Tis So -- Another "Bible" Game

Yesterday, I chose to play Tis So--a game where you put together Proverbs from the Bible.  It includes a list of the ones in the game and color codes them into 5 groups with different point values.  Each proverb is broken into three parts and the object is to put them together.  There are also some bonus point pieces that you can use to add 100 points or double the point value of the proverb you play it on.  You can play until all the pieces have been picked, but that would take quite a long time so we just set a time limit of an hour.  I won.  It isn't a lot of fun, but it is a good way to learn some proverbs!  I think once you learned the Proverbs well enough that you didn't have to look on the list, it would be more fun and go much faster. 

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Noah's Ark Replica to Sail This Summer

I saw this posted on Facebook yesterday and thought it was so cool I wanted to share it here on my blog. Johan in the Neterlands built it some time ago and had it on display there for three years, but now plans to sail it to Brazil this summer. He plans to use it to tell Bible stories about God's love. I think it would be fun to go on this! He built it according to the measurements God gave to Noah. You can read the account of Noah's Ark in Genesis 6-9. I was surprised at some of the mean comments this video has received on YouTube from non-believers who obviously do not believe the Bible or that God loves them. I found this very sad. What do you think about this? (Be respectful now.)

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Happy Easter--He Is Risen!

 Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice! --Philippians 4:4

Believers in Jesus should always be joyful regardless of our circumstances because Jesus lives and has paid for our salvation with his death on the cross for us!  There are hassles, strife, day-to-day problems, grief, war and terror attacks in this world; however, all these things are temporary.   

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  --Romans 8:18

We can take all our concerns and worries to God in prayer knowing that he loves us and cares for us and will give us peace.  (See Philippians 4:6-7 & Ps. 145:18)

I hope you will join me in celebrating Jesus resurrection this Sunday and can also say:

I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

If not, but you do believe Jesus died for you and rose from the dead (Romans 10:9 & 10, 13) and would like to receive Jesus as your personal Savior and be forgiven, just pray to Jesus right now.  Simply thank him for his death and resurrection for you, ask for forgiveness for your sin and to be your Savior and Lord, letting him know you are willing to surrender your will to His.

I'm just going to end this post with my two favorite verses which are I Corinthians 15:57 & 58:

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 

I look forward to our Easter puppet presentation called "Nic at Night" based on John 3 for the children at 9:30 and 11:00 this Sunday at Parma Heights Baptist Church.

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Sunday Sharing: Sunday School Lesson on Hypocrisy

Today our lesson was on having integrity and not being a hypocrite.  The scripture the lesson was based on was Acts 4:32-5:11 about how when the church first started in its early days, the believers would share everything they had with each other and even would sell their homes and land and give the proceeds to the church to distribute to those in need.

Joseph a/k/a Barnabas because he was an encourager was one who sold some land and gave all the money from the sale to the church.  Peter was the one who collected the money for distribution.  Another couple in the church, Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, also had some land that they sold, but decided to only give part to the church and keep part for themselves.  This would have been okay IF they hadn't led people to believe they were giving the entire amount.

Were they really believers?  Were they possibly pharisees in disguise just wanting to look good?  Were they really believers but wanted the praise of men?  The Bible doesn't really say for sure, but we do know they lied about the amount they got for their land and both fell over dead on the spot, were carried out and buried next to each other.

I seriously doubt if any lying was done in that church for a long time after that!  Today, at least our church, does not really practice sharing everything we have with all the other members of the church; however, we do have a food pantry where people can get free food items that others have donated for those in need.  We often have mission projects that people give money to support.  I do believe everything I have comes from God and am willing to use it for His glory. 

After we read through the story, I let the kids (and my husband helped too) use finger puppets to review the story.  They did a great job moving the puppets around, coming up at the right time and having the puppets face the one they were talking to.  Unfortunately, they didn't speak up loud enough for the sound to be good on the video so I had to do quite a bit of editing to it and added titles and text.  The edited version is above. 

Another interesting part of the class was showing an excerpt from a Brain Games DVD about lying.  It showed four little kids in a room alone for 15 min. with a chocolate cake sitting in front of them and they were told not to eat any of it.  (They were taped with a hidden camera during that time.)  An interrogator came in to see if he could get a confession from any of them.  All said they didn't eat any of it, but three actually did.  

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Sunday Sharing: Everyone Wants Our Money!

