Being Prepared...

Scripture:

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Ephesians 6:10-18

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When I use go out to work on a computer I can always tell when I am not prepared.  If I forget tools or software I usually end up having problems of some sort.  I would get to a client site and if I had to open the case I would have to borrow a screw driver.  The worst though was not having software to run diagnostics or scan for viruses.  I wouldn't be able to complete the job.  On the other hand when I had all my tools and software I could complete the job.  The computer would be fixed and running properly.

An auto mechanic would not be very effective if they didn't have their scopes, scanners and tools.  They wouldn't be able to accurately diagnose the problem and fix your car.  You wouldn't take your car back there again.

It is much the same for Christians.  We must be prepared at all times.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that the scripture is inspired by God and profitable for our usage.  We can and should use the Scripture to teach, correction and training in the ways of God.  Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us what we need to get ready and to be prepared.  By putting on the full armor of God will we be protected and able to withstand attacks from the enemy.  without God's armor we cannot hope to prevail.  Without arming ourselves with scripture, faith, salvation, righteousness, truth, and prayer we cannot be ready.  Without these we cannot stand firm in the battle. God gives us the resources to triumph all we have to do is use them. 

Nag, Nag, Nag...

Scripture:

Judges 16:4-17

Hebrews 12:5-7

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We all get frustrated and worn down by nagging.  There are times when I come home from work and feel overwhelmed by all the commotion.  Aaron wants to play on the computer, Lois & Jane want to watch a movie or show, Megan wants to watch a movie.  It seems there is always something.  When Nancy goes out for an evening I get the task of getting the little ones to bed, clean the kitchen, and take care of the things she normally does.  Lois will ask to watch Dora or Diego or something else.  I will tell her maybe later.  No sooner has she left that she returns to ask again, and again, and yet again.  After about the eighth time I start getting annoyed.  I tell her to stop asking or the answer will turn from a maybe to a NO.  Yet she will still keep asking, just not as frequent.

Delilah wore down Samson about subduing him.  Even though he knew it would weaken him he told her his secret.  As I read the passage I kept thinking Samson you idiot she has attempted to weaken you how many times before and brought the philistines in.  Yet he gives her the answer anyway.

How must God feel.  We keep bombarding him with selfishness.  We then cry and threw tantrums when we do not get what we want.  God wants to give us what we want.  He doesn't want to give us what will lead us into sin.  He will guide and discipline us.  When we do not get what we want  or He disciplines us we can react as a two year old.  We go into our tantrums and complain that God isn't listening or that He doesn't answer our prayers.  When in reality He does listen and tries to correct us from our mistakes.  He does answer our prayers.  We just did not like the answer.  We do not like being disciplined.  When we are disciplined we tend to get angry and rebellious.  

Our parents lovingly disciplined us to correct bad behavior or to encourage good behavior.  God does the same with us.  In the end we are better for our parents corrections.  Again how much better are we because of God's...

Are You Attached...

Scripture:

John 14:26-27

John 15:1-8

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We all like to be independent.  We do not like to rely on anyone.  I can do it myself is a common theme you will here all over.  Cora, who is now 2, loves to do it herself.  For dinner last night Nancy made stew.  Cora had a little bowl and spoon set and ready for her.  I sat down with her to help her and make sure she didn't fall.  I grabbed her spoon full of stew for her to take a bite.  She promptly said "no."  I had to put the spoon full of food back down in her bowl.  She then picked it up and ate the stew.  She then dipped her spoon by herself back into her bowl for another bite.  As long as I didn't touch her spoon she was happy.

People tend to not stop for directions.  I know I have driven around in circles looking for a place.  Why, so I don't have to stop for help.  Working on projects around the house we tend to think oh I can do that.  Next thing you know the patch in the wall is now a huge hole.  It would have been easier and in the long run cheaper to have help...  I have had clients who attempted to fix their computers themselves.  Finally after failed attempts they will call me to come in and fix their computer.  By the time I am done I have spent twice the amount of time on it.  

Jesus tells us that we need Him in order to bear fruit.   John 15:4 "⁴Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."  John 14:26 "²⁶"But the ^(A)Helper, the Holy Spirit, ^(B)whom the Father will send in My name, ^(C)He will teach you all things, and ^(D)bring to your remembrance all that I said to you."  We are given a helper, the Holy Spirit.  Why would we be given a helper if we are capable on our own?  The answer is we cannot go at it alone.  Jesus tells us we will wither and die if we do not remain in Him.  We cannot bear fruit if we are not attached to the branch.  

