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Dear Friends-
I hope this email finds you happy and at peace.
Dear Friends, I ask that you spend some time praying for those people in your life who support you- your "go to" people. Every time we need to get something off your chests, these are the people whose shoulders we rest our problems on. Most times, they're there for us with strong shoulders to lean on and an open ear. But what happens when they need help? Who's there for the ones who give us wise counsel?
God put those special people in our lives to bring us comfort and support. If they're listening and helping with our issues, they're probably doing the same thing for someone else. Call and check on them sometime. They may say, "all is well" but they need to know that someone cares enough to ask. Thank God for these "go to" people and pray that the Lord is hearing whatever they stand in need of.
If you're reading this and you are the "go to" person, I pray for you. I pray you receive the peace and reassurance that others seek from you. God has gifted you with wise counsel and the responsibility is great. I pray that your spirit remains light and your steps remain quick as you carry out the Lord's work with your advice. No matter how tired or frustrated you feel, there is no one who can give you the peace that God can. The ones who try, they may become frustrated because they don't know how to help; the ones who think they're helping, may not be. "Under the sun, the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all ( Ecclesiastes 9:11).
Your gift of vision and advice was given to you to share with God's people, not necessarily to receive. Your purpose in life is to draw men closer to him and God wants His light to shine and illuminate the darkness.
I pray that God renews your spirit quickly, so you can move forward and do His work.
Stay blessed,
K.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Monday, March 2, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
God will do His part if you do yours!
Dear Friends-
I hope everyone is doing well and ready to enjoy some relaxation with family and friends this weekend. As part of my studies, I re-read the story of Moses and the Pharoah (which is included in summary form below). There are so many lessons we could learn from this story but during the Lenten season, I'd like us to review it again, focusing on our relationships with God.
Somethimes, we have difficult moments in our lives and we reach out to God to deliver us from our situations. Just like the Pharoah, we promise God not to commit "certain sins" if He relieves us from our pain. "Lord, if you deliver me from this, I promise to stop being so judgemental" or "I promise to be a more understanding wife" or "I promise to stop ignoring my family".
And just like Pharoah, as soon as our situation improves, we go right back to doing the same things we promised God we wouldn't do. Does this sound familiar?
Similar to the story of the Pharoah, our problems become worse and worse everytime we break those promises to God. We can't continue to keep asking for forgiveness and WILLFULLY continue those same sins we promised to stop committing.
As you search your hearts this Lenten season, think of any "issues" you've been struggling with. Ask the Lord to help you stand firm and keep your promise. He knows that we're not strong enough to resist temptation by ourselves but if we ask, in earnest, He will deliver us and reward us for our obedience.
In the meantime, stay blessed and have a wonderful weekend!
K.
Exodus Chapters 5-12 (Moses and Pharoah)
When Moses and his brother Aaron got to Egypt the Lord told them what to do. He said, "Go to Pharaoh and tell him to let the Israelites go. He will be very stubborn and it will take many signs and miracles before he will let you go; but everyone will know that I am God when he finally frees the Israelites."
So they did what God asked and they went to see Pharaoh. In front of Pharaoh Aaron threw down his staff and it became a snake (just as God told Moses it would).
Pharaoh didn't look surprised at all, he actually just smiled at Moses and Aaron. Without a word he snapped his fingers and a minute later three men walked in. Pharaoh whispered in one of the men's ears, and he nodded and spoke quietly to the others.
All at the same time they threw the staffs they were carrying to the ground and they became snakes, just like Moses and Aaron's. They turned and looked at each other with disappointment. They realized that these men were Pharaoh's magicians.
Just as Moses was feeling defeated his snake swallowed up all of the other snakes. This made Moses smile, surely Pharaoh would let them go now. But Pharaoh didn't seem to care, he shook his head and said, "Nice try, but the Israelites belong to me, and they work for Egypt I will not let them go."
Moses left disappointed, but excited to talk to God about what they would do next. After all God told them that it wouldn't be easy. So when God spoke next, they listened well, "Pharaoh's heart is hard, he's still not going to change his mind. Go see him tomorrow morning, he didn't listen today but I will continue to show him that I am God."
With their instructions from God, Moses and Aaron met Pharaoh the next morning. Aaron explained to Pharaoh, "Because you still won't listen God is going to change all the water in Egypt into blood. The fish will die, the river will stink, and none of the Egyptians will be able to drink it."
