Salt in My Kitchen...series

 

 

  Salt in my Kitchen

By:

Jeanette Lockerbie

 

The Right To Be Angry

Bible Reading:

  But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. 26 "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

Ephesians 4:20-26

 

Psychologists agree, "Your children are going to make you angry." So, let's face it. That spurt of anger, according to the experts, merely marks you as "normal." It takes the Word of God, however, to tell us how to handle this anger. "When angry, do not sin: (Ephesians 4:26a, Amplified).

 

This is a tall order for even the most well-adjusted homemaker. How to do it? Well, here is one suggestion. Consider, "Am I angry at Johnny, or at what Johnny has done?" The implication of Scripture is that anger in itself is not sin. Assuredly our  sinless Lord was justifiably angry on occasion. Jesus was angry at sin. He did not "sin in anger."

 

If we can objectively separate the object of our emotions, the child, from his actions, we may have the right to be angry. We may find if we are honest that some anger will be rightly directed at ourselves. For example: A mother takes sweet little Mary visiting. The child "acts up." Mamma's pride is wounded. She lashes out in anger against Mary. Would you agree that the mother should really have been angry at herself?

 

Sensing the wrong, a Christian mother would do well to confess this, both to the Lord and to the child. Nothing will so mollify a child as the realization that grown-ups too need to pray," ...and make me a better Mommy."

Gratitude

Last night I had a lot on my mind, so much so that when I woke up to use the bathroom - and tried to go back to sleep, I could not. So I did what I like to do and that is take advantage of that time by praying. I still had so much on my mind and I knew that God was the only one that could solve any of the problems that weighed so heavily on my mind. As I prayed- I noticed that any time that I started praying about the things that were weighing me down that I just could not concentrate enough to pray about them. I tried several times. It discouraged me because I felt it was very important to turn these things over to God, to allow Him to handle them. Then I thought, "Ok- if I can't seem to think straight enough to pray about my concerns, I will just use this time to praise God for the blessings in my life." And I began to thank him for this and for that. And the list seemed longer than I even expected it to be. Especially since I had felt so much weight from the problems that glared my vision. I continued to thank God for so many different things, many of which I don't think I've taken the time lately to thank Him for. After thanking God for a whole lot of stuff- I finally went to sleep. It was funny cause later when I woke up - I still had praising God on my mind- and so I began again to continue to thank Him for His blessings. And I was able to sleep good for a few more hours. What a great lesson learned- sometimes all you really need to do is to say "Your will be done"- and then begin to praise Him and thank Him for all the blessings in your life! He knows what is weighing you down, He is in control. Turn it over to Him and allow Him to work out His perfect will.

 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

James 1:17

"that in Me you may have peace"

My devotion for yesterday was so good I just had to share it with you all. This is from the "Streams in the Desert" devotional. I highly recommend this book to any of you out there that may be struggling with tribulation.

******************************

In Me

 

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  

  John 16:33

There is a vast difference between happiness and blessedness. Paul had imprisonments and pains, sacrifice and suffering up to the very limit; but in the midst of it all, he was blessed. All the beatitudes came into his heart and life in the midst of those very conditions.

Paganini, the great violinist, came out before his audience one day and made the discovery just as they ended their applause that there was something wrong with his violin. He looked at it a second and then saw that it was not his famous and valuable one.

He felt paralyzed for a moment, then turned to his audience and told them there had been some mistake and he did not have his own violin. He stepped back behind the curtain thinking that it was still where he had left it, but discovered that some one had stolen his and left that old second-hand one in its place. He remained back of the curtain a moment, then came out before his audience and said:
“Ladies and Gentlemen: I will show you that the music is not in the instrument, but in the soul.” And he played as he had never played before; and out of that second-hand instrument, the music poured forth until the audience was enraptured with enthusiasm and the applause almost lifted the ceiling of the building, because the man had revealed to them that music was not in the machine but in his own soul.