Boxes for Operation Christmas Child at church

These last few months it seems every day we get solicitations for donations to charities in the mail (American Bible Society, the City Mission, Lakota School, Operation Christmas Child, animal rescues), the church has lots of projects going on that need money (Pastor appreciation month, food baskets, pantry, pavilion building project, groceries for the community dinner, support for the missions team to Haiti and items for them to take, running behind budget) and then there are the disasters (the Philippines) that occur in the world that I just can't help but feeling compelled to include a donation for the relief effort.

I was getting to the place where I was becoming overwhelmed and blew up a couple Sundays ago when the Pastor wondered why the general offerings have been low and we are running behind budget.  I am a giving person but even I was feeling pressure and said enough already!  But then God through his word spoke to my heart and reminded of of a few things:

1)  My Sunday School lessons this month are on laying up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19--24), sharing what we have with others (Luke 12:13-21), and making loving and obeying God my top priority (Matthew 6:33).

2)  Last Sunday, I read I Chronicles 29 about King David asking the people to contribute materials for the temple his son Solomon would build and how he even gave out of his personal things to set the example.  They got lots of materials and David celebrated praising the Lord before the people saying:

 Lord, you are great and powerful.  You have glory, victory and honor.  Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you.  The kingdom belongs to you, Lord.  You are the ruler over everything.  Riches and honor come from you.  You rule everything.  You have the power and strength to make anyone great and strong.  Now, our God, we thank you.  And we praise your glorious name.  These things did not really come from me and my people.  Everything comes from you.  We have given you back what you gave us.  . . . Lord our God, we have gathered all this to build your Temple.  We will build it for worship to you.  But everything has come from you.  Everything belongs to you.  I know, my God, that you test people's hearts.  You are happy when people do what is right.  I was happy to give all these things.  I gave with an honest heart.  Your people gathered here are happy to give to you.  I am happy to see their giving.  Lord, you are the God of our ancestors.  You are the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Please help your people to want to serve you always.  And help them to want to obey you always.  Give my son a strong desire to serve you.  Help him always obey your commands, laws and rules.  Help him build the Temple for which I have prepared. - I Chronicles 29:11-14, 16-19 (ICB) [ emphasis added]

This reminder that all I have is from the Lord and it's all his was just what I needed to get my heart back on track and be the cheerful giver God loves.  I am now looking forward to the community dinner, cheerfully bringing my groceries to share and volunteered to help at it as well. 

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:  for God loveth a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:  (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor:  his righteousness remaineth for ever.--II Corinthians 9:6-9 (KJV)

3)  Other scripture came to mind as well.  This is why it is so important to read God's Word every day and memorize it so that when we get off track with the Lord, His powerful word can speak to our hearts and bring us back.

And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. --Galatians 6:9-10 (KJV)  

4)  Then, last week the Pastor's sermon was on James 2:17 which says:

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

I love when God speaks to my heart because it shows proves He is a personal God who loves me.  I think it is so cool how He knows just what I need and gives it to me.  How about you?  Has God spoke to you this week about anything in particular?  I encourage you to read the Bible every day.  It will change your life if you have an open heart that is seeking to know God better and obey Him.

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Sunday Sharing: Head Toss

My highlight this week was from the Beth Moore study, "David, A Heart Like His."  After David's son, Absalom died, David decided to go back and re-establish himself in his rightful position on the throne.  However, he heard that Sheba, son of Bicri, was trying to take over.  David sent his army to kill Sheba before he made things any worse.

Sheba ran to Abel Beth Maacah and Joab and David's army started to siege the city.  A woman spoke up, talked to Joab and he told her if they handed over Sheba, he would withdraw from the city.

The woman said to Joab, "His head will be thrown to you from the wall."  Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bicri and threw it to Joab.  So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home.  And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.  --II Samuel 20:21b-22

They sure did a lot of beheading in Bible times!  I didn't know about this one though, and thought it was kind of strange how they just tossed it over the wall!   This woman was not only wise, but also brave to step in and take control of the situation like that.  I think it's odd though that her name isn't even mentioned.

Share a scripture highlight you came across this week in the comments or feel free to comment on this post?

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Sunday Sharing: Guard Your Thoughts

David, a man after God's own heart, was at the top of his game so to speak in II Samuel 8:14b-15 which says:

The Lord gave David victory everywhere he went. David was King over all Israel. His decisions were fair and right for all his people.

