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An Auditor Is Encouraged to Marry - Between April 7 and 15, 1532
"You can't be without a wife and remain without sin. After all, marriage is an ordinance and creation of God. Therefore it is not Satan's idea when a man desires to marry an honorable girl, for Satan hates this kind of life. So make the venture in the name of the Lord and on the strength of his blessing and institution!"
Martin Luther
A Preacher Should Vary His Style - Between April 7 and 15, 1532
"A preacher is like a carpenter. His tool is the Word of God. Because the materials on which he works vary, he ought not always pursue the same course when he preaches. For the sake of the variety of his auditors he should sometimes console, sometimes frighten, sometimes scold, sometimes soothe," etc.
Martin Luther
Challenge to Record a Remark of Luther - Between April 7 and 15, 1532
When Master Philip Melanchthonlaughed at the astrologers for saying that if it had not been for the planet Saturn men would never die, our [Martin Luther] remarked, "If it had not been for Adam no man would die. If this were not so, though there were a thousand Saturns for one, I would beshit myself. Make a note of this! Write it down!"
Martin Luther
Original Sin Is Like a Wound - Between November 30 and December 14, 1531
"After baptism original sin is like a wound which has begun to heal. It is really a wound, yet it is becoming better and is constantly in the process of healing, although it is still festering, is painful, etc. So original sin remains in the baptized until their death, although it is in the process of being rooted out. It is rendered harmless, and so it cannot accuse or damn us."
Martin Luther
The Friar Martin Luther and Sex - November 30, 1531
"When I was a monk I did not feel much desire. I had nocturnal pollutions in response to bodily necessity. I didn't even look at the women when they made their confession, for I didn't wish to recognize the faces of those whose confessions I heard. In Erfurt I heard the confession of no woman, in Wittenberg of only three women."
Martin Luther
Items for this month:
Ronald Reagan born, 1911.
If Fugger Were God for a Day - April, 1532
"I should be unwilling to take the whole world in return for having Fugger (big business financier in Luther's time) or some other bigwig be our Lord God for a single day, for Satan would destroy us all in a moment."
Martin Luther
ROADSIGNS TO HEAVEN.
An anonymous person in Florida put out millions of dollars for an advertising campaign designed to get people thinking about God. The following billboards were erected all over the state:
Let's meet at My house Sunday before the Game
C'mon over and bring the kids
What part of "Thou Shalt Not" Didn't You Understand?
We Need to Talk!
Keep using My name and I'll make rush hour even longer!
Loved the Wedding, Invite Me to the Marriage
That "Love Thy Neighbor" Thing - I Meant It
Big Bang Theory, You've Got to be Kidding.
You Think it's Hot Here?
Tell the Kids I Love Them.
Have You Read My #1 Best Seller? There Will Be a Test!
I know some folks might be uncomfortable with such sayngs, but given the startling fact that only 20% of Americans are in church on Sunday and in a poll of 10,000 people - an alarming number of people believed: "Jesus committed sins, The Bible Has Errors In It, Jesus isn't Really God and All Religions Lead to the Same Place;" we have some major work to do and it starts by getting people's attention.
The truth is there really will be a test when we leave this world - the problem is that we will have already given the answer when we take our last breath. If the answer is wrong (and remember there is no cheating) It will be too late to change our minds.
Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life - no one comes unto the Father except through Me." Jesus knows all the answers! Trust Him!
Fellowship Among Believers
An anonymous person in Florida put out millions of dollars for an advertising campaign designed to get people thinking about God. The next few days we'll look at eye-catching billboards erected all over the state.
Let's meet at My house Sunday before the Game
Why fellowship with believers?
A poll taken of 10,000 people showed that approximately 35% claimed church membership/fellowship and that on any Sunday approximately 30% of those people are in church. Another poll claimed that an alarming number of people believed: "Jesus committed sins, The Bible Has Errors In It, Jesus isn't Really God and All Religions Lead to the Same Place." Obviously, we have some work to do.
Why Fellowship? God tells us to do so:
Colosians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Teach
Sing
Pray
Believe - Trust
Spur one along - Encourage one another!
