If you are like me, you long to know more and more. The more you study the word the more you want to study. The Bible has some things to say about that. His word is food for our soul.
Deuteronomy 8:3 "And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live."
Job 23:12 "Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."
Psalm 119:103 "How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth."
Jeremiah 15:16 "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart; for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts."
1 Peter 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"
What I got from this little study is that if we want to grow spiritually, we need to fill our hearts and minds with His word. The same as we fill our tummy's with food. Our spiritual food is the word of God. Let's get filled with His word. Grandma Joan
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Monday, January 30, 2017
His Word Furnishes Light in the Darkness
God's word is a light, Read the following texts to show us this concept.
Psalm 19:8 "The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure enlightening the eyes."
Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:130 "The entrance of Thy words giveth light: it giveth understanding unto the simple."
Proverbs 6:23 "For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life."
2 Peter 1:19 "We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:"
Steep yourself in God's word, it will light up your path all the way to the heavenly gates. I am looking forward to being there, are you? It would be so wonderful to be neighbors with you. Something to look forward to. Grandma Joan
Sunday, January 29, 2017
The Word - Divinely Inspired
I believe and I am sure most of you believe that the Bible is the Inspired Word of God, but to those who do not believe; I put this study in here and it can also encourage all who do believe.
Jeremiah 36:2 "Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day."
Ezekiel 1:3 "The word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar, and the hand of the Lord was there upon him. (see Zechariah 7:12)
Acts 1:16 "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus."
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
2 Peter 1:21 "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (See Revelation 1:1)
Revelation 14:13 "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."
You know, I was just thinking, the best way to know that the Bible is inspired is to prove it yourself by studying the word and applying it to your life, and see for yourself how powerful it is in changing your life from a sinner to a saint. It is a gradual work in the life but it is a powerful work. I know, I have experienced it many times as I have struggled with things and how the desires have left me and I no longer have the same desires anymore. He changes desires, traits, and our whole character if we are humble and willing. Try Him, He never lets us down. If we do it just for a fun trial, it will never happen. We must be humble and willing to submit to Him. Grandma Joan
Jeremiah 36:2 "Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day."
Ezekiel 1:3 "The word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar, and the hand of the Lord was there upon him. (see Zechariah 7:12)
Acts 1:16 "Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus."
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
2 Peter 1:21 "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (See Revelation 1:1)
Revelation 14:13 "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."
You know, I was just thinking, the best way to know that the Bible is inspired is to prove it yourself by studying the word and applying it to your life, and see for yourself how powerful it is in changing your life from a sinner to a saint. It is a gradual work in the life but it is a powerful work. I know, I have experienced it many times as I have struggled with things and how the desires have left me and I no longer have the same desires anymore. He changes desires, traits, and our whole character if we are humble and willing. Try Him, He never lets us down. If we do it just for a fun trial, it will never happen. We must be humble and willing to submit to Him. Grandma Joan
Saturday, January 28, 2017
The Purpose of the Word.
I would like to concentrate on the Word of God for a few studies to help me and you who read this to realize how important the Word is in our lives and how the power of God works as we spend time in His word. I just feel empowered to do this because of the weakness in our lives and how the Word of God can change us from listless Christians to powerful Christians. Stay with me, I believe this will be very rewarding.
To authenticate the Divinity of Christ.
John 20:31 "But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through His name."
To give us Hope.
Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
To relate human experience as a warning.
1 Corinthians 10:11 "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."
To give knowledge of eternal life.
1 John 5:13 "These things I have written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God: that you may know that you have eternal life, and you may believe on the name of the Son of God."
These are some of the reasons that we have been given the Scriptures and very good reasons too. I'm sure there are many more for our study but this is a good beginning to get us started. Please feel free to add as many as you can find. A good base for a study of the Word. May God bless you with knowledge, hope and eternal life through your study. Grandma Joan
To authenticate the Divinity of Christ.
John 20:31 "But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through His name."
To give us Hope.
Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
To relate human experience as a warning.
1 Corinthians 10:11 "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."
To give knowledge of eternal life.
1 John 5:13 "These things I have written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God: that you may know that you have eternal life, and you may believe on the name of the Son of God."
These are some of the reasons that we have been given the Scriptures and very good reasons too. I'm sure there are many more for our study but this is a good beginning to get us started. Please feel free to add as many as you can find. A good base for a study of the Word. May God bless you with knowledge, hope and eternal life through your study. Grandma Joan
Friday, January 27, 2017
Study or Search the Word
Definition of Study: The devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge. Investigation, inquiry, research, examination, analysis, review, survey.