Then, just three chapters later in II Samuel 11, he totally blows it. First he covets another man's wife, then commits adultery, then he arranges to have her husband killed in battle. He obviously did not seek God's will in any of this and it took him nine months or more to even admit he sinned. The Lord did not like what David did and although he forgave David, there were still consequences. Not only would his descendants die by the sword, and his baby died. but he would also have his wives taken from him.

This is what the Lord says: I am bringing trouble to you from your own family. While you watch, I will take your wives from you. And I will give them to someone who is very close to you. He will have sexual relations with your wives and everyone will know it. (12) You had sexual relations with Bathsheba in secret. But I will do this so all the people of Israel can see it.--II Samuel 12:11-12

Wow, isn't it amazing how much trouble one bad thought can lead to? My key verse of the week was Proverbs 4:23:

Be very careful about what you think. Your thoughts run your life. (ICB)

Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (KJV)

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (NIV)

Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. (Contemporary English version)

David's fall is sad, but it serves as a warning to us all.  A point Beth Moore made that I thought was interesting was to seek forgiveness as soon as we realize we have an bad thought before we act on it.

So, what was your scripture highlight from last week?  Please share it in the comments or feel free to comment on this post.

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Sunday Sharing: Depending on God

My highlight this week is from my Sunday School lesson, the story of Elijah being fed by ravens during a drought and the widow and her son who took care of him found in I Kings 17:1-16.

image:  openclipart.org

The thing that stood out to me was the great faith Elijah had in God demonstrated by his total reliance on Him for food and water.  I like how God uses even birds and animals for His purposes!  I can't imagine just camping out by a brook relying on ravens to bring me food each morning and evening . . . for days. 

Finally, when the brook dried up, God told him to go to a widow's home.  She was very unselfish and poor.  Down to her last meal, she still shared with Elijah what she had.  God came through for them in a miraculous way, never letting her run out of the oil and flour all through the 3.5 years of the drought!

The jar of flour and the jug of oil were never empty.  This happened just as the Lord, through Elijah, said it would.--I King 17:16

We too must remember to obey Romans 12:13 like the widow which says:

Share with God's people in need.  Practice hospitality.

I have a hard time picturing me inviting a total stranger to stay in my home for three and half years!  I wonder what would have happened though had she not welcomed Elijah to stay and fed him what she had.  Would God still provided for her needs had she turned Elijah away or would she and her son have starved to death?
Share a scripture highlight you came across this week in the comments.

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Sunday Sharing: 3 Things I Learned This Week About David

I had a good week in God's Word this week continuing in I Samuel.  Here are some things I learned about David that I didn't know before:

1.  Did you know David had three wives before becoming King?

He had three wives even before he became king!  Do you know who they are?  Michal (Saul's daughter), Ahinoam and Abigail (Nabal's widow).  I knew about Michal and Abigail, but Ahinoam was new to me.  Because O.T. Bible characters had lots of wives, I thought there must have been some point where God decided to limit man to one wife but actually, God intended for man to have just one wife all along as Beth Moore points out based on these verses:

Man will leave his father and mother [not father and mothers] and be united to his wife [not wives], and they will become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)  You just can't be one flesh with two spouses.

Neither shall he (king) multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away.--Deuteronomy 17:17

2.  Did you know David joined up with the Philistines while running from Saul?

David, his two wives (Ahinoam and Abigail) and his men dwelt with Achish, a Philistine for a year and four months!  He even wanted to help the Philistine army fight, but the Philistine commanders didn't trust him so wouldn't let him go into battle with them.  (See I Samuel 27 & 29)


3.  Did you know that David's own men wanted to stone him at one point when their wives and children were kidnapped by the Amalekites?

While David and his men were trying to join the Philistines in battle, the Amalekites invaded Ziklag where they were staying and took all the women and children off and burned the city.  David's men were so upset that they blamed David and talked about stoning him!  (See I Samuel 30:1-6) 

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him, each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters.  But David found strength in the Lord his God.--I Samuel 30:6

The good news was that David asked God if they should chase after the Amalekites and go after the women and children and God said yes, and promised him victory.  They fought 24 hours, but came back with all their women and children.

Remember, when things appear hopeless, when circumstances get us down, when people turn against us, find strength in the Lord our God.  I am so glad God is my refuge and strength, a present help in trouble! 

Source:  Beth Moore's study:  David, Seeking a Heart Like His

Share a scripture highlight you came across this week in a comment or feel free to comment on this post.

