Doses of Faith

           We strive to make sensible and wise decisions.   In Titus chapters one and two, the writer instructs the elders, older men, older women, younger women, and younger men to be sensible.   To be sensible is among the many examples of character listed for the Christian walk.   Anyone can strive to have the character traits named in Titus, but to be truly sensible and wise comes from God.            In Exodus 28:3 God says to Moses, “You shall speak to all the skilled persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom.” (NAS)   God gives the ‘spirit of wisdom.’   We are reminded again in James 1:5 and 6 that “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.   But he must ask in faith without doubting.”   So, if we want to make sensible and wise decisions, we go to God and faithfully trust him to give us the...

     We all are tempted with our addictions and weaknesses.    In the moment we take our eyes off Jesus, Satan is there to blindside us with our weaknesses and to take away all self-control.    I know.   He has placed a thorn in my flesh that has taken time away from me.   Time I could have been studying, reading the Bible, and praying.   This weakness took away time I could have been doing something more constructive.    I gave in to a weakness that was not a part of me over five years ago, because television did not appeal to me.      By now, you may be saying, “Come on! Television!   What is wrong with television?”      It took me away from Jesus’ plan for me.   Instead of focusing on what I knew I should be doing with my time, I sat there watching television for two years gaining 20 lbs.   There was no self-control.   Each day, I told myself, not tomorrow...

     This week on one of my morning walks, my thoughts wondered to what is self-control.   As I thought about it, I determined that it is a state of mind.   Then, what affects our state of mind?   What causes us to do what we do?   Why?   I determined self-control does not come easy, because we are controlled by our state of mind.     An example is the current state of the media and the actions of many liberals.   They are driven by hate of our current president.   Believe me, the man has done a lot to give many reason not to respect him and dislike him because of the ugly things he has said about many people.   He is arrogant and self-absorbed.     He needs some self-control over his mouth and actions.   Now, back to the state of mind of the media and many liberals, they despise and hate our president.   I’ve never seen so much hate in people with their tweets and statements on social media.   ...

"Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ - I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent."  II Corinthians 10:1 (NAS)       Last week when I opened my Bible to continue my study of Corinthians, my first thoughts after reading II Cor. 10:1, "Here is the character of God!"  And, Paul treated the Christians at Corinth with 'the meekness and gentleness of Christ.'  This is how babes in Christ are fed the scriptures and gently directed to obey and follow God.  However, Paul is more bold toward them (in his letters) when he is not with them.  Why the contrast?       My thoughts go to the differences in communication between being face to face and not face to face.  It makes a difference.  Face to face, I can see their reaction to what I'm saying, but while texting, emailing, or writing a letter, there is no visual to what the other party is feeling. Then, while I liste...

     Sometimes we complicate situations by placing too much thought into something simple.   I know that is what I’ve done.   In my study of I Corinthians, I noticed the words “puffed up,” so I decided to research what Paul meant by “puffed up.”   So, I read a few commentaries, googled a few sermons, pulled out my book on customs of the Hellenistic in Corinth and Roman Empire, and searched the scriptures.   I have my notes and a lot to write on the subject after a few months of research.   Now, does this make me “puffed up?”      As I prayed over where to start, I went to I Corinthians 4:6.   “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that you might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against the other.”         “That you might learn in us not to think of men...

     Here I am and I have been home over a week!   Busy!   Yes.   Work at my day job had to be caught up, and things at home have kept me very busy.   However, I’m here and looking forward to a long holiday weekend.   I say I will catch up on my projects, but things come up and keep me busy.      I can easily let “busy” take me away from Bible Study and my time in prayer.   Next, “busy” may gradually draw me away from Jesus.   Other things can gradually seep into my life without me noticing a big change.   In I Corinthians chapter 4, I see this happening to the church at Corinth.   Paul planted the seed and Apollos watered, but some started following the preacher instead of God.   They failed to remember that it is about Jesus, not the teachings of man.   In verse 20 Paul writes, “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”   Then, when the church starts following man instead...

     This is my last full day in Tennessee with grandchildren.   I thought I would have time to read a little, but I only had time to read one chapter of “Hero Myths & Legends of Britain & Ireland” by M. I. Ebbutt.    I finished the story of ‘Cuchulain, the Champion of Ireland.”   At least, I read a little.   I stayed busy, but the good kind of busy with grandchildren.   I got plenty of rest which I needed.   Played games with the boys and read a lot of books to the girls along with doing hair and dressing up the little princesses.    I did do a few blogs and stayed up on the news, mostly – kind of.   Then, there was the time I had for devotions and prayer.   It seems that I needed to get out of my routine and to be challenged with new thoughts.   The service on Sunday, Bible Study on Wednesday night, and my personal study in 1 Corinthians showed me I need renewal.   My prayer is for...