Definition of Search: Seeking carefully and thoroughly. To hunt, look for, quest. To look carefully in order to find something.
Deuteronomy 17:19 "And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them."
Isaiah 34:16 "Seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and His Spirit it hath gathered them."
John 5:39 "Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.
Acts 17:11 "These were more noble then those in Thessalonica, in the they received the word with all readyness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
It would behoove us to spend time each morning in careful and thorough study of God's word. Pray first and ask God to guide in your study. We need to search the scriptures daily to see if what we hear is truth whether it is a friend telling us or a sermon we hear. Make sure it is truth by studying it out.
I have found errors in sermons and lots of errors in books that I have read just by comparing them with Scripture. We don't want to be led down the wrong path. Seriously, do we? Grandma Joan
Definition of Search: Seeking carefully and thoroughly. To hunt, look for, quest. To look carefully in order to find something.
Deuteronomy 17:19 "And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them."
Isaiah 34:16 "Seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and His Spirit it hath gathered them."
John 5:39 "Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.
Acts 17:11 "These were more noble then those in Thessalonica, in the they received the word with all readyness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
It would behoove us to spend time each morning in careful and thorough study of God's word. Pray first and ask God to guide in your study. We need to search the scriptures daily to see if what we hear is truth whether it is a friend telling us or a sermon we hear. Make sure it is truth by studying it out.
I have found errors in sermons and lots of errors in books that I have read just by comparing them with Scripture. We don't want to be led down the wrong path. Seriously, do we? Grandma Joan
Thursday, January 26, 2017
The Word is Profitable for Instruction
I would like to suggest that some of us don't like to be instructed, one reason might be that the one instructing us is a hypocrite and doesn't practice his own instruction and thus causes us or has caused us to resent instruction. Then could I say, rebellion rises up in our hearts and has caused us to hate instruction? The definition of rebellion is: defiance, disobedience, insubordination subversion, resistance, to rise up in arms against the government etc.
Do I dare say that all of us at one time or another have been rebellious, maybe as a teenager and maybe it is come over into our adult life. Maybe we think we know more than the person giving instruction, or maybe we just don't like the instruction. Could it be that it's just a little bit of rebellion, or maybe a full fledge rebellion. Maybe instruction makes us uncomfortable because we are set in our ways and don't want to change. What if? It had to do with our eternal destiny? What if? It was a matter of life or death, then could we possibly admit that instruction might be a good thing? What about Biblical instruction? Let's see what that might be.
Deuteronomy 4:10 "Specially the day that thou stood before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather Me the people together, and I will make them hear My words, that they may learn to fear (reverence) Me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children."
Deuteronomy 11:19 "And you shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you are sitting in thine house, and when you are walking by the way, when you are lying down, and when you rise up."
2 Chronicles 17:9 "And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people."
Nehemiah 8:13 "And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law."
Isaiah 2:3 "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
Instruction for the youth.
Psalm 71:17 "O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works."
Instruction foretold.
John 6:45 "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me."
Christ the great teacher.
Ephesians 4:21 "If so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus."
Can you let go of anything that might interfere with the instruction that the Bible has for us, so that our path will be lightened and we can follow on to know Him better and be open to His instruction?
I surely hope so. These lessons are really helping me as I search them out. I am really blessed to be able to do this and I pray that you will be blessed too. Grandma Joan
Do I dare say that all of us at one time or another have been rebellious, maybe as a teenager and maybe it is come over into our adult life. Maybe we think we know more than the person giving instruction, or maybe we just don't like the instruction. Could it be that it's just a little bit of rebellion, or maybe a full fledge rebellion. Maybe instruction makes us uncomfortable because we are set in our ways and don't want to change. What if? It had to do with our eternal destiny? What if? It was a matter of life or death, then could we possibly admit that instruction might be a good thing? What about Biblical instruction? Let's see what that might be.
Deuteronomy 4:10 "Specially the day that thou stood before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather Me the people together, and I will make them hear My words, that they may learn to fear (reverence) Me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children."
Deuteronomy 11:19 "And you shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you are sitting in thine house, and when you are walking by the way, when you are lying down, and when you rise up."
2 Chronicles 17:9 "And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people."
Nehemiah 8:13 "And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law."
Isaiah 2:3 "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
Instruction for the youth.
Psalm 71:17 "O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works."
Instruction foretold.
John 6:45 "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me."
Christ the great teacher.
Ephesians 4:21 "If so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus."
Can you let go of anything that might interfere with the instruction that the Bible has for us, so that our path will be lightened and we can follow on to know Him better and be open to His instruction?