Pharaoh smiled and said, "Go ahead." So Aaron did what the Lord told him and put his staff into the water and it turned to blood. Pharaoh seemed a little surprised but he summoned his magicians and they also turned the water into blood. With that, Pharaoh's heart became hard, and he turned and walked back to his palace.
All the fish died, and the water smelled so bad, no matter where you were you could smell it. Can you imagine turning on your tap at home and having blood come out, what about having a bath, or even the water in your toilet. Of course the Egyptians didn't have sinks and toilets back then, but they still used water to drink, to make food, and to clean with.
After a whole week of this Pharaoh still wouldn't let the people go. But his magicians couldn't turn the blood back into water either. The Lord instructed Aaron and Moses to go see Pharaoh once again and He told them, "Tell Pharaoh to let my people go. If he refuses to let them go, I will plague the whole country with frogs."
They did as God asked and Pharaoh once again refused to let the people go. So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt and the frogs came up and covered everything. They really were everywhere! In the stoves where they cooked, in their beds, and they even jumped on the people.
The magicians could also make frogs appear - but this would be the last time that their magic would work. After a day of this Pharaoh couldn't take it anymore and he called for Moses and Aaron.
He begged Moses, "Pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go." So Moses prayed to the Lord, and all the frogs died. But when Pharaoh saw that all the frogs were dead, he was relieved and he hardened his heart and changed his mind.
There were many other plagues that followed: Gnats and flies, all the livestock got sick and died, the Egyptians were covered in sores, hail came down and killed all the crops, locusts came and ate all the grass and everything green, and then there was complete darkness. Nobody left their homes because they couldn't even see where they were going.
With each of these plagues Pharaoh said he'd let the Israelites go if God put things back to normal, but then he kept changing his mind. You'd think he would've learned his lesson and let the Israelites go. God doesn't give up.
You may have felt sorry for the Israelites during all these plagues, but God made sure they were not touched by them. Only the Pharaoh and 'his people' the Egyptians went through these terrible times. The Israelites lived a little ways away, and God kept them safe, and put a pretend wall around them so none of the plagues could come to them.
If you thought all the other plagues were bad, there was one last plague (the tenth plague) that was way worse than any of the others. The Lord told them, "This will be the last plague on Pharaoh and Egypt, after this they will let you go. Around midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, even the son of Pharaoh, and there will be great sadness." Moses and Aaron warned Pharaoh, but he refused to listen.
The Lord had special instructions for Moses and Aaron, so that the Israelites would be sure to stay safe during this last plague. He told them, "The Israelites must kill their best sheep or goat. Then they are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and tops of the doors on their houses.
On that same night I will pass through Egypt like a ghost and take the life from every first born. If I see blood on the doorway that will be a sign for me to pass over the house and keep all who are inside safe.
This day will always be known as the Passover, because you were passed over and kept safe by God. You will continue to celebrate this day for many years." They were also to eat unleavened bread This would always remind them of the hurry that they left Egypt in.
Now you have to remember Pharaoh could have stopped all this a long time ago. God gave him many opportunities to let the Israelites go, but he would not listen. Unfortunately God had to teach Pharaoh a lesson and He did what He said He would do.
I hope everyone is doing well and ready to enjoy some relaxation with family and friends this weekend. As part of my studies, I re-read the story of Moses and the Pharoah (which is included in summary form below). There are so many lessons we could learn from this story but during the Lenten season, I'd like us to review it again, focusing on our relationships with God.
Somethimes, we have difficult moments in our lives and we reach out to God to deliver us from our situations. Just like the Pharoah, we promise God not to commit "certain sins" if He relieves us from our pain. "Lord, if you deliver me from this, I promise to stop being so judgemental" or "I promise to be a more understanding wife" or "I promise to stop ignoring my family".
And just like Pharoah, as soon as our situation improves, we go right back to doing the same things we promised God we wouldn't do. Does this sound familiar?
Similar to the story of the Pharoah, our problems become worse and worse everytime we break those promises to God. We can't continue to keep asking for forgiveness and WILLFULLY continue those same sins we promised to stop committing.
As you search your hearts this Lenten season, think of any "issues" you've been struggling with. Ask the Lord to help you stand firm and keep your promise. He knows that we're not strong enough to resist temptation by ourselves but if we ask, in earnest, He will deliver us and reward us for our obedience.
In the meantime, stay blessed and have a wonderful weekend!
K.
Exodus Chapters 5-12 (Moses and Pharoah)
When Moses and his brother Aaron got to Egypt the Lord told them what to do. He said, "Go to Pharaoh and tell him to let the Israelites go. He will be very stubborn and it will take many signs and miracles before he will let you go; but everyone will know that I am God when he finally frees the Israelites."
