Showing my Joy (1 Peter 3)

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

I like this verse in 1 Peter 3. Of course, that means that you are going to have to show that you have hope first. I do have hope, and a joy. Sometimes, the joy doesn't manifest itself; it stays hidden for only me to see. I think I need to be more intentional about showing my joy. One of my favorite things is talking about Jesus.
It's strange how asks to "set apart in your heart Christ as Lord" I never really thought about that before. It's like a special chamber that never changes; something that we can always look back on and remember. that makes sense.
cool.

gentle commands from Peter (1 Peter 3)

Maybe I am biased. Peter's words sound like poetry.
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers; be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil for evil or insult with insult, but with blessing because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
It sounds so nice and not like a command at all.
OK, so today, my goal is to
1) Live in harmony with others
2) be sympathetic
3) Love as brothers
4) be compassionate
5) be humble
and no insults today...
There is more from 1 Peter 3, but I think I want to reread it again tomorrow.

By His wounds, I am healed. (1 Peter 2:13-25)

I really love Peter's choice of words. I know... they are translated from the Greek into the Hebrew and this is the best we have according to the NIV... I know that. But they had to translate, and the translators did the best they could to portray the words that Peter was saying... so... once again, I love Peter's choice of words...
"Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover up for evil". Jesus has saved us... given us the freedom to live for Him, so smarten up and stop sinning!...is what i get from this. Don't revert back to the old stupid ways that we have grown accustomed to! I need to live my life as though God was my boss, as well as my heavenly father. I need to do what He tells me to do. Fortunately, I have a gracious boss who doesn't throw me out on the street if I make a mistake.
Later on in the passage, Peter writes " He Himself (Jesus) bore our sins in his body on the tree..."
Picture Peter during the time of the crucifixion. He has just denied Jesus, he has witnessed the beatings that took place in the courtyard, and now he sees Jesus hanging from the cross. I can feel the guilt and shame myself. Peter was watching it first hand and afterward shared it with others.
It makes me pause for a moment and reflect the sacrifice Jesus made.

When they hurled insults at HIM, he did not retaliate...
When HE suffered, he made no threats...
HE himself bore the sins... in HIS body
by HIS wounds... I am healed.

Amen.

Peter and Paul? (1 Peter 2:1-12)

As I sit here and read 1 Peter, I am beginning to wonder a few things. The message that He shares is exactly the same as the message that Paul shares in the books that he writes; with one exception.
I may be reading too much into it, but it seems to make sense. The list of sins that we are to stay away from are a little bit different with Peter than they are with Paul. ( I may be wrong, but that's ok, it is giving me something to think about today.)
Peter lists off these things; "therefore, rid yourself of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander of every kind". If I recall, Peter had a problem with deceit and at the crucifixion. It only makes sense that He would write "keep away from it".
I can't assume to know much, but I know myself. I know which of the sins causes me to stumble the most. It's these sins that I need to steer clear from' the ones I need to rid myself of. It's a battle because some of these things have become habits and habits wage war against the soul.
But, as I have learned, the more time I spend in the word, contemplating it and rereading it, the less time I think about sinful desires, and that is a victory for me.

Can I work my way to God? (1 Peter 1:13-25)

I got stuck on a word this morning. As I was reading 1 Peter 1, I came across this passage; "Since you call on a Father who judges each mans work IMPARTIALLY, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear."
The dictionary states: Impartiality is a principle of justice holding that decisions should be based on objective criteria, rather than on the basis of bias, prejudice, or preferring the benefit to one person over another for improper reasons.

He then goes on to write: "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."

Yet another passage, that tells me that there is nothing that I did to deserve the salvation I received. More than that, there is nothing that I can do without Christ, to make myself look any better in God's eyes. I don't know if that came out right really. Let me try again... He judges each mans WORK impartially. So, it's not the things that I do that make me special, it's who I believe in.

I also like what he says about "preparing your minds for action" and "be self controlled". One of the reasons that I like Peter was because he is a real man with real emotions and reactions. When you read about him in the gospels, he does some crazy impetuous things. So when he writes : "Be self controlled", you know it's a lesson he had to learn himself.
But, once again, saying it and doing it are 2 completely different things!

Things that never change (1 Peter 1:1-1:12)

Isn't it amazing how quickly things seem to change. Technology seems to be advancing at an alarming rate. just when you think you know something, something new comes along that is completely foreign and you have to learn it all over again. It is frustrating!
I started reading 1 Peter this morning. He says a couple things that I was encouraged by. First was this : All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
Our salvation hasn't changed in 2000 years. It is the same and will remain the same until the last days. That is kinda cool. God knew how fast our world would change, but He sent His son who doesn't change into the world. It is a constant that we can always count on.
He even writes this : This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
That made me smile in silent anticipation this morning. Even the angels are waiting for these things to happen.
I was just encouraged this morning anyway.
Nice!