It can be extremely hard to recognize the fact that we are not independent after all.  When we are young we rely on our parents for care and our needs.  We mature into adults and think we are independent.  The irony of it is when we grow old we return into the care of others.  Somewhere in the middle we lose touch with the fact we cannot go at it alone.  That is why God gave us fellowship.  We are to assist one another.  Christ being in us will allow others to see Him through us.  Christ being in us means we are attached to the branch...

Wolves In Sheep's Clothing...

Scripture:

Acts 8:9-23

John 5:24-26

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Have you ever met someone who knew all the right words to say?  I have often wondered about TV evangelists.  I always think of scams when I see or hear them.  Oh their churches are huge and beautiful a wonder to behold.  I doubted the sincerity of those involved.  How many of them are in it just to get rich or fame and power?  You often hear of scandals and misconduct.  You also have people who slip in and say all the right things and know just what to do.  Some will say and do what they think you want to hear.  Lifestyles don’t change and people hide their true nature in the shadows unseen.  There are those who just want to gain from Christians and Churches.  They are self seeking and in it just for themselves.  Simon the sorcerer was such a person.  He wanted the fame and power.  He was self serving saying just the right words until Peter saw right through him. 

People think they can hide their true nature in the darkness of shadows. They think they can continually take advantage of the church and Christians.  They slip here and there blending in going unnoticed, so they think.  God sees all.  He knows our hearts and our ways.  The truth is we cannot hide from God.  We cannot deceive Him. 

If we keep ourselves right with God and we are filled with the Holy Spirit God will help us discern and see into the hearts of those who would deceive us.  Just as Peter saw through Simon the sorcerer we will see into the hearts of those that would deceive us.  Job 12:22 “He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light.”  The Holy Spirit will reveal to us those who are not a part of the flock… 

God's Promises...

Scripture:

Hebrews 10:22-23

1 Corinthians 2:1-9

God's promises, what do they mean to us?  Do you ever feel that God doesn't keep his promises?  What is our attitude and our focus when we expect God to keep a promise?  Not all of His promises are for us.  He has made specific promises to specific people in the Bible.  Those promises have been fulfilled.  Other promises are for all of us.  These He fulfills over and over.

His promise of salvation is kept for anyone who seeks Christ and confesses Jesus as Lord and Saviour.  God promises to answer all prayers.  He keeps this promise every time we pray.  Too often we think a prayer goes unanswered when we either do not see the results of the prayer or if the prayer isn't answered immediately.  All prayers are answered.  A question to ask about seeking a promise or answered prayer is the motive or reasoning behind it.  Are we asking for a need or a desire?  Does the prayer follow the will of God or our own selfish will?

Some promises are conditional promises.  One example is Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." It is when we trust God with everything that He will 'make your paths straight.'  When we do not put our trust in Him we are saying I can do it better.  God will graciously allow us to attempt to go at it alone.

So the next time you seek God to fulfill His promise ask yourself a few questions.  Is this for me or for His Glory?  Is it a desire or a need that I am asking for?  After asking we can rest assured that God is faithful.  Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,'"  That is one promise you can always count on...  In all things remember God is faithful.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  God will never fail you, even when you get it wrong...

To Ask And Not Receive...

Scripture:

John 15:16

James 4:3

Motivation is what drives what we do.  Why are we motivated?  What is it that drives us to anything.  We turn to God in our times of need and trouble asking prayers of all kinds.  We then wonder why those prayers seem to go unanswered.  We have to ask ourselves why am I praying for this.  Do we seek to glorify Christ or to further our gains.  Do we seek to Honor Jesus or ourselves.  Do we ask for our benefit and gain or for God's.  Before we petition God we need to answer these questions.  Is what I am praying for to glorify God or myself.  Is what I am praying for to honor myself or God.  Is this prayer to benefit others and God or is it for my personal gain.  James tells us that we do not receive because we ask for all the wrong reasons.  James 4:3 "You ask and ^(A)do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures."

Recently I have been praying for financial freedom.  I ask myself why do I want financial freedom?  The answer and an additional part of my prayer is for God.  I want to financially free myself in order to be able to honor God and to free my resources for His benefit and Glory.  Through my financial freedom I feel that I can better serve Christ.  No God doesn't have to have my money, time, or possession in order to fulfill His work and will.  However, in order for me to better serve Him I have realized a few things and seek to correct past mistakes.  It is my desire to be enabled to do the work God has set before me.  It must be made clear that God can and does use me where I am now.  I don't have to be freed of my financial burdens in order to serve.  God will answer my prayers as He sees best.  It is also in my prayer that He helps me accept the answers He gives.  That I will be joyful in all things.  That I will suffer for Christ.  That wherever he sees to put me I will gladly serve Him.  That I will serve in all circumstances.  