So they did what God asked and they went to see Pharaoh. In front of Pharaoh Aaron threw down his staff and it became a snake (just as God told Moses it would).
Pharaoh didn't look surprised at all, he actually just smiled at Moses and Aaron. Without a word he snapped his fingers and a minute later three men walked in. Pharaoh whispered in one of the men's ears, and he nodded and spoke quietly to the others.
All at the same time they threw the staffs they were carrying to the ground and they became snakes, just like Moses and Aaron's. They turned and looked at each other with disappointment. They realized that these men were Pharaoh's magicians.
Just as Moses was feeling defeated his snake swallowed up all of the other snakes. This made Moses smile, surely Pharaoh would let them go now. But Pharaoh didn't seem to care, he shook his head and said, "Nice try, but the Israelites belong to me, and they work for Egypt I will not let them go."
Moses left disappointed, but excited to talk to God about what they would do next. After all God told them that it wouldn't be easy. So when God spoke next, they listened well, "Pharaoh's heart is hard, he's still not going to change his mind. Go see him tomorrow morning, he didn't listen today but I will continue to show him that I am God."
With their instructions from God, Moses and Aaron met Pharaoh the next morning. Aaron explained to Pharaoh, "Because you still won't listen God is going to change all the water in Egypt into blood. The fish will die, the river will stink, and none of the Egyptians will be able to drink it."
Pharaoh smiled and said, "Go ahead." So Aaron did what the Lord told him and put his staff into the water and it turned to blood. Pharaoh seemed a little surprised but he summoned his magicians and they also turned the water into blood. With that, Pharaoh's heart became hard, and he turned and walked back to his palace.
All the fish died, and the water smelled so bad, no matter where you were you could smell it. Can you imagine turning on your tap at home and having blood come out, what about having a bath, or even the water in your toilet. Of course the Egyptians didn't have sinks and toilets back then, but they still used water to drink, to make food, and to clean with.
After a whole week of this Pharaoh still wouldn't let the people go. But his magicians couldn't turn the blood back into water either. The Lord instructed Aaron and Moses to go see Pharaoh once again and He told them, "Tell Pharaoh to let my people go. If he refuses to let them go, I will plague the whole country with frogs."
They did as God asked and Pharaoh once again refused to let the people go. So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt and the frogs came up and covered everything. They really were everywhere! In the stoves where they cooked, in their beds, and they even jumped on the people.
The magicians could also make frogs appear - but this would be the last time that their magic would work. After a day of this Pharaoh couldn't take it anymore and he called for Moses and Aaron.
He begged Moses, "Pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go." So Moses prayed to the Lord, and all the frogs died. But when Pharaoh saw that all the frogs were dead, he was relieved and he hardened his heart and changed his mind.
There were many other plagues that followed: Gnats and flies, all the livestock got sick and died, the Egyptians were covered in sores, hail came down and killed all the crops, locusts came and ate all the grass and everything green, and then there was complete darkness. Nobody left their homes because they couldn't even see where they were going.
With each of these plagues Pharaoh said he'd let the Israelites go if God put things back to normal, but then he kept changing his mind. You'd think he would've learned his lesson and let the Israelites go. God doesn't give up.
You may have felt sorry for the Israelites during all these plagues, but God made sure they were not touched by them. Only the Pharaoh and 'his people' the Egyptians went through these terrible times. The Israelites lived a little ways away, and God kept them safe, and put a pretend wall around them so none of the plagues could come to them.
If you thought all the other plagues were bad, there was one last plague (the tenth plague) that was way worse than any of the others. The Lord told them, "This will be the last plague on Pharaoh and Egypt, after this they will let you go. Around midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, even the son of Pharaoh, and there will be great sadness." Moses and Aaron warned Pharaoh, but he refused to listen.
The Lord had special instructions for Moses and Aaron, so that the Israelites would be sure to stay safe during this last plague. He told them, "The Israelites must kill their best sheep or goat. Then they are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and tops of the doors on their houses.
On that same night I will pass through Egypt like a ghost and take the life from every first born. If I see blood on the doorway that will be a sign for me to pass over the house and keep all who are inside safe.
This day will always be known as the Passover, because you were passed over and kept safe by God. You will continue to celebrate this day for many years." They were also to eat unleavened bread This would always remind them of the hurry that they left Egypt in.
