Who Can Find A Virtuous And Capable Wife? She Is More Precious Than Rubies. Her Husband Can Trust Her And She Will Greatly Enrich His Life.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Who Can Find A Virtuous And Capable Wife?
She Is More Precious Than Rubies.
Her Husband Can Trust Her And She Will Greatly Enrich His Life.





Scripture

Proverbs 31

¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
    She is more precious than rubies.

¹¹ Her husband can trust her,
    and she will greatly enrich his life.

¹² She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.

Observation

Tomorrow, November 1^st, Kathy and I will celebrate 47 years of marriage! It was 48 years ago at the age of 17 that God brought Kathy into my life.

What did I do to deserve a woman like Kathy?

Nothing!

It was all God’s grace. She is a gift from God.

She is the very best gift that God could have ever given Eddy Williams.

What is the secret of a great marriage?

For Eddy the secret is keeping Jesus First, Kathy Second, and Eddy Third.

For Kathy, I think that she would say that it is keeping Jesus First, Eddy Second, and Kathy Third!

Just that simple – I know that it sounds simple but if you are married then you know how hard it is to keep things in the right priority!

It is hard work!

Who is First, Who Is Second, Who is Third in your life?

 ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her … Ephesians 5:25
So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33

 Application

I will work hard at keeping my marriage great. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You brought a virtuous and capable wife into my life. I am blessed. She is more precious than rubies or anything else. I can totally trust her and she greatly enriches my life. She has always brought good, not harm into my life. There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but the wife that you gave me surpasses them all! Thank You for bringing Kathy into my life at just the right time. And thank You for helping us love each other through the power of Jesus Christ.    (Proverbs 31 personalized)

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 22; Mark 7,8; Psalm 31, Psalm 131; Proverbs 31

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Their Hearts Were Too Hard To Take It In.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Their Hearts
Were Too Hard
To Take It In.



Scripture

Mark 6

⁴⁷ Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. ⁴⁸ He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. 

About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. ⁵⁰ They were all terrified when they saw him.

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” ⁵¹ Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, ⁵² for they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.

Observation

I am afraid that you and I miss so much of what God is doing around us because our hearts are not in the right condition to catch what is going on!

I am afraid that we are missing so much of what is happening around us. God is always at work!

What you and I need to have are hearts sensitive to the things of God.

Right before this boat experience they had watched Jesus feed the 5000 with 5 small loaves and 2 small fish, but totally missed the importance of the miracle.

Sorry to say it but you and I do the same thing.

God works miracle after miracle in our lives and in the lives of the people around us to show us that He is fully capable and willing to take care of us, but our hearts are too hard to take it in.

Here is His Word to us today, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage! I am here!”

 Application


 I will look to see where God is at work today and join Him. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let me miss a thing that You are doing today! Give me Your eyes and Your heart so I can see everything that is important for me to see. I don’t want to miss one thing! I pray for Pastor Bruce Moore today and for Pastor Brian Elliott. Use them in a power way today to preach Your word. Give them boldness. Give them Your love for the people that they shepherd and care for!

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 21; Mark 5,6

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

“Who Is This Man?” They Asked Each Other. Even The Wind And Waves Obey Him!”

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

“Who Is This Man?”
They Asked Each Other.
Even The Wind And Waves Obey Him!”


Mark 4

³⁵ As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” ³⁶ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). ³⁷ But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

³⁸ Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

³⁹ When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

Observation

Jesus was asleep on the back of the boat with His head on a cushion as the waves were coming into the boat and the boat was sinking.

His disciples were freaking out and they woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care …”

We do the same thing.

When we are in a desperate situation it is easy to cry out to God and shout out, “Don’t You care?”

One of the reasons that God allows us to get into those desperate situations is so that He can show us that He does care.

He is building our faith. No storms then no need for faith!

The next time we are in one of those “sinking situations” lets remember the response of His disciples, “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey Him!” 

 Application

Jesus cares about me. I will trust Him in the storms. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that with every difficult situation that comes into my life there is a lesson for me about trusting You. It is a life long lesson. Thank You for taking such good care of my family and me. You show me everyday that I can trust in You. Help those that are going through tough times. Show them that they can trust You through the storms of life. Show them that nothing is too hard for You.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 20; Mark 3,4

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

But As For Me I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

But As For Me
I Know
That My Redeemer Lives



Scripture

Job 19

²⁵ “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and he will stand upon the earth at last.
²⁶ And after my body has decayed,
    yet in my body I will see God!
²⁷ I will see him for myself.
    Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.
    I am overwhelmed at the thought!