Sunday I was amused that the Sunday School lesson at the church I’m visiting was the same content of something I’ve written recently.   It is still just for my eyes only.   I was searching the scripture about anger, wrath, and hate, and my notes were many, many pages.   In my search, I came across I Samuel 18 – 20.   The unlikely friendship of a prince assumed to be the next king and the man anointed by God to be the next king caught my attention with the words of I Samuel 18:1.   Every conclusion that I noted was the lesson.   Then tonight, I slipped into the Bible Study, “This Is Our Time.”   Interesting discussion and I want to read the book.   The discussion started around men or women we know that served God totally.   My thoughts were on my father, but he is not famous like all the names chosen.   The discussion never mentioned full commitment to God; this bothered me.   All the men and women, mostly, were committed t...

This morning, I thought I would have some quiet time.   But, this special moment happened.   Autumn comes into den with a blanket and says, “I want to snuggle with you.”   The silence wasn’t broken as we snuggled under her blanket.    This special moment reminds me of those special moments with my little ones.   They wanted Mama to be close, and as I get older, I want them to be closer.   I want to share their dreams and accomplishments and listen to their ideas and hopes for the future.     I want them to talk to me and share their thoughts and fears.    As a mother, I’m always willing to break the silence of the morning for some time with my children.   So, young mothers savor the moments of snuggling and never push them away.   The dishes, laundry, cleaning, planning, and reading will always be there, but not your little ones wanting to snuggle under the blanket in the silence of the morning.

     At this moment, I’m reminded what it is like to be a young mother.   It is easy to overlook that there is no normal.   There is so much to do in each day with a husband, children, and home to keep in order.   I was lucky.   My dear husband came home every day and kept to my “schedule.”   You see, I have this thing of “Nice and Neat.”   Yes, the floors were cleaned every night before I went to bed.   I don’t like clutter, just “nice and neat.”   So, every afternoon when Kevin arrived home from work, the children acted like they haven’t seen him in years.   Really!   The waiting and anticipation with the joy of his arrival every day!   Daddies are pop stars in the eyes of their children.   Then, we always had supper at 6, and we always ate at the table.    Supper was a time to talk with the children, listen, and advice.    Then, Kevin cleaned the kitchen while I got the children read...

     Since last November, I’ve seen mainstream media go mad.   I listen as the reporters steam over our president.   Many are mad and sulking and others aim to make sure the president is impeached.   Honestly, I’ve thought all along that Trump’s mouth will get him in trouble and impeached.   As a citizen of the United States, I respect the office of the President of the United States and have confidence in our branches of government, and I’m disappointed at the anger brewing each day out of the left and the media.      Yes, I see their contempt coming from losing the election and a growing anger.   With these thoughts, I’ve searched the web for consequences of long term anger, and I’ve searched the scriptures to find what God has to say about anger.    Without question, a liberal atheist (after a few jokes) will be the first to remind me that my God gets angry.   Yes, the scripture does mention God’s wrat...

     Yesterday, as I listened to FBI Director Comey speak to Congress, I saw a man of integrity.  It had to be hard to do what he knew was right back in October.  As he reports that the FBI could find no "ill intent" on the part of Secretary Clinton, I felt insulted as a woman.  What did he mean?  Did he see the Secretary of State as a woman who did not know any better?  Yes, I am insulted!  I'm from the same generation as Mrs. Clinton, and after the battles for equality for women, I had hoped for a better response than no "ill intent," because I take this as "the little woman just did not know what she was doing."  Many young women protested and marched to be treated equally in education, politics, the office, and society.  Now, I wonder if we have come as far as many hoped.      In 1969, I was a college student, and as many students marched and threw their bras in the bonfires, I simply stopped weari...

It has been a long while since I posted.  It isn't because I haven't been writing, but working on other projects.  My goal was to not let other projects keep me from my blog, but I did.  I've written 2 devotions for 2 different events.  I created a book of devotions for a teen girls' retreat.  I did not have a free weekend from mid February until last weekend, 7 & 8 April.  I enjoyed my weekend.  I had yard work to catch up.  Did you know I have two acres?  I still have clean up to do from Hurricane Matthew and a roof to fix on a shop.  It will be done before June.  I have family and a son who will help with roof and has already helped with yard.  No worries as I enjoy my busy living.  My favorite part of my first free weekend was my grandchildren and nephews.  It was hilarious doing planks with a 7 year old and 5 year old.  Mattie constantly reminded Mark, "Body straight!  Don't stick your but up."...