It is your mission, tested and tried one, to walk out on the stage of this world and reveal to all earth and Heaven that the music is not in conditions, not in the things, not in externals, but the music of life is in your own soul.

If peace be in the heart,

The wildest winter storm is full of solemn beauty,

The midnight flash but shows the path of duty,

Each living creature tells some new and joyous story,

The very trees and stones all catch a ray of glory,

If peace be in the heart.

–Charles Francis Richardson

Bible Marking 2nd series

Bible Marking Guide
 

by:

John Earnhardt

 

Ministry of Angels - A

 

"Unseen angels always accompany God's followers. They protect His people as they walk in the path of obedience and duty."

 

1. Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word.    Psalms 103:20

 

2. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.   

 Psalms 34:7

 

3.  Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. Acts 8:26

 

4.     But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?    Hebrews 1:13-14

 

5.     "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:10

 

6. Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."    Acts 1:9-11

 

7. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2

 

8.     The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Matthew 13:39

 

9. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.   

Matthew 24:30-31

 

10.     "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.  Matthew 25:31

 

11. Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, Revelation 5:11

 

12. The chariots of God are twenty thousand, Even thousands of thousands; The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place. Psalms 68:17

 

13. But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, Hebrews 12:22

 

14. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.    Genesis 28:12

 

15.     Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10

 

 

 

Sermon on the Mount....series..The Beatitudes

Sermon on the Mount

 

The Beatitudes

part 1

Many people had been misled by the teaching of the priest and rabbis and were under the understanding that Jesus' mission was to set up an earthly kingdom. How very far from the truth this was! (Even today there are many false understandings of what the scriptures teach). Even the disciples were under the false belief, but Jesus saw something in them that made Him realize that they were open to his teaching and He could train them for His great work.

People were drawn to Jesus. And He decided on this particular day, He would help them better understand His mission. Which would help His followers better understand their mission as well.

 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

             3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  

  Matthew 5:2-3

 

He began His sermon with "Blessed are the poor in Spirit..." because many in Jesus's day believed themselves to be holy and righteous. And when you feel holy and righteous on your own- you feel no need for a Saviour. And this is a dangerous place to be.

 

    The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.'   

Luke 18:11-12

 

Luke 18:11-12 gives us a prime example of being on this very dangerous ground.

 

And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!'   

Luke 18:13

 

The tax collector realized that on his own he was sinful and in need of a Saviour. This man truly understood what it mean to be poor in spirit.

 

    I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Luke 18:14

 

      Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' "    

Revelation 3:17-18  

What a Promise

And let us not grow weary while doing good,

for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9

God Never Fails Us

Just a little something from my devotional this morning that I wanted to share with you all. God never fails! Isn't that wonderful?!  ****************************************************************************** 

"Why go I mourning?"

Psalm 42:9

Canst thou answer this, believer? Canst thou find any reason why thou art so often mourning instead of rejoicing? Why yield to gloomy anticipations? Who told thee that the night would never end in day? Who told thee that the winter of thy discontent would proceed from frost to frost, from snow and ice, and hail, to deeper snow, and yet more heavy tempest of despair? Knowest thou not that day follows night, that flood comes after ebb, that spring and summer succeed winter? Hope thou then! Hope thou ever! for God fails thee not.

 --C. H. Spurgeon

Hanging Branches

Today I saw a tree, this was no ordinary tree. This tree was beautiful. It's trunk was so big around, there would be no way that you could reach your arms around it and touch your hands together. . The branches spread out so pretty. All the leaves were pretty and green. I was so impressed, except for one small branch that had partially  broke off and was hanging down. All the leaves on this branch were dead brown.

This dead branch that hung down under the canopy was relatively small in comparison to the whole tree, however all I could think of is how much better the tree would look without that dead branch. I have spent a lot of time over the last couple of years working on making my yard look better by cutting away the dead things.

