05/19/2018 Taking Care of The Elderly

Taking Care of The Elderly

Genesis 12:3 ESV /

I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Exodus 20:12 ESV

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Exodus 21:17 ESV

“Whoever curses his father or his mother shall be put to death.

Deuteronomy 15:11 ESV

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

Matthew 7:12 ESV

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

1 John 3:17-18 ESV

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Deuteronomy 27:19 ESV

“‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

01/28/2017 Infuse us with meaning: Wonder, Truth, Love, Security

Just Thinking; Truths and Lies.

An Effect Sermon: Simplicity with Sublimity; child and adult get meaning from the sermon.

Take a few minutes to think about what gives your life meaning. Are those things in line with what God says you need to have in order to find meaning?

When asked: what they needed to do in order to be faithful to God, John Wesley gave the early Methodists 3 General Rules. They were not long complex rules, but simple ones that would be easy for people to remember and follow: do no harm, do good and stay in love with God. Now Wesley didn’t make up these rules himself, they were rules based on the guiding principles and commandments given to us by God.

Look at Luke 6:27-36. Again we see here that Jesus links together loving God with loving our neighbor – and even our enemy – and that loving others actually means doing something good for them. Loving others is not a feeling or emotion it is helping meet their real needs and offering them grace and mercy.

Jesus says this again in John 13:34-35.

And we hear this teaching affirmed by Paul in Romans 12:9-13. Paul is also making it clear that our love needs to extend to others in very real ways. So it’s clear that the foundation of the Christian faith is to love others which means that we seek ways to do good for them and John Wesley made sure people understood the depth of this call to do good by telling people that not only should we do good but we should:

Do all the good we can.
By all the means we can.
In all the ways we can.
In all the places we can.
At all the times we can.
To all the people we can.
As long as ever we can.

This statement begins to answer some of our questions about doing good. If we were to ask, who should we do good for? The answer is to all the people we can.

Hebrews 7:19 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

The Pursuit of Meaning, Part 1

Hebrews 7:19 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

¹⁹ For the Law never made anything perfect—but instead a better hope is introduced through which we [now] come close to God.

The Pursuit of Meaning, Part 2

Hebrews 7:19 Good News Translation (GNT)

¹⁹ For the Law of Moses could not make anything perfect. And now a better hope has been provided through which we come near to God.

The Pursuit of Meaning, Part 3

Hebrews 7:19 Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹⁹ (for the Law never made anything perfect); while on the other hand a better hope is introduced through which we now continually draw near to God.

The Pursuit of Meaning, Part 4

What is missing in the message from the United States Government today?

Wonder, Truth, Love, Security!

Does what you Believe make Sense?

12/31/2016 the Lord's Message for 2017: Pattern of Loving Service to Follow.

Preaching, reinforced by godly concern:

Godly concern for his listeners underscores more forcefully than anything else the legitimacy of Paul's missionary methods.

Paul seems to respond to certain doubts or criticisms of his ministry. He implicitly defends his ministry of the gospel, and at the same time, by recalling the work he and his companions have done, he gives the Thessalonians a pattern of loving service to follow.

1 Thessalonians 2:5-12 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

⁵ You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 

⁶ We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.

⁷ But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother Nursing and cherishing her own children.

⁸ So, being thus tenderly and affectionately desirous of you, we continued to share with you not only God’s good news (the Gospel) but also our own lives as well, for you had become so very dear to us.

⁹ For you recall our hard toil and struggles, brethren. We worked night and day [and plied our trade] in order not to be a burden to any of you [for our support] while we proclaimed the glad tidings (the Gospel) of God to you.

¹⁰ You are witnesses, [yes] and God [also], how unworldly and upright and blameless was our behavior toward you believers [who adhered to and trusted in and relied on our Lord Jesus Christ].

¹¹ For you know how, as a father [dealing with] his children, we used to exhort each of you personally, stimulating and encouraging and charging you

¹² To live lives worthy of God, Who calls you into His own kingdom and the glorious blessedness [into which true believers will enter after Christ’s return].

Paul mentions the gentleness of their behavior: We were gentle among you, 1 Thess. 2:7. Paul showed great mildness and tenderness who might have acted with the authority of an apostle of Christ.

