We will get back to Corinthians soon enough. Today's thought is from Exodus. From my morning devotion:
Exodus 25:9...Exodus 27:19 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it. Exodus 27:19 All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass.
When you read through the Bible some things are obvious and others are painfully obvious. He takes three chapters to explain in detail just what the tabernacle is supposed to look like. We think that we can live our lives whatever way we want and God will be pleased.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
The way you're going is not good enough. Living by your own wisdom is not pleasing in God's eyes. Following your heart is not an option.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
What are God's plans for your life. They will be far better than the plans you have for yourself. He has plans for you before you were even born. Live you life for him.
Heavenly Father, conform us to the thought you have of us. Remake us in the image of your Son. Show us what your plans are. In Jesus name, amen.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Morning Meditations: Introducing the Corinthians
I'm going to do something a little different for a while. Considering the day we live in, it's appropriate to take a little extra time with the books of Corinthians. We live in a day of denominations and divisions. A day when we idolize our spiritual leaders, put them on a pedestal, much like the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
I'm going to take as long as I need to deal with the doctrinal issues of the day and apply it to modern church problems. It is my hope that through the study of the Corinthians we can come to the truth of the Bible.
Romans 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Amen! This study will hold up the Word of God as the standard. The traditions of men will be examined and what doesn't hold truth will be discarded. We will let the Bible define it's own terms.
Heavenly Father, help us to unite under your banner. We will hold nothing but your Holy Word as true. We submit ourselves to your command. In Jesus name, amen.
1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
I'm going to take as long as I need to deal with the doctrinal issues of the day and apply it to modern church problems. It is my hope that through the study of the Corinthians we can come to the truth of the Bible.
Romans 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Amen! This study will hold up the Word of God as the standard. The traditions of men will be examined and what doesn't hold truth will be discarded. We will let the Bible define it's own terms.
Heavenly Father, help us to unite under your banner. We will hold nothing but your Holy Word as true. We submit ourselves to your command. In Jesus name, amen.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Morning Meditations: Good & Evil
From my morning devotion:
Romans 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
God, writing through Paul said that he would would have us wise concerning that which is good. He wants us to know little about that which is evil. How does that look in practical life?
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
What do you think about? Is it things that you can admit and still have a good testimony? We must get control of our thought life! We must consider those things which are positive, true and honest.
Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
What are you setting before your eyes? What are you looking at? What are you listening to? Could they be qualified as good or evil? What is cleaving to you? What are you obsessed with? I can guarantee if it's not of God, it's evil.
Heavenly Father, help us to cleave to you. Help us to make the hard decisions in our lives. Keep our minds pure and our hearts clean. In Jesus name, amen.
Romans 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
God, writing through Paul said that he would would have us wise concerning that which is good. He wants us to know little about that which is evil. How does that look in practical life?
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
What do you think about? Is it things that you can admit and still have a good testimony? We must get control of our thought life! We must consider those things which are positive, true and honest.
Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
What are you setting before your eyes? What are you looking at? What are you listening to? Could they be qualified as good or evil? What is cleaving to you? What are you obsessed with? I can guarantee if it's not of God, it's evil.
Heavenly Father, help us to cleave to you. Help us to make the hard decisions in our lives. Keep our minds pure and our hearts clean. In Jesus name, amen.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Time Waster: Honking Pumkin
Here's one way to keep kids off your porch this year. If he'd just add a motion sensor to the thing, it'd be perfect:
Honking Pumkin
Honking Pumkin
Morning Meditations: Hope
From my morning devotion:
Romans 15:3-4 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
also:
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
You must be justified by grace through faith. Don't think that you can do it on your own. You can never do enough good to get God to give you his grace.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Over and over again, throughout the New Testament, God speaks of having hope. We can have hope that when we die, we can go to heaven. Hope that the suffering of this life will eventually lead somewhere better.
Heavenly Father, give us true hope. Help us to trust in you alone for our salvation. Allow us to see life through your eyes. In Jesus name, amen.
