Happy Red Friday!
LOVE You All!
(((HUGS)))
ML/LTOS
Posted on 01/01/2024 3:15:48 PM PST by luvie
Thank you. I enjoy taking the time to read it and I’m so happy others do too, so I will continue to do so as long as Our Lord wants or I just can’t.
There is some terrible wrongs here.
I’m sorry to read this. Prayers for all involved.
Thank you, Rus. And thank Jul for her prayers, too! (((hugs)))
We missed a tornado by 15 miles on Thursday night. Evansville is my hometown.
We only got small hail from this storm.
https://x.com/ChicagoMWeather/status/1756004611482103884?s=20
Bible in a Year :
You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
When Kristin wanted to buy a special book for Xio-Hu, her Chinese husband, the only one she could find in Chinese was a Bible. Although neither of them was a believer in Christ, she hoped he would appreciate the gift anyway. At first sight of the Bible, he was angry, but eventually he picked it up. As he read, he became persuaded by the truth in its pages. Upset at this unforeseen development, Kristin started to read the Scriptures in order to refute Xio-Hu. To her surprise, she also came to faith in Jesus through being convinced by what she read.
The apostle Paul knew the transforming nature of Scripture. Writing from prison in Rome, he urged Timothy, whom he mentored, to ācontinue in what you have learnedā because āfrom infancy you have known the Holy Scripturesā (2 Timothy 3:14ā15). In the original language, the Greek for ācontinueā has the sense of āabideā in what the Bible reveals. Knowing that Timothy would face opposition and persecution, Paul wanted him to be equipped for the challenges; he believed his protĆ©gĆ© would find strength and wisdom in the Bible as he spent time pondering its truth.
God through His Spirit brings Scripture aliveĀ to us. As we dwell in it, He changes us to be more like Him. Even as He did with Xio-Hu and Kristin. .
Reflect & Pray
How have you been changed through spending time reading and pondering the Bible? When have the Scriptures come alive to you?
Author of all that lives, thank You for inspiring the Bible to be such a life-giving book. May I submit to You as I read the Scriptures.
Learn how to effectively study the Bible.
Oh My Goodness!
I hate tornadoes. Glad you are safe.
It is just awful to see the affected home-owners on the news, and their nice properties all a mess. So much work to fix it all.
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Bible in a Year :
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.
Queen Elizabethās simple statement echoes the testimonies of men and women throughout history whoāve experienced the personal, faithful care of God in their lives. Itās this theme underlying a beautiful song King David wrote as he reflected on his life. Recorded in 2 Samuel 22, the song speaks of Godās faithfulness in protecting David, providing for him, and even rescuing him when his very life was in danger (vv. 3ā4, 44). In response to his experience of Godās faithfulness, David wrote, āI will sing the praises of your nameā (v. 50).
While thereās added beauty when Godās faithfulness is seen over a long lifetime, we donāt have to wait to recount His care in our lives. When we recognize that itās not our own abilities that carry us through life but the faithful care of a loving Father, weāre moved to gratitude and praise. .
Reflect & Pray
How have you seen Godās faithfulness? How might you express your gratitude to Him?
Heavenly Father, Iām so grateful that in every season of lifeāsorrow or joyāIāve seen Your faithfulness.
Thanks Kitty.
We are grateful to have no damage.
š
Bible in a Year :
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
With the American Civil War spawning many bitter feelings, Abraham Lincoln saw fit to speak a kind word about the South. A shocked bystander asked how he could do so. He replied, āMadam, do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?ā Reflecting on those words a century later, Martin Luther King Jr. commented, āThis is the power of redemptive love.ā
In calling disciples of Christ to love their enemies, King looked to the teachings of Jesus. He noted that although believers might struggle to love those who persecute them, this love grows out of āa consistent and total surrender to God.ā āWhen we love in this way,ā King continued, āweāll know God and experience the beauty of His holiness.āĀ
King referenced Jesusā Sermon on the Mount in which He said, āLove your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,Ā that you may be childrenĀ of your Father in heavenā (Matthew 5:44ā45). Jesus counseled against the conventional wisdom of the day of loving only oneās neighbors and hating oneās enemies. Instead, God the Father gives His children the strength to love those who oppose them.
It may feel impossible to love our enemies, but as we look to God for help, Heāll answer our prayers. He gives the courage to embrace this radical practice, for as Jesus said, āwith God all things are possibleā (19:26). .
Reflect & Pray
Who is your enemy? If you feel conflicted about loving those who oppose you, how could you submit those feelings to God?
Loving God, Youāve made meāas well as those who hurt meāin Your image. Help me to see them as You do.
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Happy Monday!
Still staying busy with the puppy.
He is fun but tiring.
š
Happy Monday!
I have been sleeping better since the puppy excercise program started.
I go to bed a lot earlier.
š„±
Indeed! Tippy keeps me Going. And Going. And Going.
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