JUST FOR LADIES – BY Camille Stahl

 

Today’s Passage – 1 Peter 1 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 111 – 115; Proverbs 23)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Matthew 6:33

Read the “1223 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this morning’s reading passage – “Suffering

Cleansed Through the Precious Blood!

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  (1Peter 1:15-19)

Well just two more days until Christmas morning. Everyone is racing around getting their last minute shopping done. Most of the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. The Christmas meat is thawing in the fridge. Lots of cleaning still to do before the family arrives. Up early, to bed late. There’s a snap of cold air and a slight hint of white flakes falling from the sky. Lights bring a beautiful display of the spirit of Christmas.  Memories flood our minds as we sing the carols we heard since we were very young. Aww, Christmas. The Babe in the manger. The One who came to save the lost. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Holy One! The One who we will share eternity with.  The One who is getting our home in Heaven ready. There is no amount of silver or gold that could buy even a little piece of the riches that Jesus will share with His children. What He offers is free. He paid for it.  We are like that dirty spotted little lamb. We’re useless and not worth a dime. But the Lord Jesus Christ sees great value in His creation. We are so valuable, to Him, that no amount of silver or gold could pay for our value. Only the Blood of the Spotless Lamb could pay that price. You see, the Babe in the manger didn’t stay a babe. He came to die and shed His blood to pay the price. That Blood washes us, white as snow. No blemishes, no spots, so we could live a holy life. That’s when our Heavenly Father looks at us and sees us as that white lamb. Praise God for His gift of Love to us, Jesus, the Lamb in the manger.

I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy your families.

Thank You

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For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:11-12)


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JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl

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Today’s Passage – 1 Timothy 4 – 2 Timothy 2 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read –Psalms 76 – 80; Proverbs 16)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 121

Read the “1216 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous post from this morning’s reading passage – “Where Would Our Church Be Without the Young People“ and “Christian Growth

Respect?

“Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.”  (1 Timothy 5:1-2)

Did you ever wonder why God had to include such simple, almost a ‘no brainer’ type instruction to live by? Having respect for other people should be taught at a young age and followed throughout our life.

In more recent days, I’ve notice that being disrespectful to others is starting with children younger and younger. I’ve seen and heard many disturbing things coming from children while shopping or just being out and about. Many times you see on the news of boys under the age of 13 robbing, killing and sexually molesting others. What happen to game playing, participating in sports, build a fort? Sounds crazy doesn’t it? It’s the same thing with preteen girls. They seem to be only interested in looking older and or sexy so they can ‘attract’ the boys. They not only are disrespecting themselves but their parents by rebelling. They listen to the ‘pop world’ and not their parents. But many times the parents are to blame.

Several years ago, I heard a great sermon on “Looking Forward to the Past”.  It was about how the older generation looks to the younger generation to set up the standard instead of the elder.

“And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee. And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed. And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him;” (1Kings 12:2-13)

The younger generation should always look to the past generation to set up the standards for the next generation.

Now in fairness, it almost seems cruel to blame the young people without pointing the finger to the older crowd.  As parents we’ve dropped the ball.

“And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.”  (Judges 2:10-12)

I’m sure most of you who are reading this blog, try hard, and with much prayer, to train up your own children to do right in the Lord.  But we should also
consider inviting others to church so they can learn also.

Together let’s labor to expand the Kingdom of God and by example train up the young while respecting the old.

Thank You

Proverbs 22:6


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JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl

preacher-pointing

Today’s Passages – Galatians 4 – 6; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read –Psalms 41 – 45; Proverbs 9)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 48:1 & 2

Read the “1209 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “The Schoolmaster“ and “Don’t Shoot the Messenger

So, What’s Got You Ticked Off?

(Galatians 4:16)  Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

Paul was preaching to the Galatians that it’s not through their works, the way of salvation, but through faith.  He tried to tell them that they are free from the bondage of works and that salvation is free through Christ, (doing righteous works are a result of salvation not a way to obtain it).

The Galatians had been taught a lie.  The doctrines they learned, and the character of those who had led them astray, and by their own error, proved that Paul ceased to be their friend.  People don’t want man to tell us of our faults.  The reason is, it pains us and we makes us take a good hard look at ourselves.  We do not like to have another person tell us how to act or what to do and so on.  It’s just human nature for someone to dislike the one who tell us of our faults, or the faults of our families, as our friend.  We love to be flattered and it’s painful to think we must repent. Then we stay away from whom is reproving us for our faults and become offended at the truth.  Yet they is our best friend.