I surely hope so. These lessons are really helping me as I search them out. I am really blessed to be able to do this and I pray that you will be blessed too. Grandma Joan
Warning Signs Along The Way
I'm sure you all have seen warning signs in our lifetime, some very serious, others just a reminder like some signs here in Washington reminding to 'watch out for motorcycles' which is a reminder, then there are signs on the beaches in Oregon that warn of dangerous undertow, then there are signs to warn us not to litter, or speed signs, and construction signs and on and on. Usually we pay attention to them, don't we, specially if there is posted the results of not paying attention.
Along life's path to the kingdom there are warning signs that we need to observe and there are results if we don't. I would like to list a few of those signs and let you figure out the results which I don't think will be very hard to do.
2 Peter 3:17 "You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the errors of the wicked."
Mathew :15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothes, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God."
Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."
Mark 12:38-40 "Then He said to them in His teaching, 'Beware of the Scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the market places, the best seats in the Synagogue and the best places at feasts, who devour widows houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."
How easy it is to be offended by someone in the church and never go back. We need to be careful that we don't fall from our own steadfastness. The devil loves to trip us up, he is sneaky and sometimes we don't even realize what is happening until we have already fallen for his lie or lies. He loves to use unconverted souls to help him in his scheme.
There are false Prophets and false spirits out there wanting to deceive us. Test their words with Scripture, you can tell if they are speaking truth or not. Don't let anyone cheat you of eternal life with their philosophy and empty deceit.
Of course, even today, there are those who love to be looked up to and want special greetings and best seats and devour widows money and make long prayers just to be heard. I say 'be careful who you follow'. There are false teachers everywhere and they can be tested with the Holy Scriptures.
My family and I have run into numerous false teachers, it usually doesn't take to long to catch on but sometimes it is very hard. I have had friends that have been led astray and it was such a bad experience, they have even turned against God. It is a terrible thing to happen to anyone and heartbreaking to say the least. It causes grief that cannot be explained.
So friends and family, beware of who you are following, make sure it is God and not man. Test every word that you question with scripture and even some that you don't question.
Psalm 119:104,105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Through Your precepts I get understanding, Therefore I hate every false way." His precepts are the scriptures and we can learn what is truth and what is not. Grandma Joan
Along life's path to the kingdom there are warning signs that we need to observe and there are results if we don't. I would like to list a few of those signs and let you figure out the results which I don't think will be very hard to do.
2 Peter 3:17 "You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the errors of the wicked."
Mathew :15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothes, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God."
Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."
Mark 12:38-40 "Then He said to them in His teaching, 'Beware of the Scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the market places, the best seats in the Synagogue and the best places at feasts, who devour widows houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."
How easy it is to be offended by someone in the church and never go back. We need to be careful that we don't fall from our own steadfastness. The devil loves to trip us up, he is sneaky and sometimes we don't even realize what is happening until we have already fallen for his lie or lies. He loves to use unconverted souls to help him in his scheme.
There are false Prophets and false spirits out there wanting to deceive us. Test their words with Scripture, you can tell if they are speaking truth or not. Don't let anyone cheat you of eternal life with their philosophy and empty deceit.
Of course, even today, there are those who love to be looked up to and want special greetings and best seats and devour widows money and make long prayers just to be heard. I say 'be careful who you follow'. There are false teachers everywhere and they can be tested with the Holy Scriptures.
My family and I have run into numerous false teachers, it usually doesn't take to long to catch on but sometimes it is very hard. I have had friends that have been led astray and it was such a bad experience, they have even turned against God. It is a terrible thing to happen to anyone and heartbreaking to say the least. It causes grief that cannot be explained.
So friends and family, beware of who you are following, make sure it is God and not man. Test every word that you question with scripture and even some that you don't question.
Psalm 119:104,105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Through Your precepts I get understanding, Therefore I hate every false way." His precepts are the scriptures and we can learn what is truth and what is not. Grandma Joan
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Ransom Paid
Ransom = The redemption of a prisoner, slave or someone who has been kidnapped. The sum or price paid or demanded for their release. To buy back what has been taken.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Galatians 4:4,5 "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son born of a woman, born under the law to redeem (ransom) those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."
Colossians 1:21,22 "And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, blameless and above reproach in His sight."
Titus 2:14 "Who gave Himself for us that He might redeem (ransom) us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."
Psalm 130: 7,8 "O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him abundant redemption. And He shall redeem (ransom) Israel from all his iniquities."
Revelation 5:9,10 "And they sang a new song, saying, 'You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open it's seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed (ransomed) us to God by Your blood out of every Tribe and Tongue and people and nations, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth."