Such behavior greatly recommends religion, and is most agreeable to God’s gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. This great apostle, though he abhorred and avoided flattery, was most condescending to all men.

Paul accommodated himself to all men’s capacities, and became all things to all men. Paul showed the kindness and care of a nurse that cherishes her children. This is the way to win people, rather than to rule with rigor.

The word of God is indeed powerful; and as it comes often with awful authority upon the minds of men, as it always has enough in it to convince every impartial judgment, so it comes with the more pleasing power, when the ministers of the gospel recommend themselves to the affections of the people.

And as a nursing mother bears with forwardness in a child, and condescends to mean offices for its good, and draws out her breast, cherishing it in her bosom, so in like manner should the ministers of Christ behave towards their people.

The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, and patient, 2 Tim. 2:24.

This gentleness and goodness the apostle expressed several ways.

1.    By the most affectionate desire of their welfare: Being affectionately desirous of you, 1 Thess. 2:8. The apostle had a most affectionate love to their persons, and sought them, not theirs; themselves, not their goods; and to gain them, not to be a gainer by them, or to make a merchandise of them: it was their spiritual and eternal welfare and salvation that he was earnestly desirous of.

2.    By great readiness to do them good, willingly imparting to them, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, 1 Thess. 2:8. See here the manner of Paul’s preaching. He spared no pains therein. He was willing to run hazards, and venture his soul, or life, in preaching the gospel. He was willing to spend and be spent in the service of men’s souls; and, as those who give bread to the hungry from a charitable principle are said to impart their souls in what they give (Isa. 58:10), so did the apostles in giving forth the bread of life; so dear were these Thessalonians in particular to this apostle, and so great was his love to them.

3.    By bodily labor to prevent their charge, or that his ministry might not be expensive and burdensome to them: You remember our labor and travail; for, laboring night and day, etc., 1 Thess. 2:9. Paul denied himself the liberty he had of taking wages from the churches. To the labor of the ministry he added that of his calling, as a tent-maker, that he might get his own bread. We are not to suppose that the apostle spent the whole night and day in bodily labor, or work, to supply the necessities of his body; for then he would have had no time for the work of the ministry. But he spent part of the night, as well as the day, in this work; and was willing to forego his rest in the night, that he might have an opportunity to do good to the souls of men in the day time. A good example is here set before the ministers of the gospel, to be industrious for the salvation of men’s souls, though it will not follow that they are always obliged to preach freely. There is no general rule to be drawn from this instance, either that ministers may at no time work with their hands, for the supply of their outward necessities, or that they ought always to do so.

4.   By the holiness of their conversation, concerning which he appeals not only to them, but to God also (1 Thess. 2:10): You are witnesses, and God also. They were observers of their outward conversation in public before men, and God was witness not only of their behavior in secret, but of the inward principles from which they acted.Their behavior was holy towards God, just towards all men, and unblameable, without giving cause of scandal or offence; and they were careful to give no offence either to those who were without, or to those who believed, that they might give no ill example; that their preaching and living might be all of a piece. Herein, said this apostle, do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards men, Acts 24:16.

II. He mentions their faithful discharge of the work and office of the ministry, 1 Thess. 2:11, 12. Concerning this also he could appeal to them as witnesses. Paul and his fellow-laborers were not only good Christians, but faithful ministers. And we should not only be good as to our general calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations.

Paul exhorted the Thessalonians, not only informing them in their duty, but exciting and quickening them to the performance of it, by proper motives and arguments. And he comforted them also, endeavoring to cheer and support their spirits under the difficulties and discouragements they might meet with.

And this he did not only publicly, but privately also, and from house to house (Acts 20:20), and charged every one of them by personal addresses: this, some think, is intended by the similitude of a father’s charging his children.

This expression also denotes the affectionate and compassionate counsels and consolations which this apostle used. He was their spiritual father; and, as he cherished them like a nursing mother, so he charged them as a father, with a father’s affection rather than a father’s authority.