Now you have to remember Pharaoh could have stopped all this a long time ago. God gave him many opportunities to let the Israelites go, but he would not listen. Unfortunately God had to teach Pharaoh a lesson and He did what He said He would do.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Are you right with God?
Dear Friends-
I hope everyone is doing well and having a productive workweek. My week started with shocking and sad news of a good friend from high school who was murdered senselessly in Atlanta. I pray that his family and friends are comforted with God's peace during this difficult time.
As I thought about the situation more, I also prayed that Marc knew the Lord and had a relationship with Him. My grandmother in heaven always used to remind me that her prayers couldn't save her children- that we had to know the Lord for ourselves. My grandmother who is still alive would also remind me to get myself right with God because "we know not the day, nor the hour". I pray that Marc is in heaven with the Lord.
But what about you? If your life was to end today, can you be sure that you're right with God? It's not about good works- good works and "being a good person" is not enough get us into heaven. Do you spend time with the Lord in prayer? Do you give him the first ten percent of your week by attending church? Are you investing in the relationship at all? If there's anything you can do to improve your relationship with Him, start doing it now. Make the connection with God and be sure that no matter when your hour comes, He will say, "well done thy good and faithful servant".
In the meantime, be blessed,
K.
(An article about Marc is below)
Matthew 24
36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.[k] Only the Father knows.
37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.
40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
DeKalb businessman shot in the head
By ANDRIA SIMMONS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A DeKalb County businessman found dead over the weekend in the parking lot of a Duluth restaurant was killed by a gunshot to the head, an autopsy concluded.
Questions remain about why 38-year-old Marc Stewart was killed, and when. His body was found on Valentine’s Day — several days after his wife reported him missing — in a parked car at Bahama Breeze at 3590 Breckinridge Boulevard. It was the second fatal shooting to occur in the restaurant’s parking lot in the past seven months, and the fourth homicide in the vicinity of Gwinnett Place Mall since July.
Stewart was last seen leaving his home in Stone Mountain around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. A patron at the restaurant told police that the victim appeared to be sleeping inside a parked Ford Explorer when she arrived at the restaurant Saturday evening. The woman honked her car horn to wake him, but he was unresponsive, a police report said.
Stewart was president and chief executive officer of Island Coast Entertainment, a 10-year-old event planning company based in Atlanta.
I hope everyone is doing well and having a productive workweek. My week started with shocking and sad news of a good friend from high school who was murdered senselessly in Atlanta. I pray that his family and friends are comforted with God's peace during this difficult time.
As I thought about the situation more, I also prayed that Marc knew the Lord and had a relationship with Him. My grandmother in heaven always used to remind me that her prayers couldn't save her children- that we had to know the Lord for ourselves. My grandmother who is still alive would also remind me to get myself right with God because "we know not the day, nor the hour". I pray that Marc is in heaven with the Lord.
But what about you? If your life was to end today, can you be sure that you're right with God? It's not about good works- good works and "being a good person" is not enough get us into heaven. Do you spend time with the Lord in prayer? Do you give him the first ten percent of your week by attending church? Are you investing in the relationship at all? If there's anything you can do to improve your relationship with Him, start doing it now. Make the connection with God and be sure that no matter when your hour comes, He will say, "well done thy good and faithful servant".
In the meantime, be blessed,
K.
(An article about Marc is below)
Matthew 24
36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.[k] Only the Father knows.
37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.
40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
DeKalb businessman shot in the head
By ANDRIA SIMMONS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A DeKalb County businessman found dead over the weekend in the parking lot of a Duluth restaurant was killed by a gunshot to the head, an autopsy concluded.
Questions remain about why 38-year-old Marc Stewart was killed, and when. His body was found on Valentine’s Day — several days after his wife reported him missing — in a parked car at Bahama Breeze at 3590 Breckinridge Boulevard. It was the second fatal shooting to occur in the restaurant’s parking lot in the past seven months, and the fourth homicide in the vicinity of Gwinnett Place Mall since July.
Stewart was last seen leaving his home in Stone Mountain around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. A patron at the restaurant told police that the victim appeared to be sleeping inside a parked Ford Explorer when she arrived at the restaurant Saturday evening. The woman honked her car horn to wake him, but he was unresponsive, a police report said.
Stewart was president and chief executive officer of Island Coast Entertainment, a 10-year-old event planning company based in Atlanta.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Live your life!
Dear Friends-
I bring you a message of hope today from Ecclesiastes 9. No matter what difficulties on your heart and mind today, God wants you to trust Him and enjoy life anyway. Our time on this earth is fleeting. We don't have time to sit around wondering "why me?" or living a life of regret.
