What will a man give in exchange for his soul? - Matthew 16:26
One would think that selling one's soul, as Faust offered his to the devil in Goethe's Dr. Fautus, is only a figment of literary fiction. Medieval as it seems, however, several cases of soul-selling have occured.
Wired magazine reported that a 29-year-old university instrutor succeeded in selling his immortal soul for $1,325. He said, "In America, you can metaphorically and literally sell your soul and be rewarded for it." One wonders how the purchaser intended to collect.
We can't literally sell our soul, but we can lose our soul to gain something else. We need to ponder Jesus' question, "What will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26). Our answers today would differ only in specifics from the responses of Jesus' day: the world, the flesh, and the devil. The lusts that captivate us and the thirst for unbridled pleasure, success, revenge, or material things have certainly taken on far more importance to many people than any considerations of eternity.
Nothing on earth compares to the gifts of God's loe and forgiveness. If the pleasures of this world are preventing you from trusting in Jesus Christ, please think again. It's not worth the cost of your eternal soul. - David C. Egner
Rejoice, O soul, the debt is paid,
For all our sins on Christ were laid;
We've been redeemed, we're justified -
And all because the Savior died. - D. De Haan
Jesus is the only fountain who can satisfy the thirsty soul.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Matthew 16:24-28
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds. Most assuredly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Wow!
Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? - Exodus 15:11
One blustery day in June, our family, holidaying in the Canadian Rockies, went to a tourist site that was billed as a "must see." The cold wind made me reluctant to go on until I saw a group of people returning from the scenic spot. "Is it worth it?" I asked. "Definitely!" was their response. That gave us the incentive to go on. When we finally reached the spot, its beauty rendered us virtually speechless. "Wow!" was all we could manage.
Paul reached that point as he wrote about the work of God in saving Jew and Gentile in the book of Romans. Three things about God "wowed" him.
First, God is all-wise (11:33). His perfect plan of salvation shows that He has far better solutions to the problems of life than we are capable of devising.
Second, God is all-knowing. His knowledge is infinite. He needs no counselor (v.34) and nothing surprises Him!
We can say with Moses, "Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" (Ex. 15:11 ESV). What a marvelous God we serve! - C. P. Hia
By God's grace I stand on tiptoe,
Viewing all His wonders grand,
Praising Him who freely gave me
Simple faith to understand! - Bosch
In God's character and in His creation, we see His majesty.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Romans 11:33-36
Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past tracing out!
"For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Or who has first given to him, And it will be repaid to him again?"
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things. To him be the glory of ever! Amen.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
One blustery day in June, our family, holidaying in the Canadian Rockies, went to a tourist site that was billed as a "must see." The cold wind made me reluctant to go on until I saw a group of people returning from the scenic spot. "Is it worth it?" I asked. "Definitely!" was their response. That gave us the incentive to go on. When we finally reached the spot, its beauty rendered us virtually speechless. "Wow!" was all we could manage.
Paul reached that point as he wrote about the work of God in saving Jew and Gentile in the book of Romans. Three things about God "wowed" him.
First, God is all-wise (11:33). His perfect plan of salvation shows that He has far better solutions to the problems of life than we are capable of devising.
Second, God is all-knowing. His knowledge is infinite. He needs no counselor (v.34) and nothing surprises Him!
We can say with Moses, "Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" (Ex. 15:11 ESV). What a marvelous God we serve! - C. P. Hia
By God's grace I stand on tiptoe,
Viewing all His wonders grand,
Praising Him who freely gave me
Simple faith to understand! - Bosch
In God's character and in His creation, we see His majesty.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Romans 11:33-36
Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past tracing out!
"For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Or who has first given to him, And it will be repaid to him again?"
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things. To him be the glory of ever! Amen.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Friday, May 29, 2009
Armed For The Fray
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. - Ephesians 6:11
Paul the apostle, a spiritual warrior, testified as he came to the end of his embattled life: "I have faught the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7).
Years earlier, that valiant soldier of Jesus Christ had pleaded with his fellow Christians to put on the armor of God that would enable them to stand firm in their conflict with the powers of darkness. He knew the vital importance of donning that armor every day. In his service for Christ, Paul had been whipped, beaten, stoned, and imprisoned, and was often hungry, thirsty, cold, and weary (2 Cor. 11:22-28).
Strapping on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (God's Word) enabled Paul to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Eph. 6:14-17). With God's armor we too are fully covered and prepared for battle.