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Sunday Sharing: Leave Revenge To God

This week my highlight is from I Samuel 24, my Sunday School lesson today.  The background is that King Saul has been trying to kill David on several occasions.  David gets the perfect opportunity to kill Saul in a cave but instead just cuts off part of his robe.  First Samuel 24:12, 15 is part of the conversation David had with Saul shortly afterward:

 (12) May the Lord judge between us and may he punish you for the wrong you have done to me!  But I won't fight you. (15) May the Lord be our judge and decide between you and me.  May the Lord support me and show that I am right.  May he save me from you. (David speaking to Saul)

I am glad that God is our judge and sees all and knows our hearts.  I am glad that when I am wronged, I can let God deal with the situation and have peace.  I just need to do what's right and let God take care of everything.  David demonstrated forgiveness and kindness to Saul, his enemy.  

What was your scripture highlight this week?

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Sunday Sharing: In and Out

The scripture highlight of the week was that I finally finished reading Ezekiel.  You can read my review of the book at Glad I Am Done With Ezekiel!  Last week I did come across some curious things, one of which involves the rules of worship God gave in Ezekiel 46.  I chose the following as my highlight of the week simply because I found it interesting.  Here it is, I'm sure you are on the edge of your seat to find out what it is!

The people of the Lord must come before the Lord at the special feasts.  Any one who enters through the North gate to worship must go out through the South gate.  Anyone who enters through the South gate must go out through the North gate.  No one will return the same way he entered.  Each person will go out straight ahead.

If we did this today at our church, we'd be walking all around the outside of the church to get to our car when we left.  I wonder if they all just walked or if they rode on animals and if they rode on animals, I suppose they would have to walk all around the outside of the temple to get back to them too.  Ha!

Okay, I think this is an easy highlight to beat so c'mon, share one of your scripture highlights of the week in the comments, or feel free to comment on this post.   

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Sunday Sharing: God Is Loyal to Jerusalem

I'm still in Ezekiel and it's getting hard to find a highlight, I must admit.  I am to the place where although Israel is still in captivity, God is telling Ezekiel about his punishment coming to other nations so they too will know He is the Lord God (see Ez. 25:17).  For the highlight, I chose this:

Human being, the city of Tyre has spoken against Jerusalem:  "The city that traded with the nations is destroyed.  Now we can be the trading center.  The city of Jerusalem is ruined.  Now we can make money. (3) So this is what the Lord God says:  I am against you, Tyre. . .  --Ezekiel 26:2-3a (ICB)

It's not a good idea to go against God's chosen people, ever!  As I was reading about one nation after another this week in Ezekiel, I couldn't help but wonder what God's view of the nations is today.  It's kind of interesting when you think about it.  Again, this week the same line was repeated over and over, "Then they will know that I am the Lord God."  God still wants us to know Him, do you? 

Gerard's new Shirt

This is a picture of the shirt Gerard ordered that came in the mail this week.  The small print at the bottom says,

HIS SPIRIT WILL FILL US
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."  John 6:35 

MAY YOU BE EVER IN GOD'S FAVOR

The Christian t-shirt website where Gerard bought this shirt from is Kerusso.
(John 6:35 was one of our VBS verses this summer!  Too bad he didn't have it sooner so he could have worn it there.)

What was your scripture highlight this week?

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Sunday Sharing: God Is Fair

Most of what I read in Ezekiel this week was how God was going to punish Israel and Judah for worshiping idols and sexual sins so they would know that He was the Lord God.  However, for my highlight of the week I chose these verses that stood out from the rest:

(23) I do not really want the evil person to die, says the Lord God.  I want him to stop his bad ways and live.  (31) Get rid of all the sins you have done.  And get for yourselves a new heart and a new way to think.  Why do you want to die, people of Israel?  --Ezekiel 18:23, 31 (ICB)

Doesn't this sound like rehab?  Perhaps it struck me this way because I've been reading A Chance To Win--Boyhood, Baseball, and the Struggle for Redemption in the Inner City by Jonathan Schuppe.  God is all about reconciliation.  Today, God wants us to turn from sin to trusting and following Jesus, who died on the cross and rose from the grave so that we can be forgiven and have a new heart, one that desires to do God's will and please Him.

When reading these verses, II Corinthians 5:17 & 18 came to mind which says:

(17) Therefore, if any man be in Christ he is a new creature:  old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

What scripture highlight did you come across this week?  I'd really love to hear.  Please share in the comments or feel free to comment on this one.  