As I thought about how much nicer the tree would look without that dead limb~ I couldn't help but think that God must think the same thing when He looks at us. He sees us and thinks how beautiful we are and then He notices that character defect that is just handing there being and eye sore. He wants us to reflect Him and it is hard to do that when we have an ugly branch hanging down.

The only way that we can get rid of that ugly hanging branch(character defect) is to turn our life and our will over to Jesus Christ. And ask Him to remove the character defect. Then we have to be willing to allow Him to guide and direct us. Only through the help of the Holy Spirit can we get rid of these Character defects.

    "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

  5  I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.       

John 15:1-8     

 

I can sure relate to this post probably because of the fact that over the last couple of years I have learned a lot about how cutting away the dead to make room for grown- in my yard and my life. 

 

    being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 

Philippians 1:6 

 

 

A Debtor to Mercy Alone

The work which His goodness began,
The arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is Yea and Amen,
And never was forfeited yet
—Augustus M. Toplady  

Help Needed

Ok  - So I decided to try to set up my comments differently. I wanted to make it easier for you- the reader. So I have taken down the word verification. And I also wanted to set it up so that I could personally could reply to each comment. Well it looks like I have done so; however, I can't seem to reply. I hit the "reply" button and it does not do anything. Anybody know what I am doing wrong?
Thanks so much~ :O)

Salt in my Kitchen....series

 



 Salt in my Kitchen

By:

Jeanette Lockerbie

The Trial of Your Faith

 

Bible Reading:

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.   

1 Peter 1:3-9

 

Riding a train in the Pacific Northwest, a pastor's wife noticed a fellow passenger with an apparently sick baby. Although the baby was of an age when he should have been holding up his little head, the mother continually supported it. The two women began talking and the pastor's wife received this explanation:
"We've just come from the Mayo Clinic. Gary is severely retarded from brain damage at birth." Next followed some unforgettable words, "I'm so glad God gave him to us. We will love him. He'll never feel unwanted."

The light in the mother's face made her new friend glad for the fortunate child. She contrasted this mother to many mothers of "normal" children who fretted and complained all the time.

God could trust this woman with a severe, lifelong trial. He could trust to her care one of His little ones: a child who would never bring home a report card she could brag about to her neighbors; who would never excel in sports; who would certainly tie her to long hours of continuous care.

She could take it.

Not the trial, but the attitude we have towards it, proves whether we accept it as from the Lord. Recognize that He has , in even such a trial, a purpose rooted deep in love.

That the trial of your faith... might be found
unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing
of Jesus Christ (v.7).

Not now, but in the coming years
We'll read the meaning of our tears.

 



Bible Marking Index

So I thought I would gather together all the links to the different Bible Marking's that we did in the first series and put them in one post. This way it is easy to get to if needed. I hope you all are enjoying your week end! :O)

Inspiration of the Bible

How to be Saved

Law of God  

The Sabbath

First Day of the Week

How to Keep the Sabbath

Baptism

Tithing

Healthful Living

Church Standards

The Sanctuary

The Three Angels Message

Little Horn

Mark of the Beast

The Judgement

State of the Dead

Signs of the Times

The Second Coming

The Millennium

Heaven

Bible Marking 2nd series

 

 Bible Marking Guide

 

by:

John Earnhardt

 

Creator - Cr

 

"Jesus Christ is the creator of all things. He alone could redeem fallen humanity."

 

1.     In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him,

and without Him nothing was made that was made.  

  John 1:1-3

 

2.     And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.   

John 1:14

 

3.     and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 3:9

 

4.  God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things,  through whom also He made the worlds;

Hebrews 1:1-2

 

5. Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 

 Genesis 1:26

 

6.  yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.   

1 Corinthians 8:6

Belief, Not Understanding

My devotional for today was too good not to share. Actually many of them are excellent. It has been such an encouragement to me- every single day. From Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. Many others have contributed to this wonderful book. I hope it blesses each of you in a special way. :O)
********************************************************************************

Belief, Not Understanding 

"Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"
(John 11:40).