Contemplating Gods word. (Hebrews 13)

I am contemplating Gods word this morning... I don't know what to say yet. This is what I read and what I am thinking about in BOLD.

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them. We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.
The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

There is a lot to think about in this passage. Hebrews continues to astound me.

Hebrews 13:1-6

I thought that today I would finish up with chapter 13 in Hebrews and carry on, but once again, I was surprised at what I read...

Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"

Some of this stuff is pretty basic, like keep on loving each other as brothers. That is common sense bible stuff. It falls in line with the second greatest commandment. OK, I can understand that. Easier to do in words then it is in actions, but something that we can strive for anyway.
Do not forget to entertain strangers... this is a good passage. I have heard it before, but it is still profound. Sometimes it is difficult to automatically be nice to someone I don't know. I don't know why that is. Sometimes I am a very private person, sometimes I am not...Sometimes I am a trusting person, Most times I am not. I don't want to be emotionally hurt by a stranger, so I don't get close to anyone right away. Strange how that is sometimes(emotionally hurt, like I don't want to be disappointed is more like it).
And then there is the " Keep your lives from the love of money." I suppose I need to work on this one a little. Probably no more then the next guy. I don't love money, but I often wish for just a little more. I don't like being in debt to anyone. I have lived most of my adult life like that. Not having to worry about money is a very freeing feeling.
Ah...what to do...
Well.. I guess I do what the Bible says... after all; it is the rule book!
Until tomorrow!

I will not be bitter! (Hebrews 12:14-29)

OUCH! I just read Hebrews 12:14-29. It said saome pretty powerful things. Right at the beginning of what I read it says, "see to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grow to cause trouble and defile many.
I was bitter. Not anymore, but I was. Now that I know what I need to do with my life, that bitterness has gone away, but for awhile, I was quite bitter...bitter and angry. I was asked if there was any forgiveness that I need to do. There was! and I forgave, but with the problem still happening, I chose not to subject myself to it anymore, and that's when God spoke. I am not bitter anymore and that is the main thing. I am not angry anymore and that also is a good thing.
This verse before says to make every effort to live at peace with all men. That is something I have been trying to do as well. I don't have a problem living at peace. I have learned that the hard way.
God is amazing, in the way that He teaches us lessons. I still have a long way to go, but I remain confident that My God is always beside me, teaching and disciplining me all time.
When I was at camp, I missed the opportunity to be in the word for my own personal growth. I was in the word everyday, but it was for the sake of the children I would be teaching. Never again will I underestimate the power of God's Holy word, and the influence it has in my life.

Where is my race? Hebrews 11:2-12:13

I received a letter in the mail the other day. It was from the church here in Mossbank, reminding everyone that there would be a congregational meeting and encouraging everyone to come. Then, written at the end of the letter it stated: let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
I have been reading Hebrews lately. I just finished reading chapter 11 and into chapter 12. I came across this verse in chapter 12 and it started me thinking of the previous chapter. I was really encouraged by the words the author writes in chapter 11, reminding the reader of all of the victories of the patriarchs of the Old Testament. I can only imagine the excitement that the first hearers would have had after listening to this for the first time.
By itself, this passage holds some mighty truths; Sin that so easily entangles...run with perseverance... the race marked out for us...eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...
Combine these phrases and add the beginning part on to it ( Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses...) and you have a mighty passage that causes us to reflect on the past and strive for the future.
What if that is not the case for you... and I think I can speak for a lot of people when I write this...
What if you don't see any encouragement from the great cloud of witnesses at your church; do you want to strive for the future...
What if the sin that so easily entangles is coming from people within the church;
What if this isn't the race marked out before you, perhaps your race is elsewhere;
These are only what ifs...
I am reminded of something on of my professors said, look for where God is working and join Him there.
I am sure God is working in peoples lives, but why will they not share it. Maybe it is a fear of sharing them in public; I can understand that. I feel we need to share with each other the victories of God that happen around us.
I am encouraged, not by what I see going on around me, but by what God doing in my own life. He has given me back the passion to serve...this just may not be my race to run.