The ransom was paid at the cross when Jesus shed His blood to redeem us back from a fallen world. It was God's love for us that He gave up His Son to ransom us from this wicked world. He was there with His Son but hidden from view. He couldn't step in and relieve the suffering of His Son because He was paying a ransom for our sins and to buy us back from Satan and redeem us to God. What a price was paid for you and me. If you think about it in it's totality you cannot help but love Him for the love that was demonstrated that day for you and me. Ask God to help you understand this awesome event and let Him live in your heart. Grandma Joan
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Galatians 4:4,5 "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son born of a woman, born under the law to redeem (ransom) those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."
Colossians 1:21,22 "And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, blameless and above reproach in His sight."
Titus 2:14 "Who gave Himself for us that He might redeem (ransom) us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."
Psalm 130: 7,8 "O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him abundant redemption. And He shall redeem (ransom) Israel from all his iniquities."
Revelation 5:9,10 "And they sang a new song, saying, 'You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open it's seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed (ransomed) us to God by Your blood out of every Tribe and Tongue and people and nations, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth."
The ransom was paid at the cross when Jesus shed His blood to redeem us back from a fallen world. It was God's love for us that He gave up His Son to ransom us from this wicked world. He was there with His Son but hidden from view. He couldn't step in and relieve the suffering of His Son because He was paying a ransom for our sins and to buy us back from Satan and redeem us to God. What a price was paid for you and me. If you think about it in it's totality you cannot help but love Him for the love that was demonstrated that day for you and me. Ask God to help you understand this awesome event and let Him live in your heart. Grandma Joan
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Blessed Are You!
Did you know that you are blessed? Well, a lot of us are and anyone can be and I will show you how you may be blessed beyond all expectations. If you have a Bible and if you don't please get one if you can I want to show you some blessings you may receive by the hand of our Creator God.
Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, not stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of God, and in His law he meditates day and night. (Now the promise) He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in season whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper".
Psalm 32:1,2 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whom there is no deceit."
Psalm 41:1-3 "Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on earth; you will not deliver him to the will of his enemies."
Psalm 112:1 Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments."(Fear here means reverence)
Psalm 128:1 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways." (Fear here means reverence)
Psalm 119:1-3 "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!"
We are so blessed when we walk in God's commandments, when we are forgiven, when we consider the poor, when we are kept alive from day to day, when we reverence our God, when we seek Him with our whole heart. And there are a lot more blessings you can find in the Scriptures. This is just the beginning, you can study your Bible and find many more.
I pray that you are blessed today from this small study. I am blessed to share with you each day.
Thank you for reading. Grandma Joan
Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, not stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of God, and in His law he meditates day and night. (Now the promise) He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in season whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper".
Psalm 32:1,2 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whom there is no deceit."
Psalm 41:1-3 "Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on earth; you will not deliver him to the will of his enemies."
Psalm 112:1 Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments."(Fear here means reverence)
Psalm 128:1 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways." (Fear here means reverence)
Psalm 119:1-3 "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!"
We are so blessed when we walk in God's commandments, when we are forgiven, when we consider the poor, when we are kept alive from day to day, when we reverence our God, when we seek Him with our whole heart. And there are a lot more blessings you can find in the Scriptures. This is just the beginning, you can study your Bible and find many more.
I pray that you are blessed today from this small study. I am blessed to share with you each day.
Thank you for reading. Grandma Joan
Monday, January 23, 2017
The Peace That Passes All Understanding
Have you seen countenances that look troubled and full of concern? I have, and you know what? Just a smile can change that for them. I try to smile at everyone I meet, I forget sometimes when I'm thinking about what I'm doing, but everyone deserves a smile. Everyone deserves kindness, try letting someone go ahead of you at the check out and see how much they appreciate it, they only have two or three items and I have a basket full. I always receive a grateful thank you. It does my heart good too. You may have made their day. It's hard to tell how far a little kindness will go. But we are going to talk about a peace that passes all understanding today. Almost everyone needs a peaceful heart, just look around you and you will see their need. You may need peace and I know I do, so let's check it out. We'll go back to the check out line in another blog.
Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Psalm 29:11 "The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace."
Psalm 119:165 "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing shall offend them."
Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You. Because he trusts in You."
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid."
Isaiah 54:10 "For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed; says the Lord who has mercy on you."
Romans 5:1 "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:6 "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Romans 12:18 "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."
Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
I hope this little study has given you peace and that you realize how much our Heavenly Father wants us to have the peace that we cannot even understand though we try so hard to grasp it. It is through believing that He has promised to give us joy and peace and hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
May God bless you with the peace of heaven. Grandma Joan
Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Psalm 29:11 "The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace."