Mary and Martha could not understand what their Lord was doing. Both of them said to Him, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." Back of it all, we seem to read their thought: "Lord, we do not understand why you have stayed away so long. We do not understand how you could let death come to the man whom you loved. We do not understand how you could let sorrow and suffering ravage our lives when your presence might have stayed it all. Why did you not come? It is too late now, for already he has been dead four days!"

And to it all Jesus had but one great truth: "You may not understand; but I tell you if you believe, you will see."

Abraham could not understand why God should ask the sacrifice of the boy; but he trusted. And he saw the glory of God in his restoration to his love. Moses could not understand why God should keep him forty years in the wilderness, but he trusted; and he saw when God called him to lead forth Israel from bondage.

Joseph could not understand the cruelty of his brethren, the false witness of a perfidious woman, and the long years of an unjust imprisonment; but he trusted, and he saw at last the glory of God in it all.

Jacob could not understand the strange providence which permitted the same Joseph to be torn from his father's love, but he saw the glory of God when he looked into the face of that same Joseph as the viceroy of a great king, and the preserver of his own life and the lives of a great nation.

And so, perhaps in your life. You say, "I do not understand why God let my dear one be taken. I do not understand why affliction has been permitted to smite me. I do not understand the devious paths by which the Lord is leading me. I do not understand why plans and purposes that seemed good to my eyes should be baffled. I do not understand why blessings I so much need are so long delayed.

Friend, you do not have to understand all God's ways with you. God does not expect you to understand them. You do not expect your child to understand, only believe. Some day you will see the glory of God in the things which you do not understand.--J. H. McC

"If we could push ajar the gates of life,
And stand within, and all God's working see,
We might interpret all this doubt and strife,
And for each mystery could find a key.


"But not today. Then be content, poor heart;
God's plans, like lilies pure and white, unfold.
We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart--
Time will reveal the calyxes of gold.

"And if, through patient toil, we reach the land
Where tired feet, with sandals loosed, may rest,
When we shall clearly know and understand,
I think that we shall say, 'God knew best."'

What a Promise

Seeing God in Everything

 

From my devotional "Streams in the Desert"

This was from yesterday, but I thought it was so encouraging I had to share!
*********************************

	"It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good". 1 Samuel 3:18 See God in everything, and God will calm and color all that thou dost see!" It may be that the circumstances of our sorrows will not be removed, their condition will remain unchanged; but if Christ, as Lord and Master of our life, is brought into our grief and gloom, "HE will compass us about with songs of deliverance." To see HIM, and to be sure that His wisdom cannot err, His power cannot fail, His love can never change; to know that even His direst dealings with us are for our deepest spiritual gain, is to be able to say, in the midst of bereavement, sorrow, pain, and loss, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath, taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Nothing else but seeing God in everything will make us loving and patient with those who annoy and trouble us. They will be to us then only instruments for accomplishing His tender and wise purposes toward us, and we shall even find ourselves at last inwardly thanking them for the blessings they bring us. Nothing else will completely put an end to all murmuring or rebelling thoughts.--H. W. Smith. "Give me a new idea," I said, While musing on a sleepless bed; "A new idea that'll bring to earth A balm for souls of priceless worth; That'll give men thoughts of things above, And teach them how to serve and love, That'll banish every selfish thought, And rid men of the sins they've fought." The new thought came, just how, I'll tell: 'Twas when on bended knee I fell, And sought from HIM who knows full well The way our sorrow to expel. SEE GOD IN ALL THINGS, great and small, And give HIM praise whate'er befall, In life or death, in pain or woe, See God, and overcome thy foe. I saw HIM in the morning light, HE made the day shine clear and bright; I saw HIM in the noontide hour, And gained from HIM refreshing shower. At eventide, when worn and sad, HE gave me help, and made me glad. At midnight, when on tossing bed My weary soul to sleep HE led. I saw HIM when great losses came, And found HE loved me just the same. When heavy loads I had to bear, I found HE lightened every care. By sickness, sorrow, sore distress, HE calmed my mind and gave me rest. HE'S filled my heart with gladsome praise Since I gave HIM the upward gaze. 'Twas new to me, yet old to some, This thought that to me has become A revelation of the way We all should live throughout the day; For as each day unfolds its light, We'll walk by faith and not by sight. Life will, indeed, a blessing bring, If we SEE GOD IN EVERYTHING." --A. E. Finn