Romans 15:3-4 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
also:
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
You must be justified by grace through faith. Don't think that you can do it on your own. You can never do enough good to get God to give you his grace.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Over and over again, throughout the New Testament, God speaks of having hope. We can have hope that when we die, we can go to heaven. Hope that the suffering of this life will eventually lead somewhere better.
Heavenly Father, give us true hope. Help us to trust in you alone for our salvation. Allow us to see life through your eyes. In Jesus name, amen.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
DIY Saturday: Make Your Own Rolling Toolbox
Here’s a project that tarts up a dresser into a passable tool chest. Using casters, modern drawer pulls and a tidy paint job, they turn a nasty old dresser into something presentable. It’s nowhere near as slick as the commercial units…no ball bearing glides, not chemical resistant, and your macho grease monkey friends will just roll their eyes…but if you’d rather spend your hard-earned money on more and better tools than a pretty box to put them in, this might be just the thing. From across the room, you’d hardly know the difference.A good tool chest will include several shallow drawers so that all the tools are visible at a glance and not buried in a jumble. If searching for a piece of furniture to re-use, look for something with multiple slim drawers rather than just a few deep ones; a large jewelry chest might work well.
See the project
Friday, October 23, 2009
Morning Meditations: For The Recovering Pharisee
From my morning devotion:
Romans 14:1,10 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
also:
Romans 14:5-8 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
We are to receive someone who claims to be a Christian in faith. Unless they show themselves to be false prophets or someone obviously trapped in sin, you have no right to say to say anything against them or their personal convictions.
Romans 14:13-19 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
If you are judging someone for something not obviously sin, you are condemning yourself. Furthermore you are putting a stumblingblock in their way. Who are you to judge what god has called them to do. Do you have all the same gifts and callings as they do?
I have been in "churches" where a woman is judged for wearing pants, or on the length of their skirt (even though they were being modest). Going to hell for cutting their hair? Won't listen to a teacher or support a missionary because he wears a wedding band? We need to repent people!
Heavenly Father, forgive us for judging our brothers and sisters. Help us to build up each other in love of You. Help us to have unity. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Romans 14:1,10 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
also:
Romans 14:5-8 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
We are to receive someone who claims to be a Christian in faith. Unless they show themselves to be false prophets or someone obviously trapped in sin, you have no right to say to say anything against them or their personal convictions.
Romans 14:13-19 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
If you are judging someone for something not obviously sin, you are condemning yourself. Furthermore you are putting a stumblingblock in their way. Who are you to judge what god has called them to do. Do you have all the same gifts and callings as they do?
I have been in "churches" where a woman is judged for wearing pants, or on the length of their skirt (even though they were being modest). Going to hell for cutting their hair? Won't listen to a teacher or support a missionary because he wears a wedding band? We need to repent people!
Heavenly Father, forgive us for judging our brothers and sisters. Help us to build up each other in love of You. Help us to have unity. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Morning Meditations: The Government
From my morning devotion:
Exodus 22:28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
also:
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
We must be careful in our dealings with people outside our families and churches. When dealing with a government, whether they be just or not, we must seek to live in peace with the rulers and courts. Two things we must never allow our government to do are these: sin and stop witnessing.
Daniel 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
God even ordains poor rulers. Sometimes God puts His people to the fire so that they will turn back to Him, or to perfect them.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
God wills that all men come to salvation. For all to know the truth. We should pray for our bad rulers as well as our good ones.
Heavenly Father, bless our land with good leadership. May the rulers you have ordained live a long fruitful life. Help them to make good choices. Please bring them to salvation. In Jesus name, amen.
Exodus 22:28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
also:
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
We must be careful in our dealings with people outside our families and churches. When dealing with a government, whether they be just or not, we must seek to live in peace with the rulers and courts. Two things we must never allow our government to do are these: sin and stop witnessing.
