or hours away from meeting face to face my King so overflows my heart that I cannot help but pray, "Maranantha Lord JESUS! Come quickly!!!" In all truth, I have been known to pray "Lord, come soon, please, if you would, come now! I want to be with you!"
I also find the need to include this statement, because I believe it was given to me to say.
"Any verse that I am claiming as reason not to do what the whole of Scripture clearly instructs, I would need to prayerfully examine how the truth of that verse crosses over into every area of my life. If it did not ring true to my actively visible testimony, I am not using the verse as a testament of faith; rather, it is my flimsy excuse."
Now, more fun stuff that I just can't help but include!!!
This one shocked me as I was reading: It doesn't get much clearer.
1Th 5:19- 1Th 5:22
Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
do not treat prophecies with contempt.
Test everything. Hold on to the good.
Avoid every kind of evil.
Luke 19:41-44 "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you.”
Christ pronounced judgement because Israel did not know "this thy day;" He held them accountable to know the prophecies, specifically Daniel 9!
2Ti 4:8
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
This one better get your heart excited, for if we long for His appearing, it is stored up for us a crown of righteousness in heaven!!! But, as a word of caution, as Paul writes, crowns and rewards can be lost, so we need to be persistent in our longing :-)
Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'"
This is one of the Scriptures that God used to really light a fire under me-- more than anything I do not want to be nauseating to the Lord my God. I want to be useful, I want the small amount of time I am granted to count, not for my own praise or honor, but solely for His glory and the furthering of His kingdom.
I hope this has been fun for you, because it sure was a blast for me!!! What blessings we receive when we search the Word for the Truth! Thank you, Father, for this opportunity. I pray that it brings everyone who reads it closer to You, and that You exceedingly bless any further study that this encourages.
Why don't we start by working through what was discussed:
"Can I propose another option?"
Nope, once someone votes, I can't change it other than to delete it. Sorry.
He says no man will know the day or time. I don't know and I don't worry about it.
Let's look at these verses in context:
Matthew 24:36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." This is also repeated in Matthew 25:13 and Mark 13:32. But let's add a little more:
Matt 24:42-44 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
So it says. But it also says this:
1Th 5:1- 1Th 5:5 "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness."
Read it again and again, until you get it. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night for those who are in darkness; but we are not in darkness! We are sons of the light and the day! What joy! We can know, we can be watchful and not taken by surprise!!! If this doesn't blow your mind, ask Him to give you a fresh understanding!
We should never not be looking for it. Jesus told of the parable of the bridegroom who didn't recognize those who weren't prepared.
Matthew 25 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
13 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
There is significance to 'no man knows the day or the hour'
Great significance, in my opinion: It references one of the Feasts of Israel. No one knew the day nor the hour when the feast would start because it depended upon the rising of the new moon. The Hebrews would have men watching at all hours to make sure they didn't miss it!
We need to be studying what His word says and constantly looking.
Oh, the references I can give for that! I will try to limit myself!
Act 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
1Ch 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.
2Ti 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Hbr 4:12 For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Eph 6:14- Eph 6:17
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Here is what I base my belief's on: Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
This is a fantastic verse regarding our faith and what we should be concerned about-- Let's look at the whole passage.
Mat 6:25- Mat 6:34
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
My response to the use of this verse as a reason not to worry? Great verse, we shouldn't worry. Got it.
But let's look closer! Worry, by definition: to torment oneself, fret, anxieties, trouble, plague, uneasiness. By definition, I am absolutely not worrying about Christ's coming when I study it! Not in the least! I am so excited, so filled with joy that I can hardly contain it! Thinking that we might be mere months, weeks, days or hours away from meeting face to face my King so overflows my heart that I cannot help but pray, "Maranantha Lord JESUS! Come quickly!!!" In all truth, I have been known to pray "Lord, come soon, please, if you would, come now! I want to be with you!"
I also find the need to include this statement, because I believe it was given to me to say.
"Any verse that I am claiming as reason not to do what the whole of Scripture clearly instructs, I would need to prayerfully examine how the truth of that verse crosses over into every area of my life. If it did not ring true to my actively visible testimony, I am not using the verse as a testament of faith; rather, it is my flimsy excuse."