Treasure Found...It's Been a While

It has been a long time since I have found a treasure while shopping at thrift stores, but today I got lucky!!

I went to a favorite thrift shop in a little town near my house and guess what I found?!

A Corelle Platter!!!

It is called Old Town Blue pattern.

And it only cost me a dollar! Yep- just $1.00!

 

About 14 years ago or so my husband bought me 2 sets of Corelle Blue Heart dishes. I love them. He also got me the platter that went with the set, not too much longer after getting me the dishes. That began my love for these platters.

 My Mother in law had a few platters- plastic ones, not cheap plastic - I mean the stuff that like plates were made of (which by the way- I love too). Maybe they still do but who knows.

And I know you have all seen this one- I got it not too long ago- I am thinking I paid $2.00 for it. I tried to go back and find the post about it but could not - at least not in the last year or so. So it has been a while since I have found a platter.

Anyway - this one is called Indian Summer. I have it placed in the middle between my two blue and white platters. The colors are very fall like so I will be using this platter the next couple of months.

Can't wait till I find another Corelle platter!

I think I posted this link last time but I think it is so cool - I wanted you to be able to check it out too! It is a link to the discontinued patterns that Corelle has. Enjoy!

(these photo's have been borrowed from postings on the Internet- my camera is not taking good photos right now, sorry)

What Encouragement!

Lesson Learned

Remember last week when I shared how a 22 year old young man was found dead at his home in a little town nearby? Well add to that the fact that lately my husband and I have really gotten into the Hallmark movies - and we have really been enjoying the mystery movies. This may explain why I was put into investigation mode. This helped me found out for sure that this young man was someone that we knew, so that is good. But I learned another important lesson. Just because you want to find out an answer to something does not mean it is always a good idea to ask it.

You see, in the case of the young man who was found dead - there are circumstances around his death that point fingers to his ex-girl as the one who killed him. So my curiosity got the best of me and this past week end - while we were celebrating my son's birthday and several of my son's friends were hear - I took advantage of them being here and asked one of the guys the name of the ex-girl, he told me a first name, but after that it was very quiet. It really bothered me then and later I talked to my husband about it and told him that I felt that I shouldn't have asked that question- even though it was something I was very curious about - I should not have asked.

This morning I was mowing my yard (hoping for the last time this year) and it began to bother me again - so I decided that I needed to send the friend of my son a message and apologize for being insensitive- so I did. I feel much better now. I have learned that just because I want to know something does not mean that it is always best to ask. Sometimes it is best to leave questions unanswered. Anyway I wanted to share this today - hoping that maybe by sharing this I will remember this lesson.

Think on Such Things...

Some Gardening Help

I am so sorry I had gotten this all set up and then somehow forgot to post it - so here it is. Better late than never.

 

Here is a link to where this originated from- there is a great post written with it. This was actually floating around Facebook- that is how I came across it. But this is a very helpful chart if you are into gardening. It would be great to copy off and have with your garden information. And it is great for a quick reference!

Bible Marking 2nd series

 Bible Marking Guide

 

by:

John Earnhardt

 

Holy Spirit - HS

 

"The Holy Spirit is the source and power of the Christian life."