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Sunday Sharing: Would God's Message For The U.S. Be The Same?

I'm continuing to read Ezekiel and this week came across the following verse that made me wonder if God would say the same thing to the people of the United States.  Here it is:

So say this to the people of Israel:  "This is what the Lord God says:  Change your hearts and lives.  Stop worshiping idols.  Stop doing all the things I hate." --Ezekiel 14:6 (Children's International Version)

I can't help but think God must be so displeased with our injustice and the deterioration of morals in this country.   Legalizing sin (abortion, homosexuality) is just plain wrong!  There, I said it.

On a more positive note, I had a blast at our Vacation Bible School with the Sonwest Roundup theme.  I helped in the 5th and 6th grade group and had both boys and girls in my small group.  I really thought I was going to win three years in a row, but this year my group came in second place because we had some who missed some days after they started.  I am happy to report though that everyone who was there Friday and even one who wasn't said all five verses during the week.  I love seeing children memorizing God's word and hope they will remember these verses:  John 3:16, John 16:33, John 11:25, John 6:35 and John 13:34-35.

What was your scripture highlight of the week.

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Sunday Sharing: God Answered My Prayer In A Surprising Way

My scripture highlight this week is from I Peter 2:9 from Friday morning which says:

But you are God's chosen and special people.  You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation.  God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  Now you must tell all the wonderful things that He has done.  (Contemporary English Version)

The day before, God answered my prayer in a way I did not expect.  God is wonderful and after reading this verse the next day, I just have to tell you the wonderful thing He did for me recently.  Last Thursday, I forgot to pack bread in my lunch for my sardine sandwich. I noticed when I got to work and was getting out my snacks. I only had $3.00 with me and didn't really want to buy anything so prayed a quick prayer asking God to provide something for lunch for me. Sometimes leftovers from luncheons are put in the lunchroom for anyone who wants it or sometimes people bring stuff in to share. That's what I was hoping for.

It got to be 2:00 and no leftovers were brought in so I decided to try to find something cheap in the cafe downstairs. It was rainy so I didn't want to go outside for anything. The salads were $6, the pizza had strange toppings, sandwiches were well over $3.00,. There were no lines because I was the only customer at that time so talked to the chef who makes the sandwiches:

Me: Could I just buy two slices of bread please?

Chef: Just bread?

Me: Yes.

Chef: What kind would you like?

Me: Do you have wheat?

Chef: Sure.

Me: It won't be more than $3 will it?

Chef: It's on me.

Me: Oh, thank you!

He put two slices in a little Styrofoam container and marked "no charge, Chef" on the lid. Off I went as happy as could be, thanking God for providing my free lunch and that it was raining so I went downstairs instead of going outside!

Some people may scoff at this as just being a coincidence, but I commit my way to the Lord and do not believe in coincidence.  God is in ultimate control and I just heard Joel Osteen say we need to recognize the good things that happen to us as God's goodness to us and not just a lucky break or a coincidence.  Give God a chance, pray for a miracle.  You may be surprised too at what He will do!

I finished reading the Book of Acts.  Click on the link to read my review, Like Adventure?  Read the Book of Acts that I posted on our book blog, Grab a Book from Our Stack.

Please share a scripture highlight you read this week or a recent answer to prayer in the comments.  I'd love to hear about it! 

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Sunday Sharing: A Brave Boy Saved His Uncle Paul

My scripture highlight this week is from Acts 23:12-35 but specifically verse 21 which says:

"But please don't do what they say. More than 40 men are going to attack Paul. They have made a vow not to eat or drink anything until they have killed him."

This is what Paul's nephew, at the time just a boy, told the commander. The nephew overheard about the plot to kill Paul told him what he heard. In Jerusalem, the men were going to kill Paul when he was on the way to see the chief priests who supposedly wanted to talk to him further. That night, the commander arranged for Paul to be escorted out of Jerusalem to Felix the governor. The Lord had recently stood beside Paul and said, "Don't worry! Just as you have told others about me in Jerusalem, you must also tell about me in Rome. (Acts 23:11)

It is interesting to me to see how God had His plan for Paul and how he watched over Paul. I am also impressed at how brave the boy was and that God used him to help get Paul out of Jerusalem and on his way to Rome. I believe God also has a plan for each of us and ultimately is in control. I am glad God is watching over me too!

Please share a scripture highlight you came across last week in the comments, or feel free to comment on this post.