 Observation

What are you going through today? 

Do you have aches and pains, a disease working against your body, financial difficulties, broken relationship(s), or maybe your are unfortunate enough to have all of the above? 

What has you defeated and messed up? What has turned your world upside down? 

Job had lost everything. He had lost his wealth, his children, and his health and yet he was able to make this bold confession of his faith! 

Today I want to echo what Job said, “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives! Yes, I will see Him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” 

So my friend, no matter what you and I face today, if we are Christ followers, we can face it with the confidence of knowing that God is on our side and one day we will see Him face to face! 

Romans 8:35-39 

    Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? [36] (Even the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") [37] No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 

    [38] And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. [39] Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 Application

I know that my Redeemer lives! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am blessed. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that one day I will see You face to face. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate me from Your love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. My fears for today, my worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep Your love away. Whether I am high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate me from Your love that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 personalized)


Daily Bible Reading:  Job 19; Mark 1,2 Romans 1; Psalm 28, Psalm 128; Proverbs 28



Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

As Iron Sharpens Iron, So A Friend Sharpens A Friend

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

As Iron
Sharpens Iron,
So A Friend Sharpens A Friend


Scripture

Proverbs 27

17 As iron sharpens iron,
    so a friend sharpens a friend.

Observation

What is way better than winning the “Lottery”? 

Yes, I know that there are a lot of things that are better than winning the “Lotto”, but here is one thing that maybe you haven’t thought of before. 

It is this, having good friends! 

This trip to Tennessee and to North Carolina is all about spending time with some of our very best friends. God brought them into our lives a very long time ago. 

God knew what Kathy and I needed when He brought them into our lives. 

If we could do it, and I sure wish that could, we would extend this trip to Texas and then on to Mexico to see more of our wonderful friends. 

How about you, are you making good friends? 

“As Iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17

“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” Proverbs 17:17

“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

 “Oil and perfume make the heart glad; So does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.” Proverbs 27:9

“Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” Luke 16:9

Application

I will work hard at being a good friend. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Kathy and I are rich. We have so many good friends. Thank You for the gift of friendship. Help me to be a good friend to those that You bring into my life. I pray for our friends. Bless them Lord. Help them with the struggles of life. Show them Your Power and Your Strength. Help them to be strong in their faith. Thank You that You call me Your friend. Only because of Jesus and what He did on the cross for me can I be called Your friend. 

Daily Bible Reading: Job 18; Psalms 114; Acts 27,28; Psalm 27, Psalm 127; Proverbs 27



Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Do You Think You Can Persuade Me To Become A Christian So Quickly?

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Do You Think
You Can Persuade Me
To Become A Christian So Quickly? 


Scripture

Acts 26

²⁸ Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”

²⁹ Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains.”


Romans 8

For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:38-39

Observation

Have you been persuaded? 

This is the peak season for political persuasion and if you are like me you are sick of both politicians spending millions of dollars trying to persuade us with their empty promises! 

But there is Someone that we need to put our hope, our trust, our total confidence in and His name is Jesus Christ! 

Have you been persuaded to become a Christian yet? I hope and pray that your answer to that question is – YES! 

For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans 8:38-39

I would love to hear every family member of ours and every friend of ours declare, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Savior!” 

If Jesus Christ is your Lord and your Savior why not boldly declare it in the comment section and give witness of God’s mighty saving power in your life! 

Come on, here is a chance to boldly declare your faith!

Application

Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Savior. He is my life and I am not ashamed to call Him my Lord and Savior. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I don’t know if King Agrippa ever became a follower of Jesus Christ, but I know that the Apostle Paul was not afraid to share his faith with him. Give me the boldness and the courage to talk to people about their need of a Savior. I pray that every person that may read this blog will be persuaded to put their faith and their trust in Jesus Christ. Give them the courage and boldness to turn from sin and self and turn to God. You know who I am praying for. Open up their hearts so that they can believe! 

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 17; Acts 24,25,26

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

O LORD, I Give My Life To You

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

O LORD,
I Give
My Life To You

Scripture

Psalm 25

¹ O Lord, I give my life to you.
²     I trust in you, my God!