The prince of darkness with his hosts of demonic helpers is an incredibly crafty foe. That's why we need to guard against his deceitful devices and put on the whole armor of God every day. When we do, like Paul when he was nearing the end of his days, we can be confident that we have "kept the faith." - Vernon C. Grounds
Sound the battle cry! See - the foe is nigh!
Raise the standard high for the Lord;
Gird your armor on, stand firm, everyone;
Rest your cause upon His holy Word. - Sherwin
God's armor is tailormade for you, but you must put it on.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For our wresting is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perserverance and requests for all the saints:
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Paul the apostle, a spiritual warrior, testified as he came to the end of his embattled life: "I have faught the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7).
Years earlier, that valiant soldier of Jesus Christ had pleaded with his fellow Christians to put on the armor of God that would enable them to stand firm in their conflict with the powers of darkness. He knew the vital importance of donning that armor every day. In his service for Christ, Paul had been whipped, beaten, stoned, and imprisoned, and was often hungry, thirsty, cold, and weary (2 Cor. 11:22-28).
Strapping on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (God's Word) enabled Paul to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Eph. 6:14-17). With God's armor we too are fully covered and prepared for battle.
The prince of darkness with his hosts of demonic helpers is an incredibly crafty foe. That's why we need to guard against his deceitful devices and put on the whole armor of God every day. When we do, like Paul when he was nearing the end of his days, we can be confident that we have "kept the faith." - Vernon C. Grounds
Sound the battle cry! See - the foe is nigh!
Raise the standard high for the Lord;
Gird your armor on, stand firm, everyone;
Rest your cause upon His holy Word. - Sherwin
God's armor is tailormade for you, but you must put it on.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For our wresting is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perserverance and requests for all the saints:
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Witnesses
You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me... to the end of the earth. - Acts 1:8
In a criminal court case, witnesses provide vital information about a possible crime. Being a witnesses means telling the court the truth about what you know.
Jesus as the criminal justice system relies heavily on witnesses, Jesus uses bold, faithful, and credible witnesses to spread His Word and build His churh.
Before Jesus ascended to His Father, He gave His disciples a final command - to launch a worldwide witnessing campaign. The Holy Spirit would come upon them and give them supernatural power to be His witnesses throughout the world (Acts.1:8).
Jesus called these early apostles to go into a world where people did not know about Him and to give a truthful account of what they had seen, heard, and experienced (Acts 4:19-20). Since they had witnessed His perfect life, teachings, suffering, death, burial, and resurrection (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:5), they were to go out and give a truthful testimony about Him.
In taking the gospel to the ends of the world, we are called to testify to the truth about Jesus and how He has changed our lives. "How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?" (Rom. 10:14). What are you doing to tell others? - Marvin Williams
Lord and Savior, Christ divine,
Reign within this heart of mine;
May my witness ever be
Always, only, Lord, for Thee. - Brandt
God has left us in the world to witness to the world.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Acts 1:1-11
The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God's Kingdom. Being assembled together with them, he charged them, "Don't depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me.
For John indeed baptized in water, but you will baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?"
He said to them, "It isn't for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judah and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth."
When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him our of their sight. While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in the white clothing, who also said,
"You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
In a criminal court case, witnesses provide vital information about a possible crime. Being a witnesses means telling the court the truth about what you know.
Jesus as the criminal justice system relies heavily on witnesses, Jesus uses bold, faithful, and credible witnesses to spread His Word and build His churh.
Before Jesus ascended to His Father, He gave His disciples a final command - to launch a worldwide witnessing campaign. The Holy Spirit would come upon them and give them supernatural power to be His witnesses throughout the world (Acts.1:8).
Jesus called these early apostles to go into a world where people did not know about Him and to give a truthful account of what they had seen, heard, and experienced (Acts 4:19-20). Since they had witnessed His perfect life, teachings, suffering, death, burial, and resurrection (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:5), they were to go out and give a truthful testimony about Him.
In taking the gospel to the ends of the world, we are called to testify to the truth about Jesus and how He has changed our lives. "How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?" (Rom. 10:14). What are you doing to tell others? - Marvin Williams
Lord and Savior, Christ divine,
Reign within this heart of mine;
May my witness ever be
Always, only, Lord, for Thee. - Brandt
God has left us in the world to witness to the world.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Acts 1:1-11
The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God's Kingdom. Being assembled together with them, he charged them, "Don't depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me.
For John indeed baptized in water, but you will baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?"
He said to them, "It isn't for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judah and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth."