 

1. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."    Acts 1:8

2.   'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 
   Acts 2:17

3. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."
 Acts 5:32

4.     If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. 15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever--John 14:14-16

5.  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"
Luke 11:13

6. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.   
 John 14:26

7. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.   
 1 Corinthians 2:12,13

8.    17  Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."            
             19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.   
Luke 10:17,19

9.     Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."   
Luke 12:11,12

10. Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38

11.     I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.   
Ezekiel 36:27

12. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30



What a Promise

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. 

Psalms 138:8

Heavy Heart

I have had a heavy heart all day. It was bad enough to face the anniversary of such a tragic day, but that is not the only thing that has my heart heavy today.

This morning I was scrolling through Facebook and noticed a new story about the body of a 22 year old that had been found in a town nearby. As I read the story - I realized that we knew the person. I did a little investigation and sure enough- it was who I thought it was. This person was about the same age as my boys and my he went to church with my boys when they were much younger. The story went on to say that there were some suspicious details that caused the police to call in the Crime Scene Unit. I have wondered all day long what happened and my heart has been heavy for his family. It just hit so close to home. Anyway please keep Aaron and his family in your prayers.

Thanks so much.

Where Were You?

I remember 9/11 just like it was yesterday. I was driving my boys to school. We were almost to the school to drop them off and I heard the first news story telling about the first airplane hitting. I thought that it was a joke.

After I dropped the boys off, I drove to the store- about a block or 2 from the boys school to work. When I went in the TV was on and the news was going. My Mother in law began to tell me about what was going on. As she is talking - they have a live shot of the twin towers and as we are talking and watching- the second plane hit the building. We were both in shock....

The rest of the day and even the rest of the week we all were still in shock. We had just moved into our house about 2 - 3 weeks prior to this and so we were in the midst of getting unpacked. I remember our sliding glass door on the back of the house - just having these vertical type blinds that were not the best at keeping someone from being able to look in our home. And I remember being afraid - that there were bad guys out there. Which is so funny because I had not felt that fear at this house until 9/11.

During the days and weeks following 9/11 - a lot of time was put into prayer and time with God. It was clear that our world is becoming more and more sinful. Our need of God becomes more and more evident. I don't think we should wait until some tragedy happens to turn to God, I think the time to turn to God is now. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is vitally important. If you don't already have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ - I hope that you will begin one today, on this anniversary of such a sad tragedy. May God's peace fill your soul and may you feel His presence with you today. :o)

I Love You's From God

Yesterday morning as I was walking- I noticed someone working in their yard. Today as I walked - I was admiring the same yard's landscape. I took the time to notice a barrel in one of the flower beds that I had never noticed before. And all the different beautiful plants. As my eyes wandered around the yard- I noticed the figurine of a squirrel standing on it's hind legs. As I continued to admire the it the squirrel moved! And then I noticed a much smaller squirrel behind her. As Momma took a leap or two- baby would hop, hop behind Momma. What ever Momma did - baby was close behind. What a precious site it was to enjoy Momma and baby as they moved across the beautiful landscape. Just another "I love you" from God. And I love "I love you" 's from God!

Salt in the Kitchen...series

Salt in my Kitchen

By:
Jeanette Lockerbie

The Woman God Calls Great

Bible Reading:

    Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food. 9 And she said to her husband, "Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. 10 Please, let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there." 11 And it happened one day that he came there, and he turned in to the upper room and lay down there.   

 2 Kings 4:8-11

 

What woman does not dream of being great, really great? Not merely to be called by the loose term, "the greatest." Not to be Mrs. America or Mrs. Universe, or even a benefactor of humanity ( a Madame Curie, perhaps), but great in God's sight.

 

It is significant to us who are homemakers that the only woman ever designated "great" in the Bible earned this distinction in her home. Just for being hospitable.

 

She began by inviting an itinerant prophet in for a slice of homemade bread. He must have enjoyed it, for he never passed the house without stopping for more. This unnamed woman's hospitality was expanded to include lodging for the prophet when he needed it. Thus for all time she provided the prototype for the "prophet's chamber"-that blessed haven where preachers, evangelists and missionaries, weary of hotels, motels and travel, find a Christian welcome.