Observation

Five years ago yesterday I had a heart attack that has forever changed my life and Kathy’s life. I had the heart attack on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 10pm!

As I write this blog this morning 5 years later all I can say that it has been an amazing journey so far!

Fourteen hours in surgery trying to repair an aortic root dissection that went all the way down to my abdomen and blown away right coronary artery, 17 drip lines putting into my body over 100 pounds of fluids, a week in a coma, a month on kidney dialysis, months of not being able to have a taste for food, I could go on and on but I won’t!

I am here today because many of you prayed and asked God to save me and He did.

When I think back, which I do almost on a daily basis, my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude and joy thinking about how so many of you rallied around Kathy and my children and wouldn’t give up even though there was medically very little hope of me making it. When the surgeon told Kathy that there was less than a 5% chance of me making it from surgery up to ICU I think he was preparing Kathy for the worst!

Do I believe in miracles? Absolutely! Do I believe in the power of prayer? You bet! It was an unforgettable lesson in the power of prayer! All of you that prayed for me to pull through took away all doubt if there ever was any! Doctors and Nurses at St. Joseph Hospital called my recovery a miracle! May God get all the glory!

One day though I will die. Two times in the past 5 years my defibrillator/pacemaker has brought me back to life. But one day no amount of prayer, no pacemaker, no defibrillator are going to keep me from getting into Heaven when God calls me home.

…But…

But… until that day comes I want to live in a way that brings God glory and honor!

I want to keep telling people about Jesus and I hope that is your desire too.

Application

But… until that day comes I want to live in a way that brings God glory and honor!

I want to keep telling people about Jesus and I hope that is your desire too.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I think that it is only right that I think about what You did for me and for Kathy 5 years ago. You are a God of mercy and compassion. I didn’t deserve what You did for me. I understand that You did it for all of those that prayed for me more than You did it for me. I realize that I could have been in Heaven. I could have left this earth and all of its problems behind, but You heard the prayers of Your children and You did not take me home. One day You will take me home and You know that I am ready. You also know that I am not afraid to die. You have taken care of that fear by letting me die multiple times already. My life and my breath are in Your hands. What do I have to fear!

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 16; Acts 21,22,23; Psalm 25, Psalm 125; Proverbs 25

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Don’t Be Afraid! Speak Out! Don’t Quit!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Don’t Be Afraid!
Speak Out!
Don’t Quit!



Scripture

Acts 18

⁹ One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t quit! ¹⁰ For I am with you and no one can harm you. Many people here in this city belong to me.” ¹¹ So Paul stayed there the next year and a half, teaching the truths of God.

Observation

Don’t be Afraid! Speak Out! Don’t Quit! 

Good words for all of us today that call ourselves Christ followers! 

Don’t be afraid! What are you facing today? 

Speak out! Who do we need to share Christ with today? 

What has got you beaten down? Don’t quit! 

If you take the phrase “Don’t be afraid”, or “Fear not” or the phrase “Trust in the Lord” and do a search on the web at Bible Gateway I think that you will be encouraged you this morning! 

Let’s get up and get to church! No excuses! Move it! Don’t be afraid!

Application

I will enjoy worship today. And … I will not be afraid! I will speak out! I will not quit! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am not different than the Apostle Paul. I need to be encouraged too! Your Word today is an encouragement to me. You are guiding my life. You are in control. I can trust You with every detail of my life.

I pray for our good friends Don and Edith Kennedy today as we celebrate their 40^th wedding anniversary with them. Bless them Lord. May Your face shine brightly on them today and on all of their family. I know that their marriage makes You smile. They are a reflection of Jesus to everyone that comes along their path. Continue to use them for Your honor and Your glory. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 13,14; Acts 17,18

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

My Help Comes From The LORD, Who Made Heaven and Earth!

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

My Help
Comes From The LORD,
Who Made Heaven and Earth!


Scripture

Psalm 121

¹ I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?

² My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!

Observation

Where does our help come from? Where are we looking for help? 

We are not going to find it on Capitol Hill. We are not going to find it in pills, booze, sex, entertainment, riches, people, horoscopes, tarot card readers, etc., nope, our help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! 

So let’s repent! Lets return to the Lord and ask Him for help. 

If you have been living without God’s help where has that gotten you? 