Hope in what I can't see. Hebrews 11:1

I didn't get past the first verse this morning. Listen to this:
Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
I have been asked about faith on several occasions. I often give the answer that faith is believing in what you can't see. I like the response the Bible gives better. It is the Hope as well as the belief.
I can understand why some people have no faith. Some are so caught up in the things that they can see, touch, or feel. Faith is more of an emotional response really. It is the act of trust. Even myself, I have trouble trusting some things. I have seen and heard too many lies and deceitfulness. Sometimes it even rubs off on me. I have told too many lies or half truths then I care to admit. Something I am working on you can be assured of that. But, the problem is, when we are surrounded by those kinds of things, it is hard for us to not be affected by them. We find it difficult to trust. If we can't trust what see, how then can we trust what we can't see.
If it's one thing I know for certain; I can trust God. He may not give me everything that I want, but He does give me everything that I need. I have seen it time and time again. With each new situation comes a more difficult choice, but if I continue to trust Him, He continues to provide for me. It's like any good father, first you start small...like with a pair of scissors, then you use the knife, then the handsaw, until finally you have graduated into the big power tools. God tests us to see how much faith we have in Him. We can't be used effectively if we don't fully trust Him.

My life is a reminder. (Hebrews 10:25-10:39)

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

This is a great reminder. Sometimes when I am feeling that God doesn't listen to me, I always think back to the times when I know that He has. That reminds me that God is there and that He does care for me. It has given me the confidence to carry on no matter how i am feeling. Those times of doubt are few and far between now because i have see the hand of God at work in my life several times.

Camp Week and baby dedications

It has been a great week. I spent the week at camp as the speaker. After that, we had a quick drive to Saskatoon for a Baby dedication and then back to camp for my oldest. I put my personal devotions on hold for a time while I studied for the messages I needed to present at camp.
Day 1
J-Joshua: I told the story of Joshua and how he was a great leader even though He was unsure of himself and afraid. He put his trust in God and God did amazing things
Day 2
E-Esther: She was a young lady who had the wait of the world on her shoulders. She had to face her own fears of death and confront the king. God gave her the courage and she saved her people.
S-Samson: The mighty Samson who was full of pride but not too bright. He toyed with Delilah until she finally cut off all his hair. His strength left as did God. He prayed for forgiveness and God returned his strength for one final but mighty blow.
Day 3
U-Uriah the Hittite: In this sad love story, David fell in love with another mans wife. He did all he could to bring them together, but Uriah was faithful to the king and to the Ark of the Covenant. He was finally killed in battle at Davids request. David realized his mistake and asked God to forgive him. He was blessed with a son.
S-Solomon: Solomon was the son of David and the wisest king in History. He could of had anything he wanted and he asked for wisdom. God was impressed and gave him riches as well. Solomon was the great great grandfather (20 some times removed) of Jesus
When you combine the first letters, it spells Jesus. We then talked about how everything in the Bible points to one thing and that one thing is Jesus. I shared how the next word would be mixed up and they had to figure it out...
Day 4
V-Virgin Mary: I shared the story of how Jesus was born. How He was God and how he came to earth as a baby. I then shared how Jesus had lived, both as God (with the power to heal) and as man (with the power to feel)
S-Simon Peter: this evening, I shared how close Simon Peter was to Jesus, but how he denied him three times. I shared about ancient atonement and sacrifice. I then shared Jesus death and resurrection. I was asked several times before this why Jesus had to die; I shared that Jesus had to die so that we may be forgiven.
Day 5
L-Long Road to Damascus: Today was the story of Paul, and how even a murderous Christian hater could be transformed into a mighty tool for God to use. I shared how Paul was saved and how he asked Jesus for forgiveness.
E-Escape from Prison: Another story about Paul and how he and Silas escaped from prison. They were beaten and thrown in jail for releasing a girl possessed by a demon. When they were in jail, they sang songs and prayed. God sent an earthquake and the men were released. The Jailer then asked " what must I do to be saved", when Paul replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus"
Day 6
I-In Ephesus: I briefly shared about Paul's journeys around the Mediterranean and about how wherever he went he was faced with challenges and struggles, but wherever he went, he shared Gods love and Jesus' forgiveness. New churches were started everywhere.
The group then had to figure out the second word which was Jesus LIVES. I shared that when we accept Jesus as our savior, He lives inside each of us.
Three Girls accepted Jesus as their savior that week. 2 of them came up to me and I encouraged them as much as I could. It was an exciting week.

After that we drove to Saskatoon where I prepared to give a baby dedication. It was my first one ever, so I was a little nervous, but it turned out great. I can't wait to be an encouragement to this family as they raise their son.

and then back out to camp. My son didn't get to go into the cabin that he wanted, but he got the Cabin leader I wanted him to have.