As my beloved sons, I warn you, 1 Cor. 4:14. The manner of this apostle’s exhortation ought to be regarded by ministers in particular for their imitation, and the matter of it is greatly to be regarded by them and all others; namely, that they would walk worthy of God, who hath called them to his kingdom and glory, 1 Thess. 2:12.

Observe,

1.   What is our great gospel privilege—that God has called us to his kingdom and glory. The gospel calls us into the kingdom and state of grace here and unto the kingdom and state of glory hereafter, to heaven and happiness as our end and to holiness as the way to that end.

2.   What is our great gospel duty—that we walk worthy of God, that the temper of our minds and tenor of our lives be answerable to this call and suitable to this privilege. We should accommodate ourselves to the intention and design of the gospel, and live suitably to our profession and privileges, our hopes, and expectations, as becomes those who are called with such a high and holy calling.

06/27/2016 Good and Faithful Servants of God

Context matters when interrupting the Bible.

Romans 13:6 For this same reason you pay taxes, for civil authorities are God’s servants, devoting themselves to governance.

Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your earthly masters, with respect for authority, and with a sincere heart [seeking to please them], as [service] to Christ—

Colossians 4:1 [ Fellow Workers ] Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

This was a time of Kings and Queens as monarchs (Masters).

When applying the above three verses from the Bible it shows somehing important; when it comes to a democratic republic and democracies which did not exist in those times.

That is, servants of God at all levels; including elected officials.

Could it possibly mean that we do not abdicate all our rights to civil authorities that do not follow God's commandments and guidance as authorities (Masters) and how all servants should live. 

02/16/2016 Being one in marriage vows.

Together for over 46 years.

Married over 42 years.

Alpha Dog that only worships the throne of life where God resides in honor, truth, and light.

Understand you are the Alpha (Beginning) and Omega (End) of everything in this world.

Women must be treated as Goddesses; part of your body under Christ. Wives have equality in all love (heart) based, mind based compromises, as Soul mates.

Suggesting a life long 1st date respect and honor approach; follow the commitments made in your marriage vows. Husbands and wives be true to God first; be true to yourself in your actions under God's rules; be true to your family; be true to God's moral values. Men remember that most woman, wives, and mothers... have an internalized caring heart, mind, and soul. Try thinking about things by standing in those shoes. Wives men can be Alpha Dogs that are not patient, loving, kind like you are.

There are no kings or queens in a compromising relationship; walk away when things get out of hand, reflect, talk about each others feelings openly, and leave each day with the idea of being in bed together in the stacked spoon position (be open and not closed in feeling your closeness).

Touching and sex: at the least is appropriate treatment of each other physically (caressing, kissing, skin and back rubs... the goal is to have soul based commitment to each other understanding it is not about your needs but your soul mates needs. Doing this will take you joy-filled in peace and contentment.

Do all things in God's grace, love, mercy (forgiveness and forgetfulness).

[ More on Love and Hatred ] For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 John 3:11 Dramatized NIV...

1 Peter 3:1-7 Questions - Hear or Read both epistles of Peter each week.

In like manner, you married women, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but by the [godly] lives of their wives,

When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your] reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him—to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].

Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes;

But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.

For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them].

It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].

In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God’s unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.]

1.  Compare verses 1-2 with Ephesians 5:21-28 and list your observations on subject\submit.

Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord.

For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church, Himself the Savior of [His] body.

As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word,

That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless].

Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.

2. How can a spouse be won\saved by the wife's behavior?

In like manner, you married women, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but by the [godly] lives of their wives,

When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your] reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him—to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].

3. Verses 3-6 are often used to prohibit females from using make-up or wearing fancy clothes. What do these verses teach about these issues in context?

Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes;

But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.

For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them].

4. What point is Peter making in verses 5-6 with Sarah and Abraham?

For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them].

It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].

5. What is Peter teaching in verse 7 when he discusses the woman as a weaker vessel? Why would this be a controversial teaching today?

In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God’s unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.]

6. Why does the Holy Spirit include in verse 7 "they are heirs with you of the grace of life?"

You do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].

7. How can our relationship with our spouses hinder our prayer life?

together with your] reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him—to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].

8. What title would you put over this passage?

Husband & Wife equality under the Lord.