Why not look up and cry out to the Lord for help? 

He knows just what we need and He is ready and willing to help us if we will just ask!

.
I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. Psalm 86:7

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior. Psalm 38:22

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

Application

I will call on my Heavenly Father to help me today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me today to ask You for help. I want to pray first instead of last. Help me to trust You completely with all of my heart. Help me to put You first in my life today. Because my help comes from You, Lord, who made heaven and earth!

   

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 9,10; Acts 13,14;Psalm 21, Psalm 121; Proverbs 21

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

If My Misery Could Be weighed And My Troubles Be Put On The Scales, They Would Outweigh All The Sands Of The Sea.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

If My Misery Could Be weighed
And My Troubles Be Put On The Scales,
They Would Outweigh All The Sands Of The Sea.

Scripture

Job 6

² “If my misery could be weighed
    and my troubles be put on the scales,
³ they would outweigh all the sands of the sea. That is why I spoke impulsively.

Job 7
5 My body is covered with maggots and scabs.
    My skin breaks open, oozing with pus.

Observation

The next time I am having a very bad rotten terrible kind of a day I want the Lord to remind me of Job 6:2-3 and Job 7:5! I don’t think my aches and pains and my minor troubles are anything compared to the sufferings of Job. In fact, my worst days are nothing to compared to what my Lord and my Savior Jesus Christ experienced for me. No pity party for me today! How about you? 

Isaiah 53

⁴ Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
    it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
    a punishment for his own sins!
 
⁵ But he was pierced for our rebellion,
    crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
    He was whipped so we could be healed.

7 He was oppressed and treated harshly,
    yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
    And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
    he did not open his mouth.

9 He had done no wrong
    and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal;
    he was put in a rich man’s grave.

“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” Job 13:15

Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:10

Application

I will try hard not to complain about my small aches and pains and my little bit of suffering. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that what I am going through is “small potatoes” compared to what other people deal with. I know that the suffering that my Savior endured for me was beyond what I can even imagine. Help me focus on the needs of the people around me. I pray for those dealing with pain from either a disease or from the treatment for that disease. Show them that they can trust in You to help them during this difficult time. Show them Your Power. Give them Your Strength. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You have power over all disease and sickness. 

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 6,7,8; Acts 12

 
Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

With God’s Help We Will Do Mighty Things

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

With God’s Help
We
Will Do Mighty Things



Scripture

Psalm 108

¹ My heart is confident in you, O God;
    no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!
⁴ For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens.
    Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
¹³ With God’s help we will do mighty things,
    for he will trample down our foes.

Observation

With God’s help what are we going to do with our lives? Think about life … are we wasting it, or are we allowing God to use us?  Lets not squander or miss any opportunity to be used by God. With God’s help we will do mighty things, for He will trample down our foes. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Philippians 4:13 (Personalized)

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! Psalm 90:17

   

 Application

I will ask for God’s help today and with His help I will do mighty things.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, my heart is confident I you, no wonder I can sing Your praises with all my heart! Your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. With Your help we will do mighty things, because You will trample down our foes.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 5; Psalms 108; Acts 10,11

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

In Your Strength I Can Crush An Army; With My God I Can Scale Any Wall.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

In Your Strength
I Can Crush An Army;
With My God I Can Scale Any Wall. 

Scripture

Psalm 18

19 He led me to a place of safety;
    he rescued me because he delights in me.
29 In your strength I can crush an army;
    with my God I can scale any wall.

Psalm 139

¹⁷ How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
¹⁸ I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
    you are still with me!

Philippians 4

I can do all things through Christ because he gives me strength.

Observation

What are we facing today?

Does it seem overwhelming?

Does it seem like a wall that is just too high to climb?

Then dig into God’s Word and check out Psalm 18, 118 and Psalm 139!

I threw in Philippians 4:13 because it came to my mind when I read Psalm 18.

Psalm 18 has got to be one of my favorite chapters in the entire Bible!

Dig in to Psalm 18 this morning! God is good! All the time! Don’t give up! Look up!

With God you and I can scale any wall!