When I focus on Christ and my prayers on centered around Him He lifts me up.  It is then that I see the answers as they should be and not as I want them to be. We need to ask for the right reasons.  We need to ensure our motivations are not self seeking and self serving.  What are your motivations for praying...

Prayer Time...

Scripture:

John 14:12-15

Romans 8:35-39

How often do we pray and it appears to go unanswered?  In our scripture Jesus tells us anything we ask for in His name He will give.  So why do our prayers go unanswered?  The simple answer is that it isn't unanswered.  We just do not like the answer so we say it isn't answered.  We also claim that a no is unanswered as well.

You are in the checkout line at the grocery store and your little child asks for a candy bar.  Do you ignore your child?  No you give them an answer.  Sometimes that answer is no.  Sometimes you give a yes or a not now but later.  Either way you give an answer.

Depending on what we ask for and the nature of our hearts depends on what Christ's answer is.  He will sometimes give us a yes.  Sometimes he will give us a no.  There are also times when he says not yet but in my time.

Jesus will give us what we ask for in His name.  However, we must remember what He said in verse 15. "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."  If we are keeping within the will of God then our petitions will not be selfish or self serving.  We will not ask with the wrong motives.  All these are conditions to having our prayers met.  Psalm 66:18 "If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear;"  We must cleanse our selves from sin and seek God with a pure and clean heart before He will even hear our prayers.  If we do this then our prayers will not be self seeking or self serving.  We will seek and ask for inside the scope of God's will.  Then all prayers will be answered.  Then we will see miraculous results.

Romans 8:39 "neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Nothing can separate us from the love of God and our salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.  we can rest assured that we are never far from God.  As we love our children and desire to give them what they want and fulfill their needs God feels the same for us.  How much more is His desire for us...

TEAM night's October Meeting

Courting  (This is long - You may want to print and read it when you have time.)

Thank you Julie and Rhonda for so much information and wisdom. What a blessing you both are!

You must start your day in PRAYER.  Every morning when you wake up, Satan is waiting at the foot of your bed.  So, if you want to have a good day, begin it with God and give Him your first fruits.  Make sure your heart is pure everyday so you can see God. The cleaner (purer) your heart is, the better you can see God.  We need to listen as God is talking to us, and we need to remember that God is bigger than everything.  Don't try to do anything without God.

Before your feet hit the floor in the morning, ask God to show you teachable moments, and when you come upon one, drop everything you are doing and use the moment.  Don't let it get away, it won't be back.  If your child is asking about something you don't know, tell them that you don't know. Tell them that they have asked a great question.  That may be all they need. If you are unsure of how much to share, tell them that now is not a good time to talk.  After you pray about it, you can then talk to them by sharing what God has put upon your heart.  (Ex.  They ask you if you had sex before marriage.)

More is caught than taught.  When the kids see you reading the Bible and praying, it shows them the Bible and praying is important.  When they see you couponing, they realize the importance of being good stewards of their money.  Life is a journey.  Everyday, talk about things - heart things.  While your kids are young, imprint on them before the world does.  You are the best person to teach your children.  You know them best and know what they need to hear.

Every answer is found in the Bible.  Human nature never changes.  What you teach your children lasts for a lifetime.

Courting has a broad definition. For some people, it means dating only the person you intend to marry, and dating is done in the context of the family.  Some people just stay out of any dating situations and wait for God to bring their future spouse to them.  Some do purposeful dating (meaning looking for a spouse while dating).  Some date only in chaperoned situations, while others don't.  If someone tells you that they do courtship, ask for their definition. 

However, courting always does indicate a more serious commitment than dating.  Dating hurts because hearts get broken.  (Every time you date, you tear off a piece of your heart and give it to someone.  Jesus can heal our hearts and make them whole again, but there will always be scars.  You can actually tear and glue a paper heart with your children so they can have a visual.)  Dating is also a set-up for divorce. (When I get tired of someone, I find someone new.)

When Julie's son decided to court Rhonda's daughter, he mailed a letter to her father asking for permission to court her with the intention of marriage. They then dated in the context of the family.