(Scripture is from the Contemporary English Version)

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Sunday Sharing: Why Didn't Paul Listen and What If He Had?

For my scripture highlight of the week, I chose Acts 21:4, 12-13 and 30-31 which says:

(4) We looked up the Lord's followers and stayed with them for a week [in Tyre].  The Holy Spirit had told them to warn Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. (12) After Agabus said this, we and the followers living there begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  (13) But Paul answered, "Why are you crying and breaking my heart?  I am not only willing to be put in jail for the lord Jesus.  I am even willing to die for him in Jerusalem!" 

Paul did not listen to the warning and in this case, went on to Jerusalem:

(30) The whole city was in an uproar and the people turned into a mob.  They grabbed Paul and dragged him out of the temple.  Then suddenly the doors were shut.  (31) The people were about to kill Paul when the Roman army commander heard that all Jerusalem was starting to riot.

Here's my thoughts:

Previously, Paul always listened when the Holy Spirit prevented him or told him not to go somewhere.  In Acts 18:21, He told them good-bye and said, "If God lets me, I will come back."  This showed Paul was acknowledging God in his plans and that he was willing to go wherever God wanted.  I am curious as to why Paul did not listen this time when he was warned not to go to Jerusalem.

I also wonder if Paul had listened, if he would have been spared this incident had he waited for God's timing and wonder what God had planned for him instead.  I guess that's something I'll never know unless I remember to ask Paul and God when I see them in heaven some day.

Finally, this passage reminded me of James 4:13-15 which says:

(13) You should know better than to say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to the city.  We will do business there for a year and make a lot of money!"  (14) What do you know about tomorrow?  How can you be so sure about your life?  It is nothing more than a mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears.  (15) You should say, "If the Lord lets us live, we will do these things."  

Contemporary English Version

Even though Paul went to Jerusalem in spite of the Holy Spirit's warning, God still used him there to speak to the very crowd that tried to kill him! 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this or your scripture highlight of the week in the comments.

(all scripture passages are from the Contemporary English Version.)

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Sunday Sharing: We All Need Encouragement

When reading through Acts this week, I chose my highlight of the week from Acts 18:9-10 which says:

One night, Paul had a vision and in it the Lord said, "Don't be afraid to keep on preaching.  Don't stop!  I am with you, and you won't be harmed.  Many people in this city belong to me.  [City of Corinth]   (Contemporary English Version)

What a "shot in the arm" that must have been for Paul.  Even he needed encouragement and God was there to give it to him! 

I think everyone needs encouragement sometimes and Tuesday, I looked for some.  My biggest concern is how will my husband and I manage in the future, having no children to help us out in our old age.  Will we have enough money to live on?  Will all our money wind up paying for a nursing home?  I'm sure I am not the only one who has this concern; however, that does not make me feel any better.  But here is a verse that I find very encouraging and comforting that puts my mind at ease:

I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you.  I created you.  I will carry you and always keep you safe. --Proverbs 46:4

I don't know what my future holds, but God does and I know Him!   I hope you know Him too and will share a highlight from scripture that you came across this week with us in the comments.  Or, feel free to comment on this post. 

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Sunday Sharing: Perseverance, Courage and Commitment

I was reading Acts 12-15 this week and for my highlight, I choose Acts 14:4-5:

The people of Iconium did not know what to think.  Some believed the Jewish group and others believed the apostles.  Finally, some Gentiles and Jews together with their leaders, decided to make trouble for Paul and Barnabas and to stone them to death.

(Contemporary English Version)

Paul and Barnabas were stoned in Iconium and left for dead; however, they were still alive and moved on to Lystra.  They kept on preaching about Jesus and more and more people kept believing.  They had great courage and never gave up.  Later though, they even had the courage to return to Iconium to check up on the believers to see how they were doing and encourage them to remain strong in their faith!

Their faith in Jesus and their commitment to follow his last instructions to them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost was so strong that they were willing to die for it! 

I am so humbled when I compare myself to the apostles.  I do not talk about Jesus everywhere I go like they did even though they were often threatened and persecuted for doing so and I am not.  Reading this makes me realize I need to be more outgoing and share the Good News about Jesus to those who I come in contact with who do not yet know him.  I encourage all my readers to get into the Holy Bible, God's Word, and get to really know the only true God you loves you so much! 

I wish you all a good week and hope you will share in the comments a highlight from scripture you came across this week!  Feel free to comment on what I wrote as well.