Daniel 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
God even ordains poor rulers. Sometimes God puts His people to the fire so that they will turn back to Him, or to perfect them.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
God wills that all men come to salvation. For all to know the truth. We should pray for our bad rulers as well as our good ones.
Heavenly Father, bless our land with good leadership. May the rulers you have ordained live a long fruitful life. Help them to make good choices. Please bring them to salvation. In Jesus name, amen.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Morning Meditations: Jesus Loves the Unborn Children
From my morning devotion:
Exodus 21:22-25 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, 24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
also:
Jeremiah 1:5a Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;
God has a sweet spot for the unborn. All throughout scripture it is bore out. The sovereign Lord of the universe has a purpose for each and every person, even before conception.
Judges 13:5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
We subvert the purposes of God whenever we end the life of an unborn child. Whether it's from the hand of a "doctor" or we us an abortifacient such as birth control pill.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Heavenly Father, reward us richly. We want to accomplish your purposes. Make our lives a blessing and not a curse. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Exodus 21:22-25 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, 24 Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
also:
Jeremiah 1:5a Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;
God has a sweet spot for the unborn. All throughout scripture it is bore out. The sovereign Lord of the universe has a purpose for each and every person, even before conception.
Judges 13:5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
We subvert the purposes of God whenever we end the life of an unborn child. Whether it's from the hand of a "doctor" or we us an abortifacient such as birth control pill.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Heavenly Father, reward us richly. We want to accomplish your purposes. Make our lives a blessing and not a curse. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Time Waster: Doom on a Picture Key Chain
Alright, so Doom isn’t actually running on the key chain itself, but rather a BifferBoard: a small 150MHz x86 containing ethernet, serial, and even USB with only one watt of power consumption! The project is to show how easy it is to program the BifferBoard and getting it talking to other hackable items – such as the picture key chain for a display. Doom does appear a bit slo.
Doom on a Bifferboard via photoframe from Tristan Green on Vimeo.
Morning Meditations: The Christian Sabbath
From my morning devotion:
Exodus 20:8-11 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
also:
Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Under the Jewish law, you could be punished for working on the sabbath. But this was simply a foreshadowing of things to come.
Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
You see, the Pharisees had made the Sabbath work to keep. They looked down upon those who didn't keep it. It filled them with pride to keep it.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Go to Jesus for your rest. He's your rest.
Heavenly Father, help us to find our rest in you. Give us peace. In Jesus name, amen.
Exodus 20:8-11 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
also:
Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Under the Jewish law, you could be punished for working on the sabbath. But this was simply a foreshadowing of things to come.
Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
You see, the Pharisees had made the Sabbath work to keep. They looked down upon those who didn't keep it. It filled them with pride to keep it.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Go to Jesus for your rest. He's your rest.
Heavenly Father, help us to find our rest in you. Give us peace. In Jesus name, amen.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Morning Meditations: Peculiar Treasure
From my morning devotion:
Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
also:
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
Sometimes when we read through the Bible we get the idea that God is this cosmic ogre, just waiting to whack us whenever we do something wrong. This is simple not true! He wants you to follow Him so that you can bring glory to Him.
Zechariah 2:8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.
When we become His people, we become the apple of His eye! Other scriptures refer to Him as the good father. He loves us so much!
Heavenly Father, we thank you for all the good things that you do for us. We thank you for keeping us and loving us. In Jesus name, amen.
Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
also:
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
Sometimes when we read through the Bible we get the idea that God is this cosmic ogre, just waiting to whack us whenever we do something wrong. This is simple not true! He wants you to follow Him so that you can bring glory to Him.
Zechariah 2:8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.
When we become His people, we become the apple of His eye! Other scriptures refer to Him as the good father. He loves us so much!
Heavenly Father, we thank you for all the good things that you do for us. We thank you for keeping us and loving us. In Jesus name, amen.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sermons on Sunday: Paul Washer - The Purpose of Marriage
Another great sermon from Paul Washer. He is a straight shooter.