When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him our of their sight. While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in the white clothing, who also said,
"You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
None So Blind
Inashmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. Matthew 25:40
Singer Ray Stevens is generally given credit for writing the phrase "There is none so blind as he who will not see," a line from the song "Everything is Beautiful." But preacher Matthew Henry used the phrase 250 years ago when commenting on the lyrics of another songwriter, Asaph.
Asaph's lyrics were ont as upbeat as those of Stevens. His song was a rebuke to the Iaraelites for failing to fulfill their God-given purpose. God had chosen them to show the world how to live right and judge justly, but they were failing miserbly. Instead of defending the weak and fatherless, they were defending the unjust and showing partiality to the wicked (Ps. 82:2-3).
In his commentary on Psalm 82, Henry wrote: "A gift in secret blinds their eyes. They know not because they will not understand. None so blind as those that will not see. They have baffled their own consciences, and so they walk on in darkness."
Jesus confirmed God's interest in the weak and helpless. He explained that whatever is done for the "least of these" is done for Him (Matt. 25:34-40). And He chided His disciples for keeping chidren away from Him (Luke 18:16).
Those who have eyes that see what God sees find ways to help the helpless. - Julie Ackerman Link
Love through me, Love of God,
There is no love in me;
O Fire of love, light Thou the love
That burns perpetually. - Carmichael
A test of true Christian love: Do you help those who can't help you in return?
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalm 82
God presides in the great assembly. He judge among the gods. "How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked?" Selah.
"Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of wicked."
They don't know, neither do they understand. They walk back and forth in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken. I said, "You are gods, All of you are sons of the Most High. Nevertheless you shall die like men, And fall like one of the rulers."
Arise, God, judge the earth, For you inherit all of the nations.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Singer Ray Stevens is generally given credit for writing the phrase "There is none so blind as he who will not see," a line from the song "Everything is Beautiful." But preacher Matthew Henry used the phrase 250 years ago when commenting on the lyrics of another songwriter, Asaph.
Asaph's lyrics were ont as upbeat as those of Stevens. His song was a rebuke to the Iaraelites for failing to fulfill their God-given purpose. God had chosen them to show the world how to live right and judge justly, but they were failing miserbly. Instead of defending the weak and fatherless, they were defending the unjust and showing partiality to the wicked (Ps. 82:2-3).
In his commentary on Psalm 82, Henry wrote: "A gift in secret blinds their eyes. They know not because they will not understand. None so blind as those that will not see. They have baffled their own consciences, and so they walk on in darkness."
Jesus confirmed God's interest in the weak and helpless. He explained that whatever is done for the "least of these" is done for Him (Matt. 25:34-40). And He chided His disciples for keeping chidren away from Him (Luke 18:16).
Those who have eyes that see what God sees find ways to help the helpless. - Julie Ackerman Link
Love through me, Love of God,
There is no love in me;
O Fire of love, light Thou the love
That burns perpetually. - Carmichael
A test of true Christian love: Do you help those who can't help you in return?
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalm 82
God presides in the great assembly. He judge among the gods. "How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked?" Selah.
"Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of wicked."
They don't know, neither do they understand. They walk back and forth in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken. I said, "You are gods, All of you are sons of the Most High. Nevertheless you shall die like men, And fall like one of the rulers."
Arise, God, judge the earth, For you inherit all of the nations.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Calling Evil Good
Woe to those call evil good, and good evil. - Isaiah 5:20
The Wizard of Oz has remained popular for years. People of all ages have learned moral lessons from Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they traveled down the yellow brick road. Of course, in the plot line the great enemy to be overcome is the Wicked Witch of the West. Evil is clearly depicted and overcome by good.
A new Broadway musical, however, turns the moral sense of the original story on its head. In this rewriting of the story, the wicked witch is presented as a sympathetic character. Born with green skin, she feels like an outsider. Major characters, plot lines, roles, and other details are altered so that the wicked witch is really just a misunderstood person. The audience mihgt come away with the idea that evil is good and good is evil.
During the ministry of the prophet Isaiah, a reversal of moral values took place in Israel. Some actually lifted up the evils of murder, idolatry, and adultery as good. In response, Isaiah gave a stern warning: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil!" (Isa. 5:20). In our relativistic world, popular culture constantly challenges biblical values. But studying, memorizing, and meditating on God's Word can ensure our discernment between good and evil. - Dennis Fisher
In our day-to-day existence,
Evil sometimes wears a mask;
Trust the Lord for true discernment -
He gives wisdom when we ask. - Hess
If we know the truth, we can discern what's false.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Isaiah 5:18-23
Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, And wickedness as with cart rope; Who say, "Let him make speed, let his hasten his work, that we may see it; And let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, That we may know it!"