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful,” (Proverbs 27:6)

We’ll resist the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who brings the truth to our heart, and to convict men of their sins.

How often have you gone to a church service and got mad at the Preacher because it seemed his sermon was about you?  I have.  Believe it or not, it’s what we needed, a message from God.  When you get your electric or credit card bill, do you get mad at the mailman?  Of course not!  Sound silly?  But that’s what we do when we gossip about the Preacher because of his sermon God gave him.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.  (Hebrews 13:17)

Whose fault is it that the electric and credit card bill is high?  We shut off lights and stop spending too much to rectify the bills.  Shouldn’t we do the same with the preaching?  Just saying.

If you’ve made the mistake of staying out of church because of a sermon, pray to God, ask for forgiveness and get back to church.  Trust me, it will make your Pastor’s day.

Thank You

John 3:16


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JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl

JESUS 1

 

Today’s Passages – 1 Corinthians 10 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read –Psalms 6 – 10; Proverbs 2)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 18:3 & 46

Read the “1202 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “Learn From The Past“, “Are You Unworthy?” and “Be Careful

Who’s Your Daddy?

“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.”  (1 Corinthians 10:1-6)

Our text starts off with the writer talking about the remembrance of the time when Israel first left Egypt.   For four hundred years they prayed to be freed from the bondage of Egypt.  They wanted to have the freedom to worship Jehovah God, and God answered their prayers. He send Moses who led them out to the mountain of God.  On the way they passed on dry ground as the enemy drowned before their eyes.  They witness the very presents of God in a pillar of fire by night and a cloud during the day.  He fed them manner from Heaven and they drank the water from the rocks.  But how quickly they forgot the very One who was with them each moment of the day.

“And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.” (Judges 2:10-14)

Now I would like to look at verse 6.

“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.”

God has written His, road map / instructional book, the Bible.  It is to guide us and protect us as the pillar of fire and cloud did for the children of Israel.   He didn’t free His children from Egypt’s clutches without walking with them and showing them the way.  Neither will He leave us to flounder to find our own way.  We try to point our finger at Israel and wonder how they could form a calf of gold to worship it under the mountain of God.  Are we not just like them?  We have our gods we worship.  Money, boats, jewelry, a sports team, other people and many more.  These ‘gods’ keep us from serving the One True God.  You ask how?  Sports may keep you out of church because of playing or watching them.  Riches may have you working a second or third job during church time to pay for them.  Other people may entice you to stay out late on a Saturday night.   Now you’re unable to get up for church the next day and even miss your devotion time.

All that said to say, we must be in our Bible daily to learn from the examples revealed to us.  The Bible is our instruction to learn Evil’s crafty ways and avoid them.  It’s our sword.  Most would never dream of going anywhere without our cell phones.  How then can we leave our home in the morning without spending time with God?

Together let’s fight the Devil until he goes where he belongs.

Thank You

Revelations 20:10


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JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl

SHUT-UP- 

Today’s Passages – Acts 9 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 86 – 90Proverbs 18)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Isaiah 40:31

Read the “1118 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “Persecutor, Preacher, Prisoner”, “They’re All Precious In His Sight” & “The Beauty Of Salvation                             

Shuttest Thy Mouth

“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Proverbs 18:8

When God repeats something in His Word, He means business.  In Proverbs we see the same 19 words repeated twice.  That must mean that their message is extremely important.

“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Proverbs 26:22

In this verse, the word, words, can be translated a tasty, deadly morsel or words of sport.  The word, talebearer, means spice peddler, wounds means deadly wounds, belly means the entire human cavity.

In other words, the tasty deadly morsels (words) of a spice peddler (talebearer) are as deadly wounds to the entire human body (belly). Notice it says, they are deadly wounds.

So there is the person who is gossiping (the spice peddler), the juicy gossip, maybe about a person (the tasty deadly morsels), and the person who is listening to the gossip (the person being killed with the morsels).

So who is destroyed, the talebearer, the listener or the one being gossiped about?