When your children are young, begin to pray with them for their future spouse.  Ask for a godly man or woman that walks with Christ and loves children. (Remember, you have not because you ask not.)  Remember that your number one criteria for a spouse is that they are godly.  Talk to your children, particularly sons, about guarding their eyes.  Porn is a big thing for men.  Men are visual. Challenge your children that the first naked man/woman they see is their spouse on their wedding night.

Remember those teachable moments:  Point out a man opening a door for a woman and tell them women like that.  Tell your sons that women like to be cherished, protected and kept safe.  Teach your sons to speak and treat women gently.  Point out men being gentlemen.  Tell your daughters to watch how a young man treats his mother in order to see how he will treat you.  Remind your children not to treat others poorly.  Remind them someday that person will be someone's husband/wife.  Point out things you like - such as how nicely a certain girl is dressed.

Parents are the ones who should talk to their children about sex.  Teach them that sex is not bad but is beautiful.  BUT sex should be kept between a husband and wife.  When you talk to them, be honest that the topic makes you uncomfortable. Encourage your children to wait until they are married.  (Julie had a great word picture.  A burning log is useful in the fireplace, but on the floor, it will start a fire.  The same thing happens with premarital sex.  Sex belongs in marriage or you get burned.)  Waiting is especially difficult for an engaged couple.  Tell them that their feelings are normal, and this time is giving them a chance to practice self-control and patience. Remind them that their hearts are deceitful.  (Note for parents with children 18 and older.  Remember that you are just a coach.  The following are two things you may wish to tell your older children to help them remain pure-  Nothing good happens after 10:30. Nothing under clothes should be touched.)

If your child doesn't buy into courting, let them date as a family.  Have the young man/woman spend time with family and make an effort to know the young man/woman.  Remember when you marry, you get the whole family.  If someone asks your daughter for a date and your daughter courts, have her tell the young man to call her father for permission.  If a child really wants to date alone, tell them they have to be 18 years old.  Remind young children that boyfriends are preparation for marriage.  An 8 year old doesn't need a boyfriend because they are not ready to get married.

Lastly, it doesn't all rest on our shoulders.  God does not give us a spirit of fear and worry.  God is in control.  Don't over-protect your children.  They may need to learn from their mistakes.  Don't forget that God can speak directly to our children.  All you can really do is PRAY!

The  Awesome Book List:

Praying God's Word Day By Day - Beth Moore

A Chicken's Guide to Talking Turkey With Your Kids About Sex - Kevin Leman

Created to Be His Help Meet - Debi Pearl

Intimate Issues - Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus

What (Almost) Nobody Will Tell You About Sex - Jim Hancock and Kara Eckamnn Powell

Created For Work - Bob Schultz

The Greatest Words Ever Spoken - Steven K. Scott

Creative Correction - Lisa Whelchel

How and When to Tell Your Kids About Sex - Stanton L. and Brenna B. Jones

Active Marriage- LaHaye

Have a New Husband by Friday - Kevin Leman

The Power of a Praying Parent - Stormie Omartian

Any "Love Language" book by Gary Chapman

The New Dare to Discipline - Dr. James Dobson

Bringing Out the Best in Your Child - Cynthia Ulrich Tobias and Carol Funk

More Beautiful You - Johnny Diaz (See flyer in files section for girls conference at Heritage Christian Church)

Bringing Up Girls - James Dobson

Heritage Builders - Jim Weidmann and John Warner with Kurt Bruner (See e-mail sent by Julie with the subject Heritage Builders.)

(If there is anything that needs correcting or has been missed, please let me know.)

Love in Christ,

Nancy

Standing Firm In The Truth

Scripture

2 Timothy 4:1-5

James 1:23-25

Someone once shared with us about a religious study or event in their child's school.  As you walked down the hall you saw every religion being displayed except Christianity.  Offended she went to the principle to complain.  She said that if they were going to display all religions they had to include Jesus or take them all down.  The next day there was a display on Christ.  We cannot talk about Christ in our schools or at work.  We are closed minded and old fashioned.  We cannot offend them.  

I knew someone who would go to the doctor with an ailment.  She would research her symptoms and then go to the doctor ready to tell him what was wrong.  If that doctor didn't give her what she knew to be the right answer she would go to another one.   She kept going to different doctors until she found one to diagnose her "correctly."  As Christians we can do the same.  If we do not like what we hear from one church we simply shop around until we find one that teaches what we want.  We can justify anything by scripture by taking scripture out of context.   If we simply do not like what we hear we go to someone who tells it like we want it.  