 

Not everyone is in a position to offer room and board, but there is warm fellowship in even a spontaneous, "Come home with us, even for just a cup of coffee," before the stranger goes on his way. And remember what Jesus said about giving as little as a cup of cold water in His name? (Mark 9:41)

 

Sharing the blessings of our home, even though we may not offer homemade bread, puts us in line for God's commendation. Isn't it encouraging that this kind of "Greatness" is within reach of every one of us?  

I Often Think of Home -End of Drawing Nigh to God series

I Often Think of Home

 

By: Electa Harding Arnold

 

I often think of home; its welcome shores

Have ever beckoned me through lonely

hours.

I long to slip across her ebbing tide

To where her living streams forever glide.

I long to walk upon her golden strand

Where Friend of all these years will take my

hand,

Where by the crystal depths of jasper sea

The tangled warps of life He'll clear for me.

I often think of home, my heavenly home,

Where weary feet and sore shall never roam.

I strain my eyes in earth's dark hours to see

The lights of home, sweet home, gleam out

for me.

 

I often think of home: with grief-dimmed

eyes

I see through rainbow hues her spires rise.

To bow in rapture at His pierced feet.

To live in ecstasy her joy-filled days,

In sweet communion there my Saviour meet,

I long to tread upon her golden ways,

To have Him place His hand upon my head

In Sweetest benediction ever said.

I often long for home, my heavenly home,

Where angels' songs shall sweep her vaunted

dome.

Someday my bark shall touch her long loved

shore,

My home, sweet home--at least-- forevermore.

 



Bible Marking 2nd series

During the Bible Marking Series I will be using the book ~ Bible Marking Guide - an easy Bible marking system that chain-references texts for 38 Bible topics! by John Earnhardt

The third study in this new series is -
********************************************************************
Jesus Our Saviour- JOS

"Salvation comes by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour."

1. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

2.     Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

3. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.    Isaiah 53:6

4.     For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.    2 Corinthians 5:21

5. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.   
1 John 5:13

6.     in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.    Colossians 1:14

7. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.    Ephesians 2:8-9

8.  And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 
1 John 5:11

9.     But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:    John 1:12

10. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.    John 3:16

11. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."    Matthew 1:21

12. O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption. 8 And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities. Psalms 130:7,8

13. Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.    Isaiah 55:6,7

14.     "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." 
 Matthew 6:14,15

15.     Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.    Revelations 3:20

16.     But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.    1 John 1:7-9

Drawing Nigh to God ....last devotion of series

Drawing Nigh to God

by

Minnie E. Dauphinee

 

Eternal Life for You.....Do You Often Think of Home?

A certain minister during a holiday season had many callers at him home. He greeted each with a cheery "Come right in, I'm glad to see you." Then one morning when his little four-year-old son appeared for breakfast, the father greeted him, "Good morning, Tom; I'm glad to see you." Not wanting to be treated like an outsider, the little fellow looked up in surprise and said, "Don't say, 'I'm glad to see you.' I belong here. This is my home."

 

One of the sweetest, dearest words known is home. Home, the place where Father, Mother, son, and daughter live. Home, the place where Jesus abides, for no home is complete without His presence. Even in this world of sin and sorrow, a Christian home is a hallowed place. The absorbing interest of the family is centered there.

 

How much deeper should be our interest in that future home where all who accept God's plan for their lives will live throughout eternity!

 

" 'We're going to move,' my neighbor called

Over the fence to me;

'We've found the very nicest house

You'd ever want to see!

There's a fireplace--yes, even two-

And the very coziest nooks!

There's a garden space, and everything-

Just like the picture books!'

 

"And I thought, as I watched her happiness

For the home so newly planned,

Of the mansion God is building me

Up in the Promised Land.