Prayers today:
Family Worship
C'mon over and bring the kids - God
More than ever before, children need strong, decisive parental leadership including a time for spiritual development. Children need:
- limits beyond which they are not to transgress
- to set their sights on goals beyond the immediate, including seeing the blessings of hard work and the consequences of good or bad behavior, and
- to know that their parents are imperfect role models for God with potential to see God's great love for them portrayed by their parents.
Children and Parents
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"-which is the first commandment with a promise- 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
Proverbs 31: 10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
What are some characteristics of Christian Fathers?
What are some characteristics of Christian Mothers?
Prayer List:
God's Commandments: Our Commander in Chief's FRAC Order
What part of "Thou Shalt Not" Didn't You Understand?
The Ten Commandments
Exodus 20 And God spoke all these words: 2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 "You shall have no other gods before me. 4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 13 "You shall not murder. 14 "You shall not commit adultery. 15 "You shall not steal. 16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 17 "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." 18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." 20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." 21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
The Rich Young Man
Matthew 19: 16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 18 "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’" 20 "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" 26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." 27 Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" 28 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.1. Which Commandments, when transgressed against, are the most obvious to detect?
2. Which Commandments, when transgressed against, are ones that only God knows about?
3. Does God have a right to be jealous?
4. There are three reasons God gave us the Moral Law (10 Commandments) - can you define them?
Exodus 20: 20 barrier________________________________________________
Matthew 19: 22 mirror_______________________________________________
Matthew 19: 21 guide (for Christians)_________________________________
Prayer List:
Confessing Sin: An Absolute Necessity
We Need to Talk! - God
Psalm 51
For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet
1 Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. 14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
I John 1
: 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.2
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.1. Take a look at the verbs in the Psalm. What are some of the realities that the Psalmist enumerates? What are some of the actions that God can take? What are the requirements for God to take a redemptive hand in our lives?
2. Is it possible to live in self-deception? What does it take to get out of that?
3. What would you like to talk to God about this morning? What do you think HE wants to tell you?
Prayer List:
Items for today: Here is a list of thought-provoking facts about one of our great Presidents, Abraham Lincoln. It's a rare person who doesn't get discouraged. Whether it happens to us or to someone we are trying to cheer up, the answer centers around one word: perseverance. The value of courage, persistence, and perseverance has rarely been illustrated more convincingly than in the life story of Abraham Lincoln. (His age appears in the column on the right.)(age)
Abraham Lincoln born 1807
|
Failed in business |
22 |
|
Ran for legislature & defeated |
23 |
|
Again failed in business |
24 |
|
Elected to the legislature |
25 |
|
Sweetheart died |
26 |
|
Had a nervous breakdown |
27 |
|
Defeated for Speaker |
29 |
|
Defeated for Elector |
31 |
|
Defeated for Congress |
34 |
|
Elected to Congress |
37 |
|
Defeated for Congress |
39 |
|
Defeated for Senate |
46 |
|
Defeated for Vice President |
47 |
|
Defeated for Senate |
49 |
|
Elected President of the U. S. |
51 |
"Things work out the best for those who make the best of the way things work out."
Don't Disc (Disrespect) God!
Keep using My name (in vain) and I'll make rush hour even longer!
Daniel 5:1 King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. 2 While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3 So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. 4 As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.
5 Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. 6 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way.
7 The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers and diviners to be brought and said to these wise men of Babylon, "Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom." 8 Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king what it meant.
9 So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his face grew more pale. His nobles were baffled.
10 The queen, hearing the voices of the king and his nobles, came into the banquet hall. "O king, live forever!" she said. "Don't be alarmed! Don't look so pale! 11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar your father--your father the king, I say--appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. 12 This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means." 13 So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, "Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. 15 The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. 16 Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom."
17 Then Daniel answered the king, "You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.
18 "O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor. 19 Because of the high position he gave him, all the peoples and nations and men of every language dreaded and feared him. Those the king wanted to put to death, he put to death; those he wanted to spare, he spared; those he wanted to promote, he promoted; and those he wanted to humble, he humbled. 20 But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. 21 He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like cattle; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes.