Now, more fun stuff that I just can't help but include!!!
This one shocked me as I was reading: It doesn't get much clearer.
1Th 5:19- 1Th 5:22
Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
do not treat prophecies with contempt.
Test everything. Hold on to the good.
Avoid every kind of evil.
Luke 19:41-44 "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you.”
Christ pronounced judgement because Israel did not know "this thy day;" He held them accountable to know the prophecies, specifically Daniel 9!
2Ti 4:8
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
This one better get your heart excited, for if we long for His appearing, it is stored up for us a crown of righteousness in heaven!!! But, as a word of caution, as Paul writes, crowns and rewards can be lost, so we need to be persistent in our longing :-)
Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'"
This is one of the Scriptures that God used to really light a fire under me-- more than anything I do not want to be nauseating to the Lord my God. I want to be useful, I want the small amount of time I am granted to count, not for my own praise or honor, but solely for His glory and the furthering of His kingdom.
I hope this has been fun for you, because it sure was a blast for me!!! What blessings we receive when we search the Word for the Truth! Thank you, Father, for this opportunity. I pray that it brings everyone who reads it closer to You, and that You exceedingly bless any further study that this encourages.
Yeah! Discussion!
I can't tell you how blessed I am that I am encouraging you to think.
Tomorrow: my (deeply prayerful) thoughts on the comment discussion regarding the ongoing poll on what we believe. (Because it's my blog, and I am choosing to use it to glorify Him, that's why! :-)
Tomorrow: my (deeply prayerful) thoughts on the comment discussion regarding the ongoing poll on what we believe. (Because it's my blog, and I am choosing to use it to glorify Him, that's why! :-)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Prophecy 101: Finished, and a new poll
It's funny, for one of the shorter classes, this has seemed harder. Probably because we had a shorter time frame to do it in, and I kinda cheated and listened ahead :-)
But I am done, finally. Now Gabe and I have to decide how we will go on with KI; whether both of us or just one of us to pay for the credits.
I am adding this poll because I am curious. It's not exactly "kosher" to talk religion :-) but I know or have gotten the impression that my extended friends and family have a myriad of beliefs and understandings. So, I am curious.
Let's see what shows up!
But I am done, finally. Now Gabe and I have to decide how we will go on with KI; whether both of us or just one of us to pay for the credits.
I am adding this poll because I am curious. It's not exactly "kosher" to talk religion :-) but I know or have gotten the impression that my extended friends and family have a myriad of beliefs and understandings. So, I am curious.
Let's see what shows up!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Albertsons This Week
Spent: $50.xx
Saved: $87.xx
******************************
The scary thing is, the regular price total for the food below was $137.52-- it was these kind of shopping trips, where I spent $60 on barely anything that made me want to understand this couponing + sales = savings!
Quick Breakdown:
They have their usual "buy $10 get $3 off" deal running, and I had a lot of coupons. I did the $3 off thing 7 times, plus I did the "buy $10 in pillsbury/yoplait, get free OJ" deal as well. Here's my scenario: Read on if you dare. It gets a bit mind boggling. Or at least I feel that way when I walk out of the store. Next time I need to make sure I cook brain food for breakfast!
Buy $10/$3 off deals:
(2deals) 10 campbells Select Harvest soups (5-.50/2 q's) = 10 soups for $1.15 each
4 Ronzoni Bistros (4-$1/1 qs), 1 Ken's Lite Salad Spray (1-$2/2 q) = $1 for these
1 Ken's Salad Spray (1-$2/1 q), 4 Birds Eye C&W frozen vegetables = $5 total
6 Idahoan Potatoes, 4 Daisy Sour Creams =$7
4 Motts Apple Juice (2 $1/2 qs) = $5
2 V8 Splash Juices (2 $1/1 qs), 1 Angel Soft TP = $5.02
2 Yo+ yogurts (2 $1/1 qs), 2 Pillsbury Pizza crusts (2 $1.10/1 qs) = $5.80, plus free 1/2 gallon OJ
Plus a few other things I bought because they were good deals, like the DanActive drinks-- I use the $1/1 coupons on them when they are on sale for $2, so then they are .25/serving, and the girls LOVE them.
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