1/21/11

I read this morning from 1st Chronicles 3-5. The thing I am seeing about Chronicles is that it is a full list of names of the Israelite heritage. The direction that this took for me is the impact many of these familiar names had in our history and what their lives stood for.

This passage mentioned Jabez and looking into his history it was easy to see that he was a faithful man of God. He helps to teach us that when we pray for God's blessing, we should also pray that he will take his rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recreation. Seek God's protection through prayer, but also ask him to guard your thoughts and actions. Fill your mind with positive thoughts and attitudes.

On the flip side it also mentioned Reuben. He was a prime example of letting his personal choices not only keep him from glorifying God but also allowing sin to steal his blessing from him. His actions teach us that before we give in to temptation, we should take a close look at the disastrous consequences sin may produce in our life and the lives of others.

It still talks of people who have had to experience dire circumstances. During difficult situations, seek God's purpose and ask for his guidance and strength. Don't try to live up to the society's standards. Live to please and obey God. He alone determines your final standing.

Stay warm today with this cold weather and have a blessed day.

1/20/10

The Lord led me to Psalms today. Different portions of it, but there was a central theme about our security in our Lord and Savior. If you will indulge me, I would like to throw out a few points that came up.

When we are facing times of uncertainty, we must follow God's truth and light. This is our guide to get through the rough spots. God feels for us. We can take heart in this fact. With this being the case, we can always be ready to face death for the cause of Christ. It may be his plan for our battle scars as an indication of our loyalty. The beautiful truth from this is that nothing can separate us from God. When you think he is not answering, he may building faith in us. Never forget that he is our refuge even in the face of destruction.

We must pursue Godly treasures as well. Don't count on physical comforts to keep you happy because it will never be enough. Place your faith in God, Pledge to obey Him, and utilize his resources for the good of his kingdom.

When life gets too busy then God has a built in answer for you. Our church buildings offer us a chance to step out of life's busy mainstream to meditate and pray. It is another chance to grow strong in God's presence as is those barren times in our lives when we earnestly seek Him. When we obey God, he will never hold anything back that helps us serve. If you need a revival in your life, ask God for a fresh touch of his love.

Don't let life get you down. Trust God to take care of you because no one loves you more than He does. Have a blessed day.

1-14-10

Well It's back to school today albeit a late start. The saddest part of all is that there was no snow cream for the Cains throughout the great winter storm. I wanted to share my Bible study with you today. It comes from Psalms and is basically centered around David's prayers to God while he was being unjustly pursued by Saul. Many good points came from this study.

David continually sought after God and we should do the same. God protects us from painful circumstances sometimes, but at other times he allows us to go through them in order to teach us to be better servants. There is only one key to happiness and it is found in God's love and in doing his will.

It portrays how some peoples lives are surrounded by cruelties. We often pray for justice in these situations. Make no mistake, God will bring justice to the evil. There is a little bit of solace to be found in that statement for me, but a little fear strikes me as I know that I am not perfect myself. God hears every prayer, but we must remember he answers according to his wisdom. Don't resent him for this. Instead let it deepen your faith. When you feel unjustly accused, allow God to fight the battle for you.

Speaking of prayer, we should model them after Christ. It should contain your concerns and your praise of God. Above all, be straightforward and honest before him. After all, he already knows what your thinking. God alone can satisfy our deepest longings. This is especially important to remember at the darkest times of your life. When you feel stressed,or happy, turn all your thoughts to God.

I hope you have a blessed day.

1/8/11

Good Saturday morning to everybody. I don't see any snow yet but I am sure that it's coming. Go grab your milk before it's too late. Today I read 1 Samuel 15-17.

Chapter 15 discusses obedience. It says that selective obedience is just another form of disobedience. In other words,if a child only does a portion of what is asked of him by his parent then he really has not complied at all. You are either all in or you are all out. If we treat God's commands in this same manner, then we have fallen short. It also dealt with dishonesty and discusses how many times we believe to begin our own lies of justification. The danger in this is that we begin to alienate ourselves from others and from God. You just can't hide a lie. We must act out of devotion and obedience to God. Religion means nothing without these concepts. How easy it is to want to do our own thing because it pleases us, but this passage stated that rebellion against God is the greatest sin of all. Act responsibly with what God entrusts you with because we will all have to give an account for our actions.

Chapter 16 says that God judges by faith and character, not by outward appearance. Man am I glad for that. We must make sure that our attitude towards God and others is right. It also teaches that sometimes even our God given plans will be put on hold until further notice until God sees fit to move forward. Don't become discouraged when something doesn't happen in the time frame that you think it should. There may be a reason for it.

Chapter 17 tells us to view impossible situations from God's point of view. This will help us put our "giant" problems into perspective. As long as we do what is right by God we will be fine because his opinion is the only one that matters anyway.

So there it is folks, take it or leave it. The choice is up to you. I wish that I could be a better child to my Heavenly Father, but I am glad that he is so merciful upon me. I thank him for undeserved blessings. Have a nice, relaxing Saturday and may He bless you all.

1/7/11

I hope everyone is doing well today. All I can say is that it is Friday and I hope everyone is ready for the big snow coming our way. I only hope that the power doesn't go out. My Bible study today was a continuation of King Saul and his antics. It's very easy for me to ask him "what are you thinking?", but how often have I shown some of the same characteristics.