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, And light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, And sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!
Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, And champions at mixing strong drink; Who acquit the guilt for a bribe, But deny justice for the innocent!
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
The Wizard of Oz has remained popular for years. People of all ages have learned moral lessons from Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they traveled down the yellow brick road. Of course, in the plot line the great enemy to be overcome is the Wicked Witch of the West. Evil is clearly depicted and overcome by good.
A new Broadway musical, however, turns the moral sense of the original story on its head. In this rewriting of the story, the wicked witch is presented as a sympathetic character. Born with green skin, she feels like an outsider. Major characters, plot lines, roles, and other details are altered so that the wicked witch is really just a misunderstood person. The audience mihgt come away with the idea that evil is good and good is evil.
During the ministry of the prophet Isaiah, a reversal of moral values took place in Israel. Some actually lifted up the evils of murder, idolatry, and adultery as good. In response, Isaiah gave a stern warning: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil!" (Isa. 5:20). In our relativistic world, popular culture constantly challenges biblical values. But studying, memorizing, and meditating on God's Word can ensure our discernment between good and evil. - Dennis Fisher
In our day-to-day existence,
Evil sometimes wears a mask;
Trust the Lord for true discernment -
He gives wisdom when we ask. - Hess
If we know the truth, we can discern what's false.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Isaiah 5:18-23
Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, And wickedness as with cart rope; Who say, "Let him make speed, let his hasten his work, that we may see it; And let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, That we may know it!"
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, And light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, And sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!
Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, And champions at mixing strong drink; Who acquit the guilt for a bribe, But deny justice for the innocent!
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
The Arlington Ladies
What this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. - Matthew 26:13
In 1948, the US Air Force Chief of Staff noticed that no one attended the funeral of an airman at Arlington National Cemetery, and that deeply disturbed him. He talked with his wife about his concern that each soldier be honored at burial, and she began a group called the Arlington Ladies.
Someone from the group honors each deceased soldier by attending his or her funeral. The ladies also write personal notes of sympathy and speak words of gratitude to family members when they are present. If possible, a representive keeps in contact with the family for months afterward.
Margaret Mensch, an Arlington Lady, says, "The important thing is to be there for the families... It's an honor to... pay tribute to the everyday heroes that make up the armed forces."
Jesus showed the importance of paying tribute. After a woman poured a costly, fragrant oil on His head, He said that she would be honored for years to come (Matt. 26:13). The disciples were indignant and thought her act was wasteful, but Jesus called it "a good work" (v. 10) for which she would be remembered.
We know heroes who have given their lives in service to God and their country. Let's honor them today. - Anne Cetas
Lord, help us to appreciate
The work that others do,
The service given from their hearts,
Their sacrifice for You. - Sper
We honor God when we honor one another.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Matthew 26:6-13
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive oinment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table.
But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? For this oinment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor." But Jesus, knowing this, said to them,
"Why do you trouble the woman? Because she has done a good work for me. For you always have the poor with you; but you don't always have me.
For in pouring this oinment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Most assuredly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of as a memorial of her."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
In 1948, the US Air Force Chief of Staff noticed that no one attended the funeral of an airman at Arlington National Cemetery, and that deeply disturbed him. He talked with his wife about his concern that each soldier be honored at burial, and she began a group called the Arlington Ladies.
Someone from the group honors each deceased soldier by attending his or her funeral. The ladies also write personal notes of sympathy and speak words of gratitude to family members when they are present. If possible, a representive keeps in contact with the family for months afterward.
Margaret Mensch, an Arlington Lady, says, "The important thing is to be there for the families... It's an honor to... pay tribute to the everyday heroes that make up the armed forces."
Jesus showed the importance of paying tribute. After a woman poured a costly, fragrant oil on His head, He said that she would be honored for years to come (Matt. 26:13). The disciples were indignant and thought her act was wasteful, but Jesus called it "a good work" (v. 10) for which she would be remembered.
We know heroes who have given their lives in service to God and their country. Let's honor them today. - Anne Cetas
Lord, help us to appreciate
The work that others do,
The service given from their hearts,
Their sacrifice for You. - Sper
We honor God when we honor one another.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Matthew 26:6-13
Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive oinment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table.
But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste? For this oinment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor." But Jesus, knowing this, said to them,
"Why do you trouble the woman? Because she has done a good work for me. For you always have the poor with you; but you don't always have me.
For in pouring this oinment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Most assuredly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of as a memorial of her."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