When a gossiper tries to destroy with the ‘morsels’ to the hearer, he thinks it’s the one who hears or accepts the morsels who is being poisoned and destroyed. The talebearer is already been destroyed or poisoned.  The morsel (the person or thing that is being gossiped about) is the only one who is innocent

A talebearer is trying to hurt you even though they don’t know it.  When you listen to gossip, you are the one who is being poisoned, and you are the one who is going to be destroyed. Most Christians don’t think that just listening to gossip is wrong, but it is self- destruction!  A Christian should run from talebearers and consider it as if someone is trying to kill them.  They usually are a good person who simply did not have the courage to rebuke the talebearer.  Run from the talebearer! Run from the slanderer.

God gave us warnings not to listen to gossip.  These are warnings to the hearers not to listen.

3 Things That Listening to Gossip Will Kill

1.  It will kill your spirit.

“The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?” Proverbs 18:14

2.  It will kill your trust.

“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:” (1Peter 3:10)

3.  It will kill your joy.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  (Philippians 4:8)

Thoughts from Jack Hyles

Thank You

Revelations 20:10


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JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl

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Today’s Passages – Luke 21 – 22; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 16 – 20; Proverbs 4)

Read the “1104 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “This Is Just The Beginning” and “God Sees

There Is Safety in Numbers

“Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.”  (Luke 22:3-6)

Although Judas was with Jesus and had his place with the twelve, he did not believe who Jesus really was, the Only Begotten of the Father.  Satan too was with God but wanted to be a god.  It seems obvious that Judas would be a likely candidate for Satan to use.

Now I would like you to notice the last part of verse 6, “sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude”.  Isn’t that just how Satan works?

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8)

Have you ever watched a lion hunting for prey?  They will crouch down and walk slow and quietly.  The sneak up and watch their prey.  Most all animals live and travel in groups.  There are some who may be weak or stray a little.  Those are the prey that the lion goes after.  They are the perfect ‘candidate’ for the lion to ‘devour’.

Satan wanted to wait for Jesus to be alone when he attacked.  He thought if there was a crowd, they would fight back and he would lose the chance to kill Jesus.  Just a side note, Jesus gave His life willingly.  Unknowing to Satan, it was in God’s plan, and He was using Satan to fulfill His will.

Satan works the same way today.  He is waiting for an opportunity to strike his pray.  As Christians we must stay close to our Saviour.  It’s important to pray, read our Bible and stay in church.  We also must be in fellowship with other Believers.  We must stay strong and stay with God’s crowd.  Once we start straying or become a weak Christian, Satan will pounce as that roaring lion going for the kill.

For now, things may seem hopeless.  You may be on the verge of growing weak or even straying away.  You’re growing weary of Satan’s attacks.  But be of good cheer.  Someday he will get what he deserves.

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”  (Revelation 20:10)

AMEN

Thank You

1 John 5:12 – 13


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JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl

woman_at_jesus_feet  pic

Today’s Passage – Luke 6 – 7 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 131 – 135; Proverbs 28)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Deuteronomy 32:4

Read the “1028 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “Cast Out First The Beam” and “The Prison of Pleasing People

The Woman Who Anointed Jesus’ Feet

“And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” (Luke 7:36-50)

Think with me and imagine the scene. Simon, a Pharisee, was having a dinner party. He asked Jesus to join them. Now the Pharisee’s didn’t believe in Christ, yet He accepted the invitation and ate with them. In walks a woman with a questionable background.  Now I don’t know about you, but if I was home and a stranger walked in….., or was she. According to verse 39 Simon knew what this woman was. How did he know who she was and why didn’t anyone asked her to leave when she first came in? Just asking.

This woman, with a bad reputation, heard the preaching of Jesus with conviction. She realized who Jesus was and brought Him what she had. She did not approach Him eye to eye.  She felt so unworthy  that she humbled herself at His feet and kiss them. Her tears of joy washed the feet of Jesus.  Her hair became a towel to dry them. There was no pride found in her.  She anointed His feet with oil, owning Him as “The Anointed One”. Finally someone who excepted and truly loved her. The Pharisee’s also heard His preaching and yet there was no humility or conviction. They sat and watched as she touched Jesus thinking, how can He let her touch Him. If He only knew who she was. If she would have touched Simon he may have said  “ …Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou….”  (Isaiah 65:5)

God’s warnings are all around us.  Time is short.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

Sinners of all kinds will be invited by the Holy Spirit to enter into our churches to receive the “Free Love Gift” of God.  Will we be willing to “rub elbows” with ALL types of repented sinners?