Just understand that sometimes things happen- even to believers.
In the meantime, spend the time enjoying your loved ones and living your purpose. Tomorrow will come soon.
Stay blessed!
K.
Seize Life! (The Message Bible)
4 -6 Still, anyone selected out for life has hope, for, as they say, "A living dog is better than a dead lion." The living at least know something, even if it's only that they're going to die. But the dead know nothing and get nothing. They're a minus that no one remembers. Their loves, their hates, yes, even their dreams, are long gone. There's not a trace of them left in the affairs of this earth. 7 -10 Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed.
11 I took another walk around the neighborhood and realized that on this earth as it is— The race is not always to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor satisfaction to the wise, Nor riches to the smart, Nor grace to the learned. Sooner or later bad luck hits us all. 12 No one can predict misfortune. Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds in a trap, So men and women are caught By accidents evil and sudden.
Wisdom Is Better than Muscle
13 -15 One day as I was observing how wisdom fares on this earth, I saw something that made me sit up and take notice. There was a small town with only a few people in it. A strong king came and mounted an attack, building trenches and attack posts around it. There was a poor but wise man in that town whose wisdom saved the town, but he was promptly forgotten. (He was only a poor man, after all.)
16 All the same, I still say that wisdom is better than muscle, even though the wise poor man was treated with contempt and soon forgotten. 17 The quiet words of the wise are more effective Than the ranting of a king of fools. 18 Wisdom is better than warheads, But one hothead can ruin the good earth.
I bring you a message of hope today from Ecclesiastes 9. No matter what difficulties on your heart and mind today, God wants you to trust Him and enjoy life anyway. Our time on this earth is fleeting. We don't have time to sit around wondering "why me?" or living a life of regret.
Just understand that sometimes things happen- even to believers.
In the meantime, spend the time enjoying your loved ones and living your purpose. Tomorrow will come soon.
Stay blessed!
K.
Seize Life! (The Message Bible)
4 -6 Still, anyone selected out for life has hope, for, as they say, "A living dog is better than a dead lion." The living at least know something, even if it's only that they're going to die. But the dead know nothing and get nothing. They're a minus that no one remembers. Their loves, their hates, yes, even their dreams, are long gone. There's not a trace of them left in the affairs of this earth. 7 -10 Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it, For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed.
11 I took another walk around the neighborhood and realized that on this earth as it is— The race is not always to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor satisfaction to the wise, Nor riches to the smart, Nor grace to the learned. Sooner or later bad luck hits us all. 12 No one can predict misfortune. Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds in a trap, So men and women are caught By accidents evil and sudden.
Wisdom Is Better than Muscle
13 -15 One day as I was observing how wisdom fares on this earth, I saw something that made me sit up and take notice. There was a small town with only a few people in it. A strong king came and mounted an attack, building trenches and attack posts around it. There was a poor but wise man in that town whose wisdom saved the town, but he was promptly forgotten. (He was only a poor man, after all.)
16 All the same, I still say that wisdom is better than muscle, even though the wise poor man was treated with contempt and soon forgotten. 17 The quiet words of the wise are more effective Than the ranting of a king of fools. 18 Wisdom is better than warheads, But one hothead can ruin the good earth.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Rules
Dear Friends-
Today's message is a short reminder about why some "religious" folks get themselves into trouble. Some of us come with long held traditions and beliefs about how Christians should look, act, and do to be authentic. These long held beliefs are dangerous because we allow ourselves to play God by judging others and our actions are driving people away from God's true nature.
God doesn't care if we skip certain foods or make it to church every Sunday- not if we're liars, cheats, and gossips. If we want the "real" list of rules that Christians should follow, see Christ's instructions in the books of the New Testament.
In the meantime, remain blessed and be a blessing to others!
K.
http://letterstodearfriends.blogspot.com
Mark 7
Jesus Teaches about Inner Purity
1 One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. 2 They noticed that some of his disciples failed to follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. 3 (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands,[a] as required by their ancient traditions. 4 Similarly, they don’t eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands[b] in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to—such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.[c])
5 So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.”
6 Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,
‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’[d]
8 For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”
9 Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition. 10 For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother,’[e] and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’[f] 11 But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’[g] 12 In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. 13 And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”
14 Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand. 15 It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.[h]”
17 Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. 18 “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? 19 Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)
20 And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”
http://letterstodearfriends.blogspot.com/
Today's message is a short reminder about why some "religious" folks get themselves into trouble. Some of us come with long held traditions and beliefs about how Christians should look, act, and do to be authentic. These long held beliefs are dangerous because we allow ourselves to play God by judging others and our actions are driving people away from God's true nature.