Morning Meditations: Election
From my morning devotion:
Exodus 18:20-22 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. 21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: 22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
also:
Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
Whenever a great man of God is chosen in the Bible, it's always the will of God. Like Jonah, God does the choosing.
Romans 9:15,16 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
God will do the choosing. God will save whom he will save. It is not of your will, but of his.
Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Why won't you believe on Him today? Proclaim it! Don't be ashamed!
Heavenly Father, continue to draw is near to you. Give us your grace. Transform us into your image. In Jesus name, amen.
Exodus 18:20-22 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. 21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: 22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
also:
Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
Whenever a great man of God is chosen in the Bible, it's always the will of God. Like Jonah, God does the choosing.
Romans 9:15,16 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
God will do the choosing. God will save whom he will save. It is not of your will, but of his.
Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Why won't you believe on Him today? Proclaim it! Don't be ashamed!
Heavenly Father, continue to draw is near to you. Give us your grace. Transform us into your image. In Jesus name, amen.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Disgusting News Stories
Here's a couple of stories you won't hear on your local evening news.
Robert Reiche Tells "Old People" "We are going to let you die!"
Obama Cabinet Member Anita Dunn Praises Mao Tse Tung
Robert Reiche Tells "Old People" "We are going to let you die!"
Obama Cabinet Member Anita Dunn Praises Mao Tse Tung
Morning Meditations: Who's Your Daddy?
From my morning devotion:
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
also:
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
What motivates you? What do you feel compelled to do? Do you feel like you are in bondage? Life doesn't have to be so! Cry out to God!
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
By living this life in opposition to God you are cheating yourself out of a right relationship with God on this side and a greater life in the next. Believe on Jesus! Cry out to the Heavenly Father. Become transformed.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for adopting us. We thank you for setting us free from bondage to the flesh. In Jesus name, amen.
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
also:
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
What motivates you? What do you feel compelled to do? Do you feel like you are in bondage? Life doesn't have to be so! Cry out to God!
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
By living this life in opposition to God you are cheating yourself out of a right relationship with God on this side and a greater life in the next. Believe on Jesus! Cry out to the Heavenly Father. Become transformed.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for adopting us. We thank you for setting us free from bondage to the flesh. In Jesus name, amen.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Morning Meditations: Bible Reading
From my morning devotion:
Exodus 16:4,5 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. 5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.
also:
Deuteronomy 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
God wants us to read the Bible everyday. He wants us to feed upon it. It's necessary for all Christians.
Exodus 16:16 This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
If you've got a family, you have a greater responsibility to get into the word more. Not only are you studying for yourself but also for your family.
Exodus 16:19,20 And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. 20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
The best time for reading is in the morning. You should do it everyday. Today's reading won't be enough for tomorrow.
Exodus 16:21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
If you don't get it in the morning, you won't likely get a chance all day. The pressures of the day will be too much.
Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
Not only should you read, but you should meditate upon it also. Let it bake inside you to make something greater!
Exodus 16:31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
Proverbs 15:26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
The word of God is pure. It is sweet to eat of.
Exodus 16:32 And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
You should memorize the word. Store it up for tomorrow.
Heavenly Father, give us time every morning to get into you word. Help us to store it up in our heart. In Jesus name, amen.
Exodus 16:4,5 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. 5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.
also:
Deuteronomy 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
God wants us to read the Bible everyday. He wants us to feed upon it. It's necessary for all Christians.
Exodus 16:16 This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
If you've got a family, you have a greater responsibility to get into the word more. Not only are you studying for yourself but also for your family.
Exodus 16:19,20 And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. 20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
The best time for reading is in the morning. You should do it everyday. Today's reading won't be enough for tomorrow.
Exodus 16:21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
If you don't get it in the morning, you won't likely get a chance all day. The pressures of the day will be too much.
Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
Not only should you read, but you should meditate upon it also. Let it bake inside you to make something greater!
Exodus 16:31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
Proverbs 15:26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
The word of God is pure. It is sweet to eat of.