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

I don’t understand how a God so divine, could lower Himself to a life such as mine.

And consider me worth every minute of time, to rescue a sinner like me.

When I think of my Saviour alone on the cross, I know without Him that my life would be lost.

If He had not been willing to suffer the cost, to rescue a sinner like me.

To rescue a sinner like me, LORD, to rescue a sinner like me.

He abandoned His throne and His kingdom above, to rescue a sinner like me.

My mind is so limited that I cannot see, the reason He died and arose just for me.

So unworthy was I, yet He came willingly, to rescue a sinner like me.

To rescue a sinner as worthless as I, Yet He gave me a reason to sing.

It’s so hard to believe, that it happened to me, Hallelujah to Jesus my King!

To rescue a sinner like me, LORD, to rescue a sinner like me.

He abandoned His throne and His kingdom above, to rescue a sinner like me.

“But God commendeth His love toward us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8

Thank You

John 3:16

 


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JUST FOR LADIES – By Camille Stahl

largehammermrfixitfathersdayballoon

 

Today’s Passage – Mark 10 – 11 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 101 – 105; Proverbs 21)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32

Read the “1021 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this morning’s reading passage – “Servant Leadership

Mr. Fix It – And His Name is God

“Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”  (Mark 11:24)

There are times in all of our lives when we are broken or have trouble in a particular area.  We feel hopeless and we’re seeking for answers. But why are we looking to other people for answers when we know God has all the answers.   Imagine how God feels when we seek advice elsewhere.  I’m not saying that we shouldn’t seek good Godly advice, but we should seek expert advice from our Father first.  God is in the business of ‘fixing’.

In Genesis 2:18, God saw that Adam was lonely, so He ‘fixed’ his problem by providing a helpmate, a wife. So ladies, if you’re lonely, just ask God to do what He did for Adam.  Ask Him to reveal your helpmate.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  (Matthew 6:33)

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”  (Jeremiah 32:27)

Hoping and praying for a child?  So was Hannah and God heard her cries and ‘fixed’ her problem too.

“Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.”  (1Sammuel 1:20)

Think about it, He is God of all creation. Do you think there is anything in your life too hard for Him to ‘fix’? What is it that you have for God to ‘fix’?

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church…” (Ephesians 3:20-21a)

Do you believe your marriage is broken beyond repair?  Remember God can ‘fix’ it, though you can’t comprehend it.  Ask God, “What do I need to do?”  God will make you put forth some effort because He wants you to remember the process and appreciate what you’ve been through.

As a help, we should remember what He has already done for us

“The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”  (Psalms 126:3)

If he brought Lazarus back from the dead, trust that He can ‘fix’ your troubled son or daughter.  Trust that if He can ‘fix a blind man eye’s (Luke 9), He certainly can open the eyes of your lost family members.  Have little or no money to pay your bills?  Remember how Jesus provided the money to pay the taxes.

“Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.”  (Matthew 17:27)

Encourage yourself by remembering.

“Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”  (Mark 11:24)

So, the next time you are faced with the impossible and need an expert to ‘fix’ it, before you Google the answer or spend any money on professional, attend a seminar, or get a DVD series, please remember your Father in heaven. He is the expert. God wants to do the impossible in your life.

Thank You

Revelation 20:10


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JUST FOR LADIES – BY CAMILLE STAHL

10 VIRGINS PIC

Today’s Passage – Matthew 24 & 25 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 66 – 70; Proverbs 14)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Read the “1014 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from today’s Bible reading passage – “Where Lord?

The Parable Of The Ten Virgins

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.   Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”    (Matthew 25:1-13)

Although this is a parable, not a true account, there is much to learn from this passage.

Oil in the Bible represents the Holy Spirit. In order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, the Holy Spirit of God must live within you. The vessel is your heart. The Holy Spirit enters when we except what Jesus did for us on the cross.

In the parable, we see there where those who were wise, they had oil, The others were foolish. They had what they needed for the present time, just to make a show, with no real intent to be ready for the bridegroom. They had a lamp in their hands for show, but nothing within for the long haul like the seed that fell on stony ground. They did not prepare or think of the time to come after-wards as the ant does, nor lay up for the time to come.

“Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1Titus 6:19)

The wise virgins, took oil in their vessels. They were prepared to meet the bridegroom even if He was delayed.  No one knew when He was coming, they just knew He was coming. They were ready. They thought of their future.

Now lets take a closer look at this parable.

  1. Both groups appear as followers of Christ. They both carried their lamps and they both saw the groom as ‘Lord’.  Both groups were invited to the wedding.
  2. The wise and the foolish virgins slept. All awoke when the bridegroom arrived.  Note: It’s not about working, because salvation is not a result of works but of being ready.
  3. We know that it’s talking about salvation because the parable starts out by saying “Then shall the kingdom of heaven…” .
  4. It may come as a surprise that the five wise virgins did not share their oil. We know that they could not share their oil because they would have ran out.  We can’t lose our salvation but on the other hand, others can only be saved by their own salvation.  So when the foolish went to go and find it, the door was shut and it was too late.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27)

  1. Later in Matthew 25:11 we see the foolish virgins say “Lord Lord open to us”

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23)

Jesus is warning us that there will be people who look like Christians, who act like Christians, and talk like Christians, who are not Christians.  We are never to assume that anyone is saved no matter how good they appear.  But time is getting short.  People are dying and going to hell.  Their door is shut.  We cannot give them our oil, but we must show them how to get their own.  What they do with it is up to them as it was for the foolish virgins, but we are commanded to tell them.   Those who don’t take the oil, are refusing the warnings of God’s Word of salvation through Jesus Christ.  They don’t think they need it.  They believe they have plenty of time to get oil.  It was this way in Noah’s day.  The people had a false sense of security but they were warned, the door was shut and it was too late.   Can you hear them screa“Open the door!  Why didn’t you tell me?  NO PLEASE, OPEN THE DOOR!! DON’T LEAVE ME HERE!!”

There is still plenty of room at the table in family of God.  Won’t you invite someone to come and dine with you.  Someone invited you!

Thank You

1 John 5: 13

 


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JUST FOR LADIES – Camille Stahl

broken church

Today’s Passage – Haggai 1 – 2 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Revelation 21 – 22; Psalms 146 – 150; Proverbs 30 – 31)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 18:3 & 46

Read the “0930 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

DISREPAIR 

“Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.”  (Haggai 1:5-7)

The children of Israel had forgotten God. They began to worship Baal. As a result, God allowed the Babylonian’s to take Israel captive. Around 538 B.C., Cyrus permitted the Jews to return home and rebuild their temple at Jerusalem.

Haggai was a man of God who preached to a poor, discouraged, and frightened people. He blamed their lack of success in all areas of their life to one thing, their neglect of the temple. He preached to the people to rebuild the temple. The people said it wasn’t time. Haggai replied, “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your ceiled houses, while this house lieth waste?” He rebuked the people for seeking their own prosperity while neglecting spiritual responsibilities. He preached to encourage the people who had undertaken the rebuilding. In his message he mentioned that it was sin and impure hearts that brought God’s punishment in the past and promised that obedience and pure hearts would bring divine blessings.

Like Israel, we find ourselves in a similar situation. Churches around the world are being neglected. The church has become unimportant as we are consumed with our own lives. We’re up early in the morning to get everyone ready for their day. Breakfast and lunches made, clothes washed and ironed and out the door we go. Then the drive to an eight hour day of work, with another drive back home. Then it’s homework with the kids, dinner, clean up, a few minutes with our spouses, then to bed. Saturday comes. Our beautiful homes take all day to tend to, food shopping and other errands are done.

Sunday morning comes:

I can’t go = “I’m tired. I only have one day to rest”.

Can’t give = “I don’t have the money”.

Can’t teach a Sunday school class = “I have no time to study”.

I won’t be there to help = “I have my own things to do”.

Excuses, we have many of them.  But if we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves in captivity, and I believe we’re on our way already.  We must slow down.  Instead of fitting God in around our lives, we should be fitting our lives in around God.

What are you doing for the Lord?  What can you change to help ‘rebuild the temple?’  Are you fitting God in or fitting in your life?  It’s up to you!

Thank You

1 John 5:13

 


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