God doesn't care if we skip certain foods or make it to church every Sunday- not if we're liars, cheats, and gossips. If we want the "real" list of rules that Christians should follow, see Christ's instructions in the books of the New Testament.
In the meantime, remain blessed and be a blessing to others!
K.
http://letterstodearfriends.blogspot.com
Mark 7
Jesus Teaches about Inner Purity
1 One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. 2 They noticed that some of his disciples failed to follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. 3 (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands,[a] as required by their ancient traditions. 4 Similarly, they don’t eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands[b] in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to—such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.[c])
5 So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.”
6 Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,
‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’[d]
8 For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”
9 Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition. 10 For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother,’[e] and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’[f] 11 But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’[g] 12 In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. 13 And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”
14 Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand. 15 It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.[h]”
17 Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. 18 “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? 19 Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)
20 And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”
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Friday, January 23, 2009
What the inauguration means for us
Dear Friends-
I apologize for not writing over the last two days but I have been spending the time in prayer and observation about our new leadership. As excited as I was to witness the historic events of the weekend, I want us all to remain clear about what is really happening. We have renewed responsibilities that we must take seriously. The Lord has used this time, our country's conditions and President Obama to propel us into exercising God's true purpose for our lives.
What is your God given gift? How can we use these gifts to serve God? How does this tie into our new President's message of "picking ourselves up and dusting ourselves off?"
Genesis 1: 26-28 (Translated from "the Message" Bible) gives us simple clear instructions about our purpose:
God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God's nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!
This means that we must use our gifts and be creative enough to sustain ourselves, produce others who resemble God, and take leadership. In other words, use your talents to glorify God, bring others to Him and assume a leadership role (so that you can repeat this cycle on an even larger scale). Let's not become complacent because we believe we have a spokesperson in the White House to advance our issues for us. We should be excited that God is using our new President to set the tone for people to wake up and focus on the important things of life, however, it is our job as Chrisitians to serve as models for service and justice so that God will be glorified by our actions. Whether you love President Obama or not, use the message that God planted in his heart to serve someone else. For those who are suspicious of Obama, just remember, Jesus used all kinds of people, including kings and criminals to deliver his messages. Let's not get caught up in hating on (or idolizing) our new President.
Let's follow the vision and serve God! In the meantime, take care and remain blessed.
K.
"The vision is yet for an appointed time..." (Habakkuk 2:3).
I apologize for not writing over the last two days but I have been spending the time in prayer and observation about our new leadership. As excited as I was to witness the historic events of the weekend, I want us all to remain clear about what is really happening. We have renewed responsibilities that we must take seriously. The Lord has used this time, our country's conditions and President Obama to propel us into exercising God's true purpose for our lives.
What is your God given gift? How can we use these gifts to serve God? How does this tie into our new President's message of "picking ourselves up and dusting ourselves off?"
Genesis 1: 26-28 (Translated from "the Message" Bible) gives us simple clear instructions about our purpose:
God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God's nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!
This means that we must use our gifts and be creative enough to sustain ourselves, produce others who resemble God, and take leadership. In other words, use your talents to glorify God, bring others to Him and assume a leadership role (so that you can repeat this cycle on an even larger scale). Let's not become complacent because we believe we have a spokesperson in the White House to advance our issues for us. We should be excited that God is using our new President to set the tone for people to wake up and focus on the important things of life, however, it is our job as Chrisitians to serve as models for service and justice so that God will be glorified by our actions. Whether you love President Obama or not, use the message that God planted in his heart to serve someone else. For those who are suspicious of Obama, just remember, Jesus used all kinds of people, including kings and criminals to deliver his messages. Let's not get caught up in hating on (or idolizing) our new President.
Let's follow the vision and serve God! In the meantime, take care and remain blessed.
K.
"The vision is yet for an appointed time..." (Habakkuk 2:3).
Friday, January 16, 2009
God will deliver...If we live right!
Dear Friends-
As I watch the coverage of the "Miracle on the Hudson", I can't help but think about the times that I've been rescued from difficult situations. Today's word is a reminder that the Lord's goodness and mercy towards us.