     In Bible study this week, I find the timing of verse 13 of Luke 12 typical, still today.   Have you ever been in the middle of a lesson and someone asks a question that does not relate to the lesson?   They throw the class off onto another subject that does not relate to the scripture.   Once in an adult class, a lady gets the floor and says, “I found a snake in my birdhouse this week.”   As she went in detail how she called her son to come immediately to take care of the snake, I wondered how the class would be directed back to the lesson.   The teacher uncomfortably managed.   Well, how do teachers manage when the subject changes?   Let’s look at Luke 12 and what Jesus said.      In Luke 12, Jesus starts with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.   Jesus warns that nothing will stay secret and the truth will come out.   Then, he continues with warnings of who not to fear, those who kill the body, an...

  Jesus sent out 35 pair to go into cities to heal the sick and proclaim that the kingdom of God is at hand. They were sent out to prepare peoples’ hearts for what was to come after Jesus’ resurrection. They obeyed with no questions. They went without packing extra clothes. They went out in faith without stopping to “salute” anyone. And, they returned rejoicing.     “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through your name.”     Jesus replied, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”     Through faith, they healed the sick, proclaimed Jesus’ message, and returned rejoicing. Rejoicing because God was with them and rejoicing because all were subject to them though the name of Jesus. Jesus rejoiced with them. Also, Jesus tells them to not rejoice that “the spirits are subject to you,” but “because your names are written in hea...

     This morning as I looked over Luke 10, the scripture for the adult Sunday School Classes lesson, I wondered if the lesson will be taken in and used. How many classes will just teach and listen, then simply go about their daily business without a thought of the great message in Luke 10? How many will “seek” to obey? Seekers, are you listening?      Jesus had many followers seeking, listening, and watching, not just the twelve disciples. In Luke 10, Jesus chooses 70 followers to go out in 35 pairs to go to every city and place. He had 70 people who were faithful and had faith in him, the Son of God. Jesus starts out with 3 commands, pray, go, and carry. Pray for the Lord to send out laborers. Go, “I send you as lambs among the wolves.” Carry nothing with you except what you have on you. Jesus is not promising them an easy journey and is not finished with his instructions.      Jesus’ next command is important. ...

Luke 7:32 "We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, and you did not weep."      As tears ran down my face, I listened to our missionary's story, and I felt compassion and sick for the way Christians are being treated in other countries.  A child is placed in children's home after the government has parents murdered.  The parents were members of the opposing party.  Then, at age 16, she is sold into an arranged marriage where her husband beats her.  After he abandons her and her son, she manages to find work to support her child.  Later, she finds God and forgiveness.  She never knew her parents were murdered.  No, not until the man hired by the government came to her and told her.  He asked for forgiveness.  How dare he!!  Then, God lead her to the way for healing.  She followed Jesus, and she forgave the man.  Without forgiveness, hate, stress, and despair grows....

As the New Year starts, I find myself not into making resolutions.   I’m looking back at my mistakes and what separates me from God.     The year was a year of ups and downs.   Why?   The reason is that I became self-absorbed.   In each instant, I made a crisis over something that I could have taken care of with little effort, if only I had.   There were two and I let them drag on for months.   Satan knew my weakness and I fell into the trap.   So, there are no resolutions to break, just repentance on my knees.      As I repented, I saw how foolish I was.   Oh!   How I wish I could see what I was letting into my life.   It was self-pity.   I have no hard feelings, but I regret my feelings of being abandoned.   I’m healthy with a good mind, and I don’t need to be taken care of.   I’ve always been independent, energetic, and strong willed.   It was foolish to think of myself needing ...

      Most of us don’t plan to follow after temptation. Sometimes, we are conditioned by who we are associated with or by who we chose to follow. Other times, circumstances and bad things that happen to us can cause us to be self-centered or full of bitterness. Satan knows us and is waiting for the moment to deceive our minds and hearts, and he is waiting to have victory over us.    Satan was there with Jesus in the wilderness as Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights. Jesus was not alone. In Luke 4:1, it says that “Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” Jesus had a helper and comforter. Jesus promised to give us this same helper and comforter. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, he said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you.” (John 14:26) When ...

     While studying the lesson for today, my eyes were opened to more than the lesson was portraying.   The Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts when we open our hearts to the Holy Scriptures.    When my studies don’t have a lesson for me, I feel as I need to search my heart, mind, and soul to find the reason.   The devil always takes every circumstance to tempt us and turn us away from God.   He wants to clog our whole being with the things that will separate us from God.   So, we need to be watchful and stand firm in our faith (1 Cor. 16:13) as we “put on the whole armor of God, so that we will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph. 6:11)         In Luke 4, after Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, he is tempted of the devil.   Now, I pull out my American Standard and NIV to compare with the translations.   The NIV says, “For forty days he was tempted by the devil...