Exodus 16:32 And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
You should memorize the word. Store it up for tomorrow.
Heavenly Father, give us time every morning to get into you word. Help us to store it up in our heart. In Jesus name, amen.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Morning Meditations: The Role of the Prophetess
From my morning devotions:
Exodus 15:20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
There is, among certain branches of Christianity, a debate as to what the proper roles of women in Church government. With the help of Miriam we will examine the role of the prophetess.
Let's consult Mr Webster to find out what a prophet is. I think that in this case, this is what the best definition is:
Prophet - An interpreter; one that explains or communicates sentiments.
This is the first mention of the office of prophetess. So according to the law of first mention, the prophetess should be one that communicates sentiment. Let's see how this matches up with New Testament practice. 1 Corinthians 14 talks about order in church services and the use of gifts. Women are specifically mentioned here:
1 Corinthians 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
Numbers 12:1,10 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
Later Miriam steps out of the role of her office and God curses her with leprosy. The text speaks for itself. This is what God intended.
Heavenly Father, help us to follow Your Word, no matter how hard it might be. Help us to be different, a light to this world. In Jesus name, Amen.
Exodus 15:20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
There is, among certain branches of Christianity, a debate as to what the proper roles of women in Church government. With the help of Miriam we will examine the role of the prophetess.
Let's consult Mr Webster to find out what a prophet is. I think that in this case, this is what the best definition is:
Prophet - An interpreter; one that explains or communicates sentiments.
This is the first mention of the office of prophetess. So according to the law of first mention, the prophetess should be one that communicates sentiment. Let's see how this matches up with New Testament practice. 1 Corinthians 14 talks about order in church services and the use of gifts. Women are specifically mentioned here:
1 Corinthians 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
Numbers 12:1,10 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
Later Miriam steps out of the role of her office and God curses her with leprosy. The text speaks for itself. This is what God intended.
Heavenly Father, help us to follow Your Word, no matter how hard it might be. Help us to be different, a light to this world. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Time Waster: Gyrowheel - Bike Training Wheel
Gyrowheel, revolutionizes how children can learn to ride a bike and renders training wheels obsolete. Gyrowheel senses unbalanced biking and re-centers the bike underneath the rider’s weight at the point when tipping starts to occur. With Gyrowheel, riders experience a faster, safer, easier and more fun way to learn to ride a bike.
Morning Meditations: Salvation: A Free Gift
From my morning devotion:
Romans 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Now if I give even 1 penny for something, it's not really a free gift, right? Now that you've got that, we can more on.
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Do you see that? God reveals his righteousness in our lives by taking us from faith to faith, not faith to works.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Don't let anyone tell you that you have to work to keep your salvation. You work because of your salvation. If you think about life the other way around, you become proud.
Heavenly Father, take us from faith to faith. Keep us humbly submitted to you. Give us your grace to get through the day. Help us to be an example to others. In Jesus name, amen.
Romans 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Now if I give even 1 penny for something, it's not really a free gift, right? Now that you've got that, we can more on.
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Do you see that? God reveals his righteousness in our lives by taking us from faith to faith, not faith to works.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Don't let anyone tell you that you have to work to keep your salvation. You work because of your salvation. If you think about life the other way around, you become proud.
Heavenly Father, take us from faith to faith. Keep us humbly submitted to you. Give us your grace to get through the day. Help us to be an example to others. In Jesus name, amen.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Morning Meditations: Pride
From my morning devotion:
Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Pride is a pernicious thing. We must deal with immediately! It cause separation from others in the church.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
If we're all puffed up with pride, we can't make others feel good because we're always bragging about what we've done.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Pride causes us to look down on those who are behind us spiritually. It causes us to rejoice when those ahead fall.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
We can't prefer or honor others if we're constantly trying to get the best seats, or take the first place in line at fellowship.
Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
We won't be serving others if we're constantly serving ourselves.
Heavenly Father, help us to mortify our flesh. If there's anything in us that is proud or boastful take it away! In Jesus name, amen.
Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Pride is a pernicious thing. We must deal with immediately! It cause separation from others in the church.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
If we're all puffed up with pride, we can't make others feel good because we're always bragging about what we've done.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Pride causes us to look down on those who are behind us spiritually. It causes us to rejoice when those ahead fall.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
We can't prefer or honor others if we're constantly trying to get the best seats, or take the first place in line at fellowship.
Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
We won't be serving others if we're constantly serving ourselves.
Heavenly Father, help us to mortify our flesh. If there's anything in us that is proud or boastful take it away! In Jesus name, amen.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Time Waster: There, I Fixed It
Some of them are cool, some of them are clever, and most of them are terrifying. Anyone who has ever stood in front of a broken household appliance with a roll of duct tape, one screw driver with a bit chipped off the flat part, and determination will laugh themselves silly browsing through this site.ThereIFixedIt.com
Morning Meditations: Righteousness
From my morning devotions:
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
also:
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
To a perfect, righteous sovereign God, we can never be good enough. All our attempts at being good all come to naught. He sees them all as dirty rags.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Only His righteousness will do. Seek Him out, pray, read your Bible & do what it says. Don't become proud, thinking that you can do it yourself. God will provide for those He draws.
Heavenly Father, draw us to yourself. Help us to put off our own righteousness and seek after you. In Jesus name, amen.
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
also:
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
To a perfect, righteous sovereign God, we can never be good enough. All our attempts at being good all come to naught. He sees them all as dirty rags.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Only His righteousness will do. Seek Him out, pray, read your Bible & do what it says. Don't become proud, thinking that you can do it yourself. God will provide for those He draws.
Heavenly Father, draw us to yourself. Help us to put off our own righteousness and seek after you. In Jesus name, amen.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Morning Meditations: Judgement
From my morning devotion:
Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
also:
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
We Christians should take care in judgement. Lost people can't help but be lost. They haven't put off their sin nature. We are never commanded to stand in judgment of sinners. Jesus judged the people who were supposed to be righteous and loved the sinners.
Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
We must be careful just what it is that we are teaching those we disciple. If we make it harder or easier than the Bible says, we have done wrong.
Heavenly Father, help us to love rather than judge. Help us to be teachers of good things. That we might bring honor and glory to your name. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
also:
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
We Christians should take care in judgement. Lost people can't help but be lost. They haven't put off their sin nature. We are never commanded to stand in judgment of sinners. Jesus judged the people who were supposed to be righteous and loved the sinners.
Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
We must be careful just what it is that we are teaching those we disciple. If we make it harder or easier than the Bible says, we have done wrong.
Heavenly Father, help us to love rather than judge. Help us to be teachers of good things. That we might bring honor and glory to your name. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Time Off/No Posts
With the new baby I haven't had much time to do any writing. I hope to get back to doing everyday now. During my time off I did a study of Church history, good theology, aberrant theology & Christian cults.
Now I know that I have a good doctrinal basis. I really have enjoyed the studies on the dark side. It's really made me rethink many of the doctrines I have been dogmatized into scripture as well as some of the things I have believed in the past because I didn't have a better answer.
Now I feel like I'm sharpened like a fine sword. You may notice some difference in my writing when it comes to certain subjects.
It's amazing what happens when you allow the word of God to transform you. Brothers and sisters, I suggest you all take a fresh look at the word of God. Quit trying to transform His word to say what you want it to say. Renew your minds!
Now I know that I have a good doctrinal basis. I really have enjoyed the studies on the dark side. It's really made me rethink many of the doctrines I have been dogmatized into scripture as well as some of the things I have believed in the past because I didn't have a better answer.
Now I feel like I'm sharpened like a fine sword. You may notice some difference in my writing when it comes to certain subjects.
It's amazing what happens when you allow the word of God to transform you. Brothers and sisters, I suggest you all take a fresh look at the word of God. Quit trying to transform His word to say what you want it to say. Renew your minds!
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