Back to regular devotions tomorrow. I can't wait.

Camp #2

Last Night was fun. I told the story of Joshua. I love the book of Joshua. This morning, I am preparing in my head the stories of Esther and Samson and how they had victories in their life. Tomorrow, I believe I will tell about Urriah the Hittite and king Solomon. Once we put all of those together, The first letters will spell Jesus, then I will start telling stories of Jesus through New Testament characters. In the end, the words will be Jesus Lives.
I hope anyway.

Camp

Ok, so this is what's going on. I am preoccupied this morning. I have the opportunity to go to camp and be the speaker for my daughters age group. t should be a lot of fun. But, I have to formulate 10 messages in my head and have a plan in place that will tie in every message with the main theme.
I think I have it. Tonight is my first one; the story of Joshua. It should be good. Tomorrow will be the stories of Esther and Samson. The Theme is Victory, and the path I am going to take is to Jesus.
Whew... I hope I can pull this off.

Hope and Forgiveness (Hebrews 9:15-10:25)

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
I'm so glad I decided to read Hebrews. It has been a real encouraging book. Over the last few weeks, I had been feeling pretty down about everything: when am I going to find work; when is my house going to sell; when am I going to feel better about myself; etc etc etc. Like my mother-in-law would say, I feel like a fart in a windstorm; tossed around like it doesn't even matter.
But Hebrews has been an uplifting book. There are so many promises of hope and forgiveness. I will keep praying for the rest, and God will provide.

Home renovation (Hebrews 8-9:14)

If you have ever been like me, then you have probably wondered why a lot. When I was a new believer and as I waded through the Old Testament I often wondered why God would make the Israelites Atone for their sins with the blood of animals. At the time, it never really made sense to me. even until just a few minutes ago, I never quite got it.
I just read Hebrews 8-9:14 and I think I finally understand (it only took 13 years).
Have you ever done any home renovating? Painted a few walls, threw up some new pictures, maybe a new floor covering etc. What was it that took you from old to the new.
Well, first, you have an idea; you imagine what the room would be like. Then, you have to take down everything that is presently there; chairs, pictures, things like that. Then you have to prepare the room. Maybe you have to rip out the old baseboards; tape around the window and doors. Then, once everything is prepared, you can go ahead and replace the floor and paint the walls. Once everything is finished, it can get pretty expensive, but it's all worth it in the end when you see you're perfect finished room.
God was preparing the way to him. Everything God did was preparing the way For Jesus to come and save us. It was planned since the beginning; since the first sacrifice was offered. This renovation of our lives took thousands of years. That is love for a project! I get bored if a project lasts longer than a month!
I can't believe I didn't get it until now.

A Beautiful Promise (Hebrews 7)

Today, I am just going to meditate on God's word and let His word Speak for itself. I can not say it any better than this. It is such a beautiful promise.

Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless.For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron’s descendants became priests without such an oath, but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him,

“The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow:
‘You are a priest forever.’”

Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.

There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever.

I am anchored! (Hebrews 6)

Wow! What an awesome image of God's love. At first, I fumbled through this mornings passage. reading and re-reading. i just couldn't understand the context or the grammar itself. I was almost ready to throw away another day's worth of reading. But then I read Hebrews 6:19.
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf."
The image I get is of boats anchored in the ocean. They may rise and fall with the waves, or move from side to side with the wind, but as long as they are anchored, they won't venture far.
I am anchored to Jesus. He is holding on to the end of my chains. the chains are a part of me, built right in, but He is voluntarily holding on. He is in the innermost sanctuary on my behalf. I'm sure storms are going to come; the ocean is famous for them. I will be battered and bruised but I am anchored to Jesus. He will make sure that after the storm, I am surrounded by the beautiful calm that is the ocean as well.
I am once again encouraged.

I need to go deeper? (Hebrews 5)

Those people that ventured off into the wilderness; how did they do it? Why did they do it for that matter. I can only assume that they did it so that they would be alone with God. To really soak it up and learn what it was that God wanted them to do. I peaceful time with just them and God, praying, fasting, etc. I wonder, is everybody like that? Do we all need to spend years in the desert seeking and searching and spending time with God. Would that be easier.
The only reason I ask, is because some mornings, I wake up and I read, but my mind is either unfocused, or I just don't understand. I have read scripture before, and I have been blown away by the message God reveals to me, but some days, it's just not like that. I start to question myself, wondering if there is something wrong with me.
I did get one passage this morning, I inadvertently used it yesterday I think... the word of God is living and active, more powerful than a double edged sword.
And that is true for me but not all of the time.
I think I am going to have to start going deeper. That may be what I have to do...searching and seeking in a different way. I am surrounded by all kinds of resources and methods...I am just going to have to find out what that looks like first.
We'll see!