Photo credit:  Mike Solomon (our photographer)

Happy Mother's Day!  I suggest you get a picture taken of you and your mom while you still can.  I have none with just my mom and me except for when I was a baby.  Kind of sad. 

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Sunday Sharing: Meetings Arranged By God

I am currently reading through the book of Acts so my highlight this week comes from Acts 10 and 11 where God arranged a meeting between Cornelius (a non-Jew) and Peter (a Jew):

God sent a message to Cornelius:

One afternoon at about three o'clock, Cornelius had a vision.  He saw an angel from God coming to him and calling him by name.  Cornelius was surprised and stared at the angel.  Then he asked, "What is this all about?"

]The angel answered, "God has heard your prayers and knows about your gifts to the poor.  Now send some men to Joppa for a man named Simon Peter.  He is visiting with Simon the leather maker, who lives in a house near the sea."  After saying this, the angel left.

Cornelius called in two of his servants and one of his soldiers who worshiped God.  He explained everything to them and sent them off to Joppa. (Acts 10:3-8)

God sent a message to Peter:

Then next day about noon these men were coming near Joppa.  Peter went up on the roof of the house to pray and became very hungry.  While the food was being prepared, he fell sound asleep and had a vision.  He saw heaven open, and something came down like a huge sheet held up by its four corners.  In it were all kinds of animals, snakes, and birds.  A voice said to him, "Peter, get up!  Kill these and eat them."

But Peter said, "Lord, I can't do that!  I've never eaten anything that is unclean and not fit to eat."

The voice spoke to him again.  "When God says that something can be usd for food, don't say it isn't fit to eat."

This happened three times before the sheet was suddenly taken back to heaven.

Peter was still wondering what all of this meant, when the men sent by Cornelius came and stood at the gate.  They had found their way to Simon's house and were asking if Simon Peter was staying there.

While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, "Three men are here looking for you.  Hurry down and go with them.  Don't worry, I sent them."

Peter went down and said to the men, "I am the one you are looking for. Why have you come?

They answered, "Captain Cornelius sent us.  He is a good man who worships God and is liked by the Jewish people.  One of God's holy angels told Cornelius to send for you, so he could hear what you have to say."

The Meeting:

Both Cornelius and Peter did what they were told to do.  Peter went with the men and when he arrived at the house, Cornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends to hear too.  When Peter asked Cornelius why he sent for Peter, Cornelius told him about the angel speaking to him.  Peter then realized that "God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from." (Acts 10:35)  He then proceeded to tell all of them about Jesus and then this happened:

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit took control of everyone who was listening.  Some Jewish followers of the Lord had come with Peter, and they were surprised that the Holy Spirit had been given to Gentiles (non-Jews).  Now they wee hearing Gentiles speaking unknown languages and praising God. (Acts 10:44-45)

I think it is so cool how God interrupts our lives in order to accomplish His purpose.  It was an established fact that a Jew should never eat or enter into the home of a Gentile so when Peter's Jewish friends heard what he did. they questioned it.  Peter told them all that happened with the visions and how the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit just like they did.

When the Jewish believers heard this, they stopped arguing.  They praised God and said, "So God is allowing the non-Jewish people also to turn to Him and live.  (Acts 11:18)

My Reaction:

Image source:  Wikipedia

I believe God still arranges meetings today.  God brings people into our lives and as we live in faith and trust Him, he directs our steps.  (My paraphrase of Proverbs 3:5-6)  This may sound silly, but Friday God provided me the lift I needed during a very hectic work day.  I was so busy that I went outside for my afternoon break to get some sun and fresh air later than usual and even went in a different direction than usual.  You'll never guess what God used to lift my spirit and re-energize me (well, if I didn't include the picture, you couldn't have guessed.)  He knows me so well!  I saw a cute little furry critter walking along on a leash.  It was a ferret and the girl let me pet it.  Immediately, my tension left, I smiled and was refreshed and energized after that.  I love animals and I thanked God for letting me meet that ferret!

On a more serious note, it seems like things have reversed.  The message of Jesus was first given to the Jews, his chosen people but God saw to it that the message was also carried to the Gentiles.  Some Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah back then and most it seems still do today.  However, there are some Jews today who do receive Jesus as the Messiah and have put their faith in Him.

 Chosen People Ministries is an organization that "exists to pray for, evangelize, disciple, and serve Jewish people everywhere and to help fellow believers do the same."  Visit their website to learn more.

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