2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns us of this. "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."  We are to keep to the truth verse 5 says "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."  Even if we do not like it we must adhere to the truth.  The truth doesn't change and it never waivers or shifts.  The truth will set us free.  Instead of turning away from the truth and seeking what we want to hear we need to keep Godly council.  It is important to hold one another accountable giving support at all times.  

As Christians we must also insure that the truth is told.  We must go forth preaching the good news of the gospel.  We have to share what Christ has done for our salvation.  The truth is that He is the only way to the father.  He is the only way to salvation.  James tells us to be doers of the word not just hearers.  I challenge all of us to go forth and make disciples of all nations.  Let us seek each other’s council and stand firm in the truth…

Strength in Numbers...

Scripture:

Proverbs 31:10-20

2 Chronicles 20:1-18

 Barn raising seems to be a thing of the past.  When a household needed a new barn, or moved into a community to establish a home, most everyone in the community would come to help build the barn.  Walls and roof would go up in record time.  What would be impossible for one man to build an entire community would put up in days or even hours.  Growing up I remember on the corner of our street an old house was torn down for a new one.  It seemed to me that in less then 90 days people were moving into the new house.  Several years ago my mom and dad built the house they are currently living in.  They did the majority of the work themselves.  The time frame took them several years to complete the house.

 Publish Post

In most things in life we find the burden much lighter with lots of help.  God knew it wasn't good for man to be alone.  That is why he made a suitable helper.  That is why fellowship with other Christians is so vital.  What one person cannot accomplish alone a multitude can easily finish the job.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, ^(A)I am there in their midst."  Jesus is with us in all things he will never forsake us.  He also tells us that he will be in our midst when we gather together.  When a multitude of Christians pray God listens.  Matthew 18:19 says “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, ^(R)it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.” 

Jesus dwells in our individual hearts and answers our individual prayers.  We do however find strength in numbers.  In our fellowship we are stronger than when we stand alone.  A single tree gets knocked down by the strong winds.  A forest of trees stands firm and tall…

Spiritual Check Up

Scripture:

Mark 2:13-17

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

__________________________

Since Aaron is in scouts I have volunteered to be an assistant leader. The scout organization requires both the scouts and leaders to have annual physicals in order to go on over night trips.  Our health insurance at work pays for one annual physical per year.  We have an accidental insurance policy that gives a reimbursement for annual physicals as well.  We are spending more and more money and time to prevent illnesses.  Doctors are no longer just for the sick and injured.

Jesus said that He came not for the righteous but for sinners.  But who among us are righteous outside of Christ.  How do we keep ourselves spiritually healthy?  As we strive for healthier bodies we tend to neglect our spiritual well being.  How can we keep a healthy spiritual life?  There are 4 simple answers that come to mind:

• Read the Bible on a daily basis.  We need to know the word of God intimately.
• Pray without ceasing.  We should be in constantly praying.  I strive to take all things to Christ in prayer. It doesn't matter if it is something small or big.
• Worship the Lord.  It is important for us to worship God.  Focusing our attention on God will help us to recharge and freshen ourselves.
• Fellowship with other Christians.  It is vital for us to partake in fellowship with one another.  We can offer support and encouragement for each other.  We can hold each other accountable to help keep ourselves on the right track.  We can share in one another's burdens.  As the old saying goes many hands make light work.

Getting a physical to hep stay physically healthier is important  Spiritual check ups are also vital for our spiritual well being and health.  Who is our spiritual doctor?  Simply put Jesus is.  Since Jesus is in each of our hearts we need to help each other with our spiritual check ups.  When was your last one?

Who is the Creator

Scripture:

Psalm 19:1-6

Ephesians 3:14-21

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When I was in the Navy I there would be times when I would slip out onto a catwalk at night.  Out in the middle of the ocean the stars are so much more bright and vibrant filling the sky.  I would see the most beautiful sunsets or sunrises.  I love going to the mountains and gaze upon the beauty of the rolling hills and mountain peaks.  If you look around you can see magnificent beauty created by God.  His glory is all around us.  All we have to do is look, seek and you shall find.  