Am I doing it right? (Hebrews 3)

You know, I've read Hebrews before. On the edge of my Bible, I have dates written down to remind me that I read it. The thing is, I don't remember. Oh, I remember the time in my life when I had written down the dates on the pages to remind myself...but i don't remember the words that I read. I read chapter 3 today in Hebrews, but it seems like it's all new to me. I suppose that's what God means when He says that the Bible is living and active. It is always changing. Not the words themselves, but the meaning of the words. That sounds kinda hokey I know. How can the words change meaning.
I guess what I mean to say is that the Holy Spirit through the passages that I read tells me different things; things which I need to hear for the time.

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:12-13)

I love this passage. It is like poetry... As long as it is called today...Sin's deceitfulness...encourage one another.
I love this, this is who I want to be. I have mentioned this before, but as I have been reading the Bible on a daily basis, the urge to sin has dissipated. I still sin, I get angry, I say hurtful words, but the desire to purposefully sin has all but gone away. I don't want that to end. I will continue doing what I am doing. It has been about 48 days ( minus the 2 days where I deleted what I wrote...I went on a rampage about something that didn't need to be written about)
I carry on.

Am I afraid of dying? (Hebrews 2)

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

These words are ringing in my ears today. Never before had I thought about death this way. Without any hope in the future and life after death, the thought of dying seems so final. And for those that don't believe in their creator and the One who sets us free (Jesus) that is the end.
I have often thought about dying...what it would be like. I don't think dying is scary, but the act of dying I find terrifying. When I was younger, I didn't really think about it much..after all, I was young... dying was for those that are old. But now I'm old...dying seems more real to me.

This was an encouraging passage for me today... and I needed some encouragement.
It's all good with God!

Listening to the words from before. (Hebrews 1-2:1)

I sometimes wonder what the point is, writing down all this stuff that I do. Then I started reading Hebrews. In verse 2:1, the writer rights " We must pay more careful attention to what we have heard so that we do not drift away. Once in awhile, I will go back and reread what I wrote. Sometimes I will edit my writings (because after all, I type them early in the morning and I'm half asleep. But what I do do is reflect on the things that God has shown me through His word. So far, it has been an awesome experience. What it has done, is kept my mind more focused on "good" and less on "evil". I suppose, exposing myself to the word on a regular basis will do that.
That is all I have for today!

Am I strong enough to resist? (Galatians 6)

I finally finished Galatians. I read chapter 6 this morning and was surprised at all of the stuff Paul had to say in the last chapter. So far, I've been used to him writing his final greetings to the church...say hello to so and so, greet so and so with a kiss,, etc etc. But this time, he kept warning them until the end. This passage caught my attention this morning. Brothers; if someone is caught in in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself or you to may be tempted. It's kinda like your mother telling you "if jimmy jumped of a bridge, would you jump to0". It's the pressure of doing something that you know you shouldn't do; seeing someone else do it gives us permission to do it ourselves. it's like peer pressure, but different. I haven't thought of that before. The old sinful nature wants what it can't have. If we stop something, soon we begin to forget about it and the longings to do it dissipate. When we see it being done by someone else, it triggers a memory which in turn triggers that longing we once had. I think I get it. Am I strong enough to resist the temptations brought on by others?

Am I living by the spirit? (Galatians 5)

Two things have got me to thinking this morning. I'll try to get them both out.
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

So, yesterday, as we were driving from Great Falls Montana to Tisdale Saskatchewan (that's 12 hours in the van), my oldest gets upset at one of the stops we make; the dog started chewing the book he just bought. I can understand why he is sad, but his emotions got the best of him, and he started getting angry and talking back.
Now I've read Garry Chapmans book, five love languages for children; he is supposed to have some way to release his anger, but he started releasing his anger on his mother and me. I, of course didn't think that was necessary and I got angry as well.
then this morning I read Galatians 5...anger fits of rage is not a Godly characteristic. I believe I need to apologize for my behavior as well.
Luckily, the Bible tells me how I am supposed to act.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
OK, this is what I desire. I have always desired this in some way. I try to live a live according to the fruit of the spirit. I am capable of it but sometimes I forget and the sinful nature creeps back.
Michael.....try harder!