Chapter 4 of 1st Samuel reinforces that a symbol of God holds no power, and that only God himself is the real Mccoy. There is only one way to achieve spiritual victory and that is with a daily renewed commitment to God. Our lives will always seem empty if we let sin instead of God rule our life.

Chapter 5 illustrates how many of us don't respond to truth until we feel pain. How true this is and it only magnifies why God has to let us go through so many unpleasant things due to our sinful nature.

Chapter 6 teaches us once more that we must serve God the way that he requires and not how we see fit. He is the source of life itself, not just a part of it, and he will not allow us to use his power for our own means.

Chapter 8 reminds us that what we do and teach our children can affect them for a lifetime, good or bad. We must not live by the world's standards and we must ask God to lead our family and personal life. It also teaches us that when we are weighing an important decision that we must count the costs. This was said in the old testament and it was important enough for Christ himself to mention. He said many things that weren't necessarily pleasent for the world to hear but they are as true today as they were at that time. Be very careful not to go along with the crowd because it often times pulls you away from what God says is right. Hey nobody ever said that being a Christian was easy.

Well that is about all I have to say for today. I hope that you have a wonderful day and that God blesses each step you take.

1/6/11

It has been a while since I have written down my thoughts on what the day brings. One thing that I still totally believe in is starting the day off right with God's word. Many things have happened since I last expressed my thoughts on this page. I have gotten married, sold a house, went on a mission trip, and survived several holidays. Even those old Mcadory Jackets and Mississippi State Bulldogs had outstanding seasons which made this time of year very fun for me. Well, enough about my ramblings. Let me move on to my real reason for posting today.I want to once again share what the Bible speaks to me. As much as I would love to say that I will keep up with this everyday, I don't know if that's possible.

I am reading about Saul in 1st Samuel right now and his journey is most definitely an interesting one. One point that popped out for me is that God uses common occurences to lead us where he wants us to be. We simply have to look for the signs. So many times we feel unworthy and we are an undeserving bunch but God made us for a reason and it is our job to watch for his call. Let His love give your heart rest.

It also talks of how the Holy Spirit comes down on Saul in special situations. I believe that God will utilize the Holy Spirit on us as well at certain times in our lives. I will go as far to say that he even brings it down upon unbelievers momentarily if it helps his cause. He is all powerful. We must be careful to never push God aside. Count on his provision rather than your inadequacy. If he gives you an opportunity to lead then be sure to listen to all, critics and fans, but focus on those who are willing to help God's cause through you.

The funny thing is that the first time that Saul felt the spirit was at a time when he was angry at an injustice being done to the Israelites. We will all be angry at some time in our lives but it is very important that we channel this anger in positive ways. Ask for God's help with this.

Recognize God's power and pattern your life around his laws. Where do you find all his laws? In the Bible of course. I have learned that there is definitely more to them than just the Ten Commandments. My passage today also stated that failure to pray, especially for your fellow man is a sin. We are to pray consistently for others and teach others the right way to God even if you are not their biggest fan. Hey don't get mad at me. Take it up with my Father.This is much easier to do when we remember what God has already done for us. We then have a simpler way of moving ahead with gratitude and praise. Have a wonderful day and May God bless you!!!!!

1 Samuel 28:1-25 4-2-10

1 Samuel 28:1-25 (New International Version)

1 Samuel 28

Saul and the Witch of Endor

1 In those days the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel. Achish said to David, "You must understand that you and your men will accompany me in the army."
2 David said, "Then you will see for yourself what your servant can do."
Achish replied, "Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life."

3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land.

4 The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all the Israelites and set up camp at Gilboa. 5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. 7 Saul then said to his attendants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her."
"There is one in Endor," they said.

8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. "Consult a spirit for me," he said, "and bring up for me the one I name."

9 But the woman said to him, "Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?"

10 Saul swore to her by the LORD, "As surely as the LORD lives, you will not be punished for this."

11 Then the woman asked, "Whom shall I bring up for you?"
"Bring up Samuel," he said.

12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, "Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!"

13 The king said to her, "Don't be afraid. What do you see?"
The woman said, "I see a spirit [a] coming up out of the ground."

14 "What does he look like?" he asked.
"An old man wearing a robe is coming up," she said.
Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.

15 Samuel said to Saul, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?"
"I am in great distress," Saul said. "The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do."

16 Samuel said, "Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. 18 Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. 19 The LORD will hand over both Israel and you to the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand over the army of Israel to the Philistines."

20 Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of Samuel's words. His strength was gone, for he had eaten nothing all that day and night.

21 When the woman came to Saul and saw that he was greatly shaken, she said, "Look, your maidservant has obeyed you. I took my life in my hands and did what you told me to do. 22 Now please listen to your servant and let me give you some food so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way."

23 He refused and said, "I will not eat."
But his men joined the woman in urging him, and he listened to them. He got up from the ground and sat on the couch.

24 The woman had a fattened calf at the house, which she butchered at once. She took some flour, kneaded it and baked bread without yeast. 25 Then she set it before Saul and his men, and they ate. That same night they got up and left.


We may make a great show of denouncing sin, but if our hearts do not change, the sins will return. Knowing what is right doesn't take the place of doing what is right. Let life's difficulties and obstacles push you in God's direction instead. This will make you depend on him. Turning to anything else leads to disaster. This passage also shows Saul turning to mediums and sorcerers. God is against all such practices to contact the dead. Sometimes people wonder why their prayers are not answered. But if they don't fulfill the responsibilities God gives them, they should not be surprised by lack of further guidance.