22 "But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this.
23 Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.
24 Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription.
25 "This is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN
26 "This is what these words mean: Mene : God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. 27 Tekel : You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. 28 Peres : Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."
29 Then at Belshazzar's command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom. 30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, 31 and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.
BELSHAZZAR
Apart from the account in the Book of Daniel, little is known about Belshazzar. He was the son of Nabonidus, and reigned as co-regent with his father (553-539 B.C.). Nabonidus traveled to Arabia and left Belshazzar in control according to a Babylonian inscription. From the standpoint of Babylonian history, Belshazzar was not a particularly important personage except that he participated in the decisions and events leading to the fall of the Babylonian empire.
1. How did Belshazzar disrespect God? Depict his lifestyle, spiritually, physically, mentally.
2. What does this tell us about God? What promises does God have for us? What warning does God have for us?
In our prayers:
Inviting Jesus to Your Wedding
Loved the Wedding, Invite Me to the Marriage
John 2
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, "They have no more wine." 4 "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." 11 This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.Mark 10
2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" 3 "What did Moses command you?" he replied. 4 They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away." 5 "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. 6 "But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."13
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.Ephesians 5
22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church- 30 for we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.1. Inviting Jesus to the marriage means....
2. Having Jesus in your marriage can mean the best wine will be served last. What can that mean in your life?
3. Contrast the difference between "the hardness" pharoah's heart in Moses' day and "the playfulness" of a child's heart.
4. What does Paul compare an earthly marriage to? How might husbands be called upon to "die" for their wives? How might husbands be called upon to "live" for their wives?
In our prayers:
Items for today: True J.O.Y. That "Love Thy Neighbor" Thing - I Meant It
St. Valentine's Day
Leveticus 19: 17 "'Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt. 18 "'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Matthew 5: 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 22: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Luke 10: 25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" 27 He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
28 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
Romans 13: 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
1. Someone once said that true joy is spelled (J)esus first, (o)thers second, and (y)ourself last. How does Jesus emphasis this truth in the Sermon on the Mount?
2. What is most precious to you? Things, wealth, fame, power, "connections," knowledge, information, etc.? For the Jew, it was to possess the Law. To know and do the most important "law" could be one's most precious possession.
3. Who is your neighbor?
Prayers:
God's Word: Absolutely True!
Have You Read My #1 Best Seller? There Will Be a Test!
John 20:
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.John 21: 24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
The Sheep and the Goats
Matthew 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 "The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
1. What is the reason for the Scriptures to be written? Why is "believing" so important? What is the object of this believing?
2. What is the "test" that will come? How can you be sure that you will pass it?
Prayer List:
What about Eternal Damnation?
You Think it's Hot Here?
Luke 16: 23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' 25 "But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.' 27 "He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 29 "Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 30 "'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 "He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
16:20 Lazarus is the only person in Jesus' parables who is given a name; the name is therefore significant. It means "God is my help" and indicates that the poor man is not merely destitute but one who is "poor in spirit," wholly dependent on God. (Cf. Mt 5:3
note)Matthew 10:
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.What difference will there be between believers and unbelievers in the resurrection?
A. The believers will rise with glorified bodies and enter everlasting life in heaven with God.
Dan. 12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.
John 5:28-29 All who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out-those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.
1 Cor. 15:42-43 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
Phil. 3:21 [Christ] will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.
B. The unbelievers will rise to eternal death, that is, to shame and torment in hell forever.
Is. 66:24 Their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.
Matt. 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matt. 25:41 He will say to those on His left, "Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels."
Rev. 1:7 Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.
Prayers for today:
Childlike Faith
Tell the Kids I Love Them.
The Little Children and Jesus
Matthew 19
13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.Matthew 18:1
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.Matthew 7:
9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
1. Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? Why?
2. How can a person change to become more like a child?
3. What good gifts have your Father in heaven given you?
Prayers Today:
Building Character
Proverbs 1: 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 3: 11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,
12
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,as a father the
son he delights in.
Proverbs 12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates correction is stupid.