Now I know there are some on this list who question God's decision to rescue some and not others. Honestly, I can't answer that question. As the creator of heaven and earth, and the author of our lives, God makes decisions based on His divine and perfect purpose. Sometimes, we're allowed to suffer so that we can rely on Him. Other times, He wants us to learn something and will allow us to continue suffering until we "get it".What I know for sure is that God will deliver us if it's His will to do so. The Lord will not rescue us from our poor decisions nor will he prevent us from dealing with the consequences of sin. If we live right and obey Him, He will be there.
Have a blessed weekend!
K.
2 Samuel 22David's Song of Deliverance 1And David spoke(A) to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2(B) He said,
(C) "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, 3(D) my[a] God, my rock,(E) in whom I take refuge,(F) my shield, and(G) the horn of my salvation, (H) my stronghold and(I) my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.4I call upon the LORD, who is(J) worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. 5(K) "For the waves of death encompassed me, the torrents of destruction assailed me;[b]6(L) the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. 7(M) "In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I called.From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry(N) came to his ears. 8"Then(O) the earth reeled and rocked; (P) the foundations of the heavens trembled and quaked, because he was angry.9Smoke went up from his nostrils,[c] and devouring fire from his mouth; (Q) glowing coals flamed forth from him.10(R) He bowed the heavens and(S) came down; (T) thick darkness was under his feet.11He rode on a cherub and flew; he was seen on(U) the wings of the wind.12He made(V) darkness around him(W) his canopy, thick clouds, a gathering of water.13Out of the brightness before him (X) coals of fire flamed forth.14(Y) The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered his voice.15And he sent out(Z) arrows and scattered them; lightning, and routed them.16Then the channels of the sea were seen; the foundations of the world were laid bare,at the rebuke of the LORD, at the(AA) blast of the breath of his nostrils. 17(AB) "He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters.18He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.19They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support.20(AC) He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because(AD) he delighted in me. 21"The LORD(AE) dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the(AF) cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.22(AG) For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God.23(AH) For all his rules were before me, and from his statutes I did not turn aside.24I was(AI) blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt.25(AJ) And the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.
As I watch the coverage of the "Miracle on the Hudson", I can't help but think about the times that I've been rescued from difficult situations. Today's word is a reminder that the Lord's goodness and mercy towards us.
Now I know there are some on this list who question God's decision to rescue some and not others. Honestly, I can't answer that question. As the creator of heaven and earth, and the author of our lives, God makes decisions based on His divine and perfect purpose. Sometimes, we're allowed to suffer so that we can rely on Him. Other times, He wants us to learn something and will allow us to continue suffering until we "get it".What I know for sure is that God will deliver us if it's His will to do so. The Lord will not rescue us from our poor decisions nor will he prevent us from dealing with the consequences of sin. If we live right and obey Him, He will be there.
Have a blessed weekend!
K.
2 Samuel 22David's Song of Deliverance 1And David spoke(A) to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2(B) He said,
(C) "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, 3(D) my[a] God, my rock,(E) in whom I take refuge,(F) my shield, and(G) the horn of my salvation, (H) my stronghold and(I) my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.4I call upon the LORD, who is(J) worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. 5(K) "For the waves of death encompassed me, the torrents of destruction assailed me;[b]6(L) the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. 7(M) "In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I called.From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry(N) came to his ears. 8"Then(O) the earth reeled and rocked; (P) the foundations of the heavens trembled and quaked, because he was angry.9Smoke went up from his nostrils,[c] and devouring fire from his mouth; (Q) glowing coals flamed forth from him.10(R) He bowed the heavens and(S) came down; (T) thick darkness was under his feet.11He rode on a cherub and flew; he was seen on(U) the wings of the wind.12He made(V) darkness around him(W) his canopy, thick clouds, a gathering of water.13Out of the brightness before him (X) coals of fire flamed forth.14(Y) The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered his voice.15And he sent out(Z) arrows and scattered them; lightning, and routed them.16Then the channels of the sea were seen; the foundations of the world were laid bare,at the rebuke of the LORD, at the(AA) blast of the breath of his nostrils. 17(AB) "He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters.18He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.19They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support.20(AC) He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because(AD) he delighted in me. 21"The LORD(AE) dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the(AF) cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.22(AG) For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God.23(AH) For all his rules were before me, and from his statutes I did not turn aside.24I was(AI) blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt.25(AJ) And the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
If you're wasting time...ask God to order your steps!
Hello Dear Friends!
I hope everyone is having a blessed and highly favored week! Today's message is based on a message I learned this past Sunday. Instead of resolutions this year, I've established a series of small goals that I would accomplish everyday and, if I only do 80% of that list on a daily basis, then I'm happy. This year, my only goal is to truly understand that I can't do it all but the little that I can do will be part of God's purpose for my life.