And I wonder if I am awaiting

Heaven as eagerly

As my neighbor awaits her earthly home

Over the fence from me. "

_Mildred C. Wood

 

In that home in the Promised Land that the redeemed will recognize their loved ones of earth

(1 Corinthians 13:12) and enjoy their companionship. Ellen G. White has pictured the social life of the redeemed in these words: "The loves and sympathies which God Himself has planted in the soul shall there find truest and sweetest exercise. The pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels and with the faithful ones of all ages...the sacred ties that bind together 'the whole family in heaven and earth' (Ephesians 3:15)- these help to constitute the happiness of the redeemed."

 

What enjoyment it will be to visit with our guardian angel, who watched our steps and protected us throughout our life on earth!

 

No language can describe the beauty of heaven. Our highest imagination can not picture a city with walls of jasper, gates of pearl, and streets of gold. all lighted by the glory of God, brighter than the sun shining "sevenfold strong' (Isaiah 30:26, Moffatt; see Revelations 21:23). Yet the chief attraction of the heavenly home is not its glorious beauty or its "harmonious social life." The chief attraction is Jesus, the One "altogether lovely," who gave His life for us. There could be no higher and greater joy than to have fellowship with Him throughout eternity.

 

When the redeemed enter their heavenly home, the New Jerusalem, Jesus Himself will welcome them, not as strangers, but as "sons and daughters" (2 Corinthians 6:18). They "shall go no more out," for they belong there. With unspeakable joy they behold the beautiful mansions prepared for them (John 14:1,2), and, in addition, all that infinite love and divine wisdom could conceive for a perfect home and complete happiness. All who in this world live the God planned life will enjoy this beautiful home.

*************************************

 

 This is our last devotional. There is a poem that ends the book called "I Often Think of Home." I will share that on Sunday. I think I have another series I am going to do - it is a quilting devotional book. I hope it blesses you all as much as this book has blessed me.

 

What a Promise...AND a Tool

He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.

Proverbs 28:25 NKJV

But I really like this verse in the English Standard Version:

A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.

Proverbs 28:25 ESV

See what I mean?

I have shared before about a great website that I like to use to get Bible verses and do a little in depth study- but today I found something else that is just fabulous and I can see myself using it more and more in the future.

Here is a link to the site - Bible Study Tools.  Today I noticed where it says "Compare Translations" in blue - when I clicked into it - I found a great resource. Sometimes it is good to see what other translations have to say- sometimes it helps us get a better understanding of what the verse means.

For this verse - I much prefer the word enriched - because I think that too often people look at the word prospered and see $ money signs $. And that is not what the verse is saying.

God enriches our lives in so many ways. Trust in Him is what we are called to do - and He blesses us in the way He sees fit, sometimes it may be with money but many times it is with things of so much more value!! Praise God for that! :O)

Kindness...It means a lot!

(Second post for today)

While out on a walk this morning- I over heard a conversation between 2 older men. One was telling the other one that every Wed. he cooks and take food to his grandchildren in school. I thought that was so very sweet. Kindness...It means a lot!

***********************************************************************

 

And since I was thinking about kindness today I thought I would share a few photos that speak kindness to me.

 

Two squirrels sharing the stoop so that they could both eat:

Flowers my husband got for me for our 20th anniversary- he was out of town on fire dept. training and had them specially delivered for me- at work:



Here is a bouquet of roses that I got as a thank you for sewing a couple of patches onto a young mans jacket for him.



And then some roses that my husband got for randomly - just to say I love you!



Kindness matters- it's just one of the things that makes the world go round. :o)

Fair-Weather Faith is No Faith

"Remember that we have no more faith at any time than we have in the hour of trial. All that will not bear to be tested is mere carnal confidence. Fair-weather faith is no faith."

C.H. Spurgeon

A lot of truth in this quote.

It is in the hour of trial that our faith is developed.

If we did not have any troubles- we would not have the opportunity to grow.