2
A good man obtains favor from the LORD,but the LORD condemns a crafty man.
3
A man cannot be established through wickedness,but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
Psalm 94: 12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD,
the man you teach from your law;
13
you grant him relief from days of trouble,till a pit is dug for the wicked.
14
For the LORD will not reject his people;he will never forsake his inheritance.
15
Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,and all the upright in heart will follow it.
Prayers for Today:
"Training"
Proverbs 22: 6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22: 17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, 18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. 19 So that your trust may be in the LORD, I teach you today, even you. 20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge, 21 teaching you true and reliable words, so that you can give sound answers to him who sent you?
Jeremiah 31: 31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. 33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.34 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." 35 This is what the LORD says.
1. What are the lasting benefits of training?
2. How does learning and training take place?
3. What is the new covenant that God makes with us?
4. What are the benefits of that covenant?
Prayers:
"Thirty Wise Sayings"
Sayings of the Wise
Proverbs 22:17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you true and reliable words,
so that you can give sound answers
to him who sent you?
"Protect the Poor"
Proverbs 22: 22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, 23 for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.
Proverbs 13: 23 A poor man’s field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.
Proverbs 14: 31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Proverbs 17: 5 He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 19: 16 He who obeys instructions guards his life, but he who is contemptuous of his ways will die. 17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.
Proverbs 19: 21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. 22 What a man desires is unfailing love (a man's greed is his shame); better to be poor than a liar.
Proverbs 21: 13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
Atheism’s Moral Bankruptcy. What has atheism and militant unbelief ever done for the world? Has it sent missionaries to the leper-ridden areas of India, China, or Africa? Has it built orphanages for abandoned children or homes for the aged poor? Has it given comfort and hope to the disconsolate and dying? Has it not added to human misery by trying to take from people their most priceless possession (i.e., Christ)? References: Ps. 10:4-11; 14:1-4; 36:1-4; 53:1-3; 73:6-11:2 Peter 3:3-7; 1 John 2:22.
Forgetting the Needy. A boy in a poverty-stricken section of a large city found his way into a Christian day school. There he learned to know Jesus and was led to faith in Him. One day, long after, one of those wicked grown-up people who take special pleasure in doing the work of the devil tried to shake the poor boy’s faith by asking, "If God really loves you, why does He not tell somebody to give you a pair of shoes or enough coal to keep your home warm in winter?" The lad thought a moment and then, squaring his shoulders, looked at the speaker and said, "Jesus does tell somebody, and somebody forgets." Shall it be said of us that, when Jesus calls to service for the needy, we forget? References: Prov. 21:13; Ezek. 34:4; Matt. 25:44-45; Acts 20:35; Rom. 15:1; 1 John 3:17-18.
1. What are unbelievers' usual attitude toward the "poor?" What is God's way?
2. "What goes around............"
3. How do you define "poor?" "Rich?"
Prayers:
George Washington, Father of the United States of America, born
"Anger Management" Proverbs 22: 24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, 25 or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. Human wrath is always suspect. We are instructed by Paul not to take revenge (Rom. 12:19), nor to "let the sun go down on your anger" (Eph. 4:26 NRSV). Fathers should not provoke children to wrath (Eph. 6:4). We must rid ourselves of "all such things-anger, wrath, malice" (Col. 3:8 NRSV). The Old Testament psalms of lament such as Psalms 53; 137 show how humans can freely express their anger to God. To realize this freedom from the domination of wrath, the gracious work of the Holy Spirit is needed to sanctify and cleanse the heart of the attitudes and feelings of wrath and anger. Romans 8 pictures the mind filled by the Spirit which is "life and peace" (Rom. 8:6 NRSV). Such a spirit is no longer a slave of anger and wrath but is yielded "to righteousness for sanctification" (Rom. 6:19 NRSV). There is no need to continue in the fleshly spirit of wrath for the Holy Spirit provides inner peace (Phil. 4:4-8). Proverbs 15: 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 21: 14 A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath. Proverbs 27: 4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 29: 8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger. Proverbs 29: 11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 30: 33 For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife." James 1: 19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Matthew 5: 21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca, ' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. 25 "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. 1. Where does anger come from? 2. What can be the result of anger? 3. How can you manage anger in your life? What are some scriptural principles and directions for controlling anger? Prayer:
Today we commemorate the raising of the Stars and Stripes by five Marines on Iwo Jima's Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945. The Pulitzer Prize-winning picture was taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal four days after D-day, and it became the model for the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Two flag-raisings actually took place that day, and the men who scaled the extinct 556-foot volcano to raise the flags belonged to LtCol Chandler Johnson's 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment. Because the first flag was too small, Johnson ordered that it be replaced by a bigger one. It was the raising of the second flag that Rosenthal made famous. Iwo Jima was the only WW II battle in which a Marine amphibious force suffered more casualties (28,686 of which 6,821 were killed) than the enemy, (22,000) most of which were fatalities.