Application

In God’s strength I will do everything that needs to get done today. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I love You; You are my strength. You are my rock, my fortress, and my savior. You are my rock, in whom I find protection. You are my shield, the Power that saves me and You are my place of safety. I called on You, who are worthy of praise, and You saved me from my enemies. (Psalm 18:1-3 Personalized)

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 3,4; Acts 8,9; Psalm 18, Psalm 118; Proverbs 18



> If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

> I have made it a habit to pray for those who read this blog! I enjoy lifting you and your family up to the Lord in prayer.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

In All Of This, Job Did Not Sin By Blaming God.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

In All Of This,
Job
Did Not Sin By Blaming God.



Scripture

Job 1

22 In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.

Observation

 Job had seven sons and three daughters. He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys and all he had was destroyed in one day. Then Satan covered Job with boils from his head to his feet. Yet in spite of this tremendous loss and terrible suffering Job did not blame God! 

Blame shifting is blaming God, blaming our spouse, blaming anybody and everybody else rather than accepting responsibility for our own actions. 

When bad things happen to us it is putting the blame on God or on others rather than trusting God to get us through the difficult time. 


Lets not blame anyone else for our actions or for the bad circumstances that we find ourselves in. 

Lets not blame someone else for our failure to follow through on a task. 

If we are at fault for the bad situation we find ourselves in then lets try this. I messed up. I am sorry. Will you forgive me? 

If we are suffering and it is not our fault then let’s do what Job did … lets trust God and not blame God or anyone else! 

Application

I will work hard at accepting the blame for my own shortcomings. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am amazed at the character of Job. He had amazing faith. He trusted in You even when he had lost everything even his health. Give me that kind of faith. Help me trust You when things are not going my way and not try to put the blame on everyone else. You will protect me. I know that nothing can come into my life without Your permission.

Daily Bible Reading:  Job 1,2; Acts 6,7

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

I Know The LORD Is Always With Me. I Will Not Be Shaken, For He Is Right Beside Me.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

I Know The LORD Is Always With Me.
I Will Not Be Shaken,
For He Is Right Beside Me. 


Scripture

Psalm 16

⁷ I will bless the Lord who guides me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.

⁸ I know the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
⁹ No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
    My body rests in safety.

Observation

Do you and I live like the LORD is always with us? 

Do we live and act like He is right beside us? 

King David wrote Psalm 16 and he started it off by saying this:

”Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” 

When He is our refuge we will not be shaken. 

When you are depressed, lonely, our having a plain old rotten very bad day, read the Psalms. 

King David knew where to find help. 

Now so do you! 

.

Psalm 62:8
O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 9:9
The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.
Psalm 142:5
Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.

Application

When I need to be lifted up I will go to God’s Word especially the Psalms. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are my refuge and my shield. You are right beside me. I will never be shaken. Your Word is my source of hope. You are always ready to help me in times of trouble. You are my strength. You are all I really want in life. Psalm 9:9, 46:1, 62:8, 119:114, 142:5 (Personalized)

Daily Bible Reading: Malachi 3,4; Psalms 148; Acts 5; Psalm 16, Psalm 116, Proverbs 16

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

So Guard Your Heart; Do Not Be Unfaithful To Your Wife

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

 
So Guard Your
Heart;
Do Not Be Unfaithful To Your Wife


Scripture

Malachi 2

¹⁴ You cry out, “Why doesn’t the Lord accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows.

¹⁵ Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth.

¹⁶ “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”

Observation

In marriage “I love you” really means: “I promise to be there for you all of my days.” It is a promise that says, “I will be there when you lose your job, your health, your parents, your looks, your confidence, your friends. It is a promise that tells your partner, I’ll build you up; I will overlook your weaknesses; I’ll forgive your mistakes; I’ll put your needs above my own; I’ll stick by you when the going gets tough.”

I, _____________, in the presence of God, our family and friends, take you _______________, to be my friend, my lover, the mother of my children and my wife. I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity. 

Maybe you and I need to renew those vows that we made before God and make some changes to get our marriages back where they should be!

Application

I will continue to work to make my marriage the very best. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me such a great wife. Kathy puts You first in her life and that makes it easy for me to love her. Help me love her in the way that You intended. Help me not to be so selfish. Help me to think about her and her needs more than my own. Bless her today. May Your face shine on her with Your favor and with Your grace.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Happy Is The Person Who Doesn’t Listen To The Wicked

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Happy Is The Person
Who Doesn’t Listen
To The Wicked



Scripture

1. Happy is the person who doesn’t listen to the wicked.
    He doesn’t go where sinners go.
    He doesn’t do what bad people do.
² He loves the Lord’s teachings.
    He thinks about those teachings day and night.
³ He is strong, like a tree planted by a river.
    It produces fruit in season.
    Its leaves don’t die.
Everything he does will succeed (ICB)

Observation

I love Psalm 1 in the MESSAGE: 

“How well God must like you—you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon, you don’t slink along Dead-End Road, you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College. ^2-3 Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.” 