How do you ensure that the important things get done? Ask God for guidance with your plans. Have a vision and prioritize! Order your steps according to His Word. Create six categories of importance for you life and seek to accomplish two things from each category every day. This way, your life doesn't get cluttered with unnecessary activities- and it's easy to say no to things that don't fulfill that purpose.Here's an example of my new 2009 schedule (in order). If a request is made of me, and it doesn't fit into the list of priorities, it doesn't get added.
1. Spiritual: a) Spend quiet time with God daily (prayer, mediation, reading, fasting, etc.); b) share a word with someone else2. Family/ Friends: a) Face time with immediate family daily; b) Initiate some form of contact with extended family or friends daily (phone, email, text, visit)3. Health a) exercise, rest, and/or some sort of health/ wellness activity; b) schedule maintenance appointments (doctors, dentists, salon for me or family) 4. Career/ Business a) do an activity to assess where I am or how to advance my career or business; b) make plans for next steps5. Home a) do an activity to maintain my home (cleaning, decluttering, rearranging) b) do an activity to upgrade my home (purchase new items as needed, create plans for renovation6. Community a) do ONE deliverable assignment for any organization I belong to and attend one meeting or conference call; b) if no meetings are planned that day, do two deliverable assignments for that day.
I hope that you will be blessed by this email and the Scripture below.
Love,K.
Psalm 37: 23 23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 119: 129-144 (the Message Bible) 129 -136 Every word you give me is a miracle word— how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything. Turn my way, look kindly on me, as you always do to those who personally love you. Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life your way. Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live. I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by your book! 137 -144 You are right and you do right, God; your decisions are right on target. You rightly instruct us in how to live ever faithful to you. My rivals nearly did me in, they persistently ignored your commandments. Your promise has been tested through and through, and I, your servant, love it dearly. I'm too young to be important, but I don't forget what you tell me. Your righteousness is eternally right, your revelation is the only truth. Even though troubles came down on me hard, your commands always gave me delight. The way you tell me to live is always right; help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.
I hope everyone is having a blessed and highly favored week! Today's message is based on a message I learned this past Sunday. Instead of resolutions this year, I've established a series of small goals that I would accomplish everyday and, if I only do 80% of that list on a daily basis, then I'm happy. This year, my only goal is to truly understand that I can't do it all but the little that I can do will be part of God's purpose for my life.
How do you ensure that the important things get done? Ask God for guidance with your plans. Have a vision and prioritize! Order your steps according to His Word. Create six categories of importance for you life and seek to accomplish two things from each category every day. This way, your life doesn't get cluttered with unnecessary activities- and it's easy to say no to things that don't fulfill that purpose.Here's an example of my new 2009 schedule (in order). If a request is made of me, and it doesn't fit into the list of priorities, it doesn't get added.
1. Spiritual: a) Spend quiet time with God daily (prayer, mediation, reading, fasting, etc.); b) share a word with someone else2. Family/ Friends: a) Face time with immediate family daily; b) Initiate some form of contact with extended family or friends daily (phone, email, text, visit)3. Health a) exercise, rest, and/or some sort of health/ wellness activity; b) schedule maintenance appointments (doctors, dentists, salon for me or family) 4. Career/ Business a) do an activity to assess where I am or how to advance my career or business; b) make plans for next steps5. Home a) do an activity to maintain my home (cleaning, decluttering, rearranging) b) do an activity to upgrade my home (purchase new items as needed, create plans for renovation6. Community a) do ONE deliverable assignment for any organization I belong to and attend one meeting or conference call; b) if no meetings are planned that day, do two deliverable assignments for that day.
I hope that you will be blessed by this email and the Scripture below.
Love,K.
Psalm 37: 23 23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 119: 129-144 (the Message Bible) 129 -136 Every word you give me is a miracle word— how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything. Turn my way, look kindly on me, as you always do to those who personally love you. Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life your way. Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live. I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by your book! 137 -144 You are right and you do right, God; your decisions are right on target. You rightly instruct us in how to live ever faithful to you. My rivals nearly did me in, they persistently ignored your commandments. Your promise has been tested through and through, and I, your servant, love it dearly. I'm too young to be important, but I don't forget what you tell me. Your righteousness is eternally right, your revelation is the only truth. Even though troubles came down on me hard, your commands always gave me delight. The way you tell me to live is always right; help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.
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