Let us pause for a few minutes today to remember in prayer those Marines and Sailors who fought the in the battle of Iwo Jima.
"Financial Management and Responsibilities"
Proverbs 22: 26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.
Romans 13: 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Proverbs 13: 11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 17: 16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?
Ecclesiastes 5: 10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. 11 As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?
Matthew 6: 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
Mark 12: 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.
42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."
Luke 3: 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" 13 "Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely--be content with your pay."
Luke 14: 28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
I Timothy 6: 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Prayer:
"Tried and True"
Proverbs 22: 28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.
Deuteronomy 19: 14 Do not move your neighbor's boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess.
Deuteronomy 27: 14 The Levites shall recite to all the people of Israel in a loud voice: 15 "Cursed is the man who carves an image or casts an idol--a thing detestable to the LORD, the work of the craftsman's hands--and sets it up in secret." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!"
16 "Cursed is the man who dishonors his father or his mother." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 17 "Cursed is the man who moves his neighbor's boundary stone." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!" 18 "Cursed is the man who leads the blind astray on the road." Then all the people shall say, "Amen!"
Psalm 78: 2 I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old--
3 what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. 5 He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, 6 so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.
7 Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
II Timothy 1: 2 To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.
Deuteronomy 5: 16 "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Matthew 15: 3 Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' and 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' 5 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,' 6 he is not to 'honor his father ' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: 8 "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'"
Prayers:
"Be the Best at What You Do"
Proverbs 22: 29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.
Proverbs 16: 2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. 4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends-- even the wicked for a day of disaster.
I Corinthians 10: 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God--
33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Colossians 3: 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3: 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
1. What are some motivating incentives for working "skillfully?"
2. How can one insure that a plan will be successful?
3. What is the purpose of a mentor?
Prayer:
"Be God's Man!"
Proverbs 23: 1 When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, 2 and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. 3 Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
Matthew 6: 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
James 2: 1 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?
Exodus 23: 1 "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. 2 "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.
Leviticus 19: 15 "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.
1. What are the dangers to one of God's men?
2. What are the subtleties of our society that could turn us from God?
3. How can the man of God avoid such pitfalls?
Prayers:
"Seek Ye First..."
Proverbs 23: 4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. 5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Matthew 6: 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
I Kings 3: 11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for--both riches and honor--so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."
Job 36: 18 Be careful that no one entices you by riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside. 19 Would your wealth or even all your mighty efforts sustain you so you would not be in distress?
Psalm 62: 9 Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. 10 Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Proverbs 30: 7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. 9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
Jeremiah 9: 23 This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.
1. How permanent is wealth?
2. What is the warning to Solomon about his riches?
3. What is the greatest danger to those who are wealthy?
Prayers:
"Casting Pearls..."
Proverbs 23: 6 Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies; 7 for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost. "Eat and drink," he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.
Matthew 7: 6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
Numbers 11: 4 The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost--also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6 But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"
I Peter 2: 2:1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Philippians 4: 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Hebrews 13: 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." 6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
1. What does contentment and Godliness have to do with each other?
2. Can God's promises be wasted?
3. How can a person find contentment, happiness, and simplicity in life?
Prayer:
This is Leap Day!!!