Psalm 1 is a promise to you who are striving to live a godly life. 

God will bless you. Just put Him first! 

“Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands.” Psalm 112:1

Application

I will strive to live a godly life. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am blessed. I am blessed beyond expression! Thank You for giving me Eternal Life. Thank You for saving me. I am truly blessed. I pray for men today who are trying to stay away from sin. Give them strength. And for all of those that are fighting addictions I pray that You give them victory. Set them free!

Daily Bible Reading:  Nehemiah 11,12; Psalms 1; Acts 3; Psalm 14, Psalm 114, Proverbs 14



> If you are reading this simple blog this morning you are an encouragement to me!

> I have made it a habit to pray for those who read this blog! I enjoy lifting you and your family up to the Lord in prayer.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

O LORD, How Long Will You Forget Me? Forever?

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

O LORD,
How Long Will You Forget Me?
Forever? 


Scripture

Psalm 13

¹ O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
    How long will you look the other way?
² How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
    with sorrow in my heart every day?

³ Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
    Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.

⁵ But I trust in your unfailing love.
    I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
⁶ I will sing to the Lord
    because he is good to me.

Observation

King David the Giant killer spent a lot of his time desperately crying out to his God for help!

Yes, there were times when he felt alone and afraid. And there must have been many days when it seemed to King David that God had forgotten him.

Maybe you are having some of King David’s low moments right now!

The truth, if we are honest, is that all of us have those kinds of lows because life is tough!

Life is brutal!

So what should we to do when we feel all alone and we feel like God is not hearing our cries for help?

We should do just what King David did – we should trust!

We should trust in God’s unfailing love. We should trust in God’s goodness.

And we should look back at how God has taken care of us in the past! Even though we can’t see His Hand we trust His Heart!

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His Heart   (Babbie Mason)

    “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

 I read a Psalm almost everyday! When you are down and need to be lifted up remember that the book of Psalms is right in the middle of your Bible and very easy to find!

Application

I will trust the Lord with everything that I am dealing with right now. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for showing me that I can trust in You even when I am feeling bad and even when I am feeling low. You are my God. I know that I can trust You. I can trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to You because You are good to me.

Daily Bible Reading:  Nehemiah 9,10; Acts 2; Psalm 13, Psalm 113; Proverbs 13

   




Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Worry Weighs A Person Down; An Encouraging Word Cheers A Person Up.

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

Worry Weighs A Person Down;
An
Encouraging Word Cheers A Person Up.





Scripture

Proverbs 12

²⁵ Worry weighs a person down;
    an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Proverbs 12

¹⁸ Careless words stab like a sword,
    but wise words bring healing.

Observation

Words … How are we going to use them today?

You and I have a choice to make.

We can be ugly, vicious, hateful, hurtful, condescending, demeaning, and/or critical. We can slice, dice and destroy someone with our words!

Or we can build them up and encourage them. The power of the tongue!

The choice is ours!

I am shocked at how mean that I can be at times, saying hurtful things to Kathy who I love the most.

Here are some words that can bring healing: I love you. I am sorry. Will you forgive me?

We better learn those 3 phrases and better learn to use them a lot!

Our kids need to hear us use those words after we say hurtful things and we also need to use those phrases with our kids!

Lets watch how we talk to each other! Lets build someone up today with what we say and how we say it! Are you with me? 

Application

I will look for someone to encourage today! How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for letting me see Your Heart as I read Your Word everyday. I admit that I am so unlike You when I use the words of my mouth to hurt people. Help me to guard my tongue. Don’t let me say things that are ugly and hurtful. Help me to think about what I am going to say and help me to carefully respond to people I love. I confess that it is so easy for me to respond in ways that do not bring You glory and honor and in ways that only hurts those that I love. Change me Lord. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You.

Daily Bible Reading:  Nehemiah 7,8; Acts 1; Psalm 12, Psalm 112; Proverbs 12

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!