We get so wrapped up in our own little worlds that we forget who the creator is.  We see things made by man all around us and forget it is God who created all things.  We see accomplishments that man has made and think we did it.  We forget who enabled man to make his little accomplishments.  We forget who accomplished all creation.  I challenge you to take a moment to look around.  See if you can find something man has created.  Look at something God created.  Compare the two.  We need to remember that it is God who enabled us to create what we have.  All I can do and all I can accomplish is not me but Christ in me.  It is my goal to give God full credit for everything in my life.  He is the one that enables me to fix a computer or solve an I.T. issue.  God is the one who gives me the knowledge to do what I do not me.  All things are created by God.  God is the creator and we are the creation... 

Over Whelming Urge...

Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10-13

Colossians 3:1-10

Have you ever had an urge or craving for something?  Sometimes I will have a craving for something salty.  Not just anything but a good bag of potato chips.  I have found I like Lays, specially the ones with ridges.  They are great for dips.  However, in our house we rarely have these chips.  I rummage through the kitchen trying to satisfy my craving.

How often do we have sin knocking at the door wanting in.  We get a craving or urge that doesn't seem to go away.  The question of the hour is how to resist.  In the case of the potato chips it is easy.  We just don't have any chips in the house.  I will eventually find something else or simply do without.  Eventually the craving goes away.

How do we resist temptation?  Prepare ourselves in advance.  We need to put on the armor of God Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the ^(D)schemes of the devil."  Once we do we will be able to leave temptation behind without truly being tempted. One way not to eat a full bag of potato chips in one sitting is to simply not have a bag of chips in the house.  Keep yourself away from things you know will tempt you.  Those who are alcoholics need to stay away from alcohol.  If you have trouble with drinking simply stay away from the bars.

One thing to remember is  1 Corinthians 10:12-13

¹²So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! ¹³No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

God is with us at all times.  He doesn't tempt us but He will provide a way to stand firm and resist.  All we have to do is look to Him.  Keep our focus on Christ and all things will fall into place...

Water of Life...

Scripture:

John 4:1-15

Galatians 5:16-26

Early this summer I purchased a raspberry bush.  Nancy and didn't think it would survive.  Neither of us have time to tend it as it would need to make it through the worst of the summer heat.  As it was dying I mentioned it to some friends at a coffee shop.  One of them suggested taking a gallon milk jug and put a small hole in the bottom.  Fill the jug with water and place it next to the plant.  So I put pine straw around it and once or twice a day I would fill the jug and set it next to the bush.  We thought for sure it was dead.  One day I noticed new life in one of the branches.  Then there were more and more new leaves.  Eventually the bush became vibrant and full of life.  

We are like that raspberry bush trying to grow.  Once we are watered with the water of life we can sprout and grow.  Jesus tells us He is the water of life.  John 4:13 "...Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."  If we drink of the water Christ gives us we will grow spiritually and become stronger in faith.  Being filled with the Holy Spirit we will produce good fruits of the Spirit. If we are not filled with the Holy Spirit we will not produce good fruit.  We will wither and die spiritually. John 15:1-3

 ¹"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ²He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Jesus is the way and He is the source of our strength.  Through Him we can bear fruit.  It is through Jesus that we can be with God the father. John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  Are you a vine that the Father will cut off and cast into the fire?  Or are you a vine that will produce fruit?  Will you be pruned to bear more fruit or resist and be cut off?  Jesus is our water of life...

Walking Through Shadows

Scripture:
Deuteronomy 31:1-8

Ephesians 5:18-21

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Growing up our house had huge cotton wood trees lining the back of the property.  There was a high chain link fence bordering our property and a car dealership behind us.  At the corners of our property they had huge lights that shined on the lot.  During the winter months those lights would shine through the bare branches of those trees creating shifting shadows in the house.  There would be times when it would be windy and I would be home alone.  Those ominous shadows shifting along the floor and walls in the den would give me a fright.  It didn't take much for me to scare myself.  When ever I wanted to go to the other end of the house I would turn on every light as I went.  

When we scare ourselves all we have to do is remember that Christ is with us. Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."  We are to fill ourselves with God's Spirit.  Ephesians 5:18 "And ^(A)do not get drunk with wine, for that is ^(B)dissipation, but be ^(C)filled with the Spirit,"  As long as we seek God and call Him Lord He is with us.  We need to remember that even though we feel alone God is with us.  We do not have to walk through the dark house all by ourselves.  God tells us in Psalm 91:15 that he will remember us and be with us. "He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."  Through thick or thin, better or worse, richer or poorer, health or sickness, through it all God is with us.  He will never forsake us.  We will never truly be all alone in the night...