Psalm 119:165 "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing shall offend them."
Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You. Because he trusts in You."
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid."
Isaiah 54:10 "For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed; says the Lord who has mercy on you."
Romans 5:1 "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:6 "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Romans 12:18 "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."
Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
I hope this little study has given you peace and that you realize how much our Heavenly Father wants us to have the peace that we cannot even understand though we try so hard to grasp it. It is through believing that He has promised to give us joy and peace and hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
May God bless you with the peace of heaven. Grandma Joan
Saturday, January 21, 2017
A Relentless pursuit
Have you every been pursued by a policeman, or by a boyfriend or girlfriend? If so you know what it's like. When my boys tried the world out for a while, they use to tell me how they ducked cops and escaped their pursuit and I heard it so much there for a while, that I would dream of being pursued by the cops and escaping. That may sound funny and I guess it was but it helps me understand what being pursued is all about.
Luke 15:4-6 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when He has found it, He lays it on His shoulders, rejoicing. And when He comes home, He calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with Me, for I have found My sheep that was lost." This is the story of Jesus relentlessly searching for that one lost sheep. And when it is found He carries it home on His shoulders, rejoicing that He has found me or you and there is rejoicing in heaven over our being found.
John 10:14 "I am the Good Shepherd; and I know My Sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep."
Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He knows who are His and He laid down His life for the sheep, not just His sheep but all the sheep.
John 10:27,28 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."
His sheep hear His voice and He knows them and they follow Him and His gift to them is eternal life and they will never perish. Why? because they follow Him and no one can snatch them out of His hand.
Study the life of Jesus through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and you will see the meaning of following Him. This will give you a little or big study to do on your own. Jesus is a gentle Shepherd.
Isaiah 40:11 "He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arms, And carry them in His bosom. And gently lead those who are with young." See how loving and gentle He is and how relentlessly He pursues us till we surrender to Him and He can take complete care of us and change us into His likeness.
I don't want you to think it is a quick fix to surrender our all to Jesus. It is not. It can be the hardest task you have ever undertaken and it will probably be the work of a lifetime, because we live in a world overtaken with evil and hate and just about every evil that you can think of. We see it, and hear some of it every day and some of us have been completely overcome by some of it or all of it. I don't know your circumstances but I do know how to obtain eternal life and even here have all the joys that God has planned for those that follow him. I am a happy Christian, do I fall? oh yes, but not like I use to. There is great joy in following Jesus and the closer we come to Him through our study of His word, the less of the world we appreciate, seriously, we learn what to avoid and what to hold on to.
My prayers are with each one of you that read my blog. I don't know your names or your circum-stances but I do know that the shape this old world is in, most of us desire a better land where all this evil is put in the past. I do and that is what my prayer will be for you that you will desire Christ so much that you can't turn Him down in His relentless search for you. Grandma Joan
Luke 15:4-6 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when He has found it, He lays it on His shoulders, rejoicing. And when He comes home, He calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with Me, for I have found My sheep that was lost." This is the story of Jesus relentlessly searching for that one lost sheep. And when it is found He carries it home on His shoulders, rejoicing that He has found me or you and there is rejoicing in heaven over our being found.
John 10:14 "I am the Good Shepherd; and I know My Sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep."
Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He knows who are His and He laid down His life for the sheep, not just His sheep but all the sheep.
John 10:27,28 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."
His sheep hear His voice and He knows them and they follow Him and His gift to them is eternal life and they will never perish. Why? because they follow Him and no one can snatch them out of His hand.
Study the life of Jesus through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and you will see the meaning of following Him. This will give you a little or big study to do on your own. Jesus is a gentle Shepherd.
Isaiah 40:11 "He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arms, And carry them in His bosom. And gently lead those who are with young." See how loving and gentle He is and how relentlessly He pursues us till we surrender to Him and He can take complete care of us and change us into His likeness.
I don't want you to think it is a quick fix to surrender our all to Jesus. It is not. It can be the hardest task you have ever undertaken and it will probably be the work of a lifetime, because we live in a world overtaken with evil and hate and just about every evil that you can think of. We see it, and hear some of it every day and some of us have been completely overcome by some of it or all of it. I don't know your circumstances but I do know how to obtain eternal life and even here have all the joys that God has planned for those that follow him. I am a happy Christian, do I fall? oh yes, but not like I use to. There is great joy in following Jesus and the closer we come to Him through our study of His word, the less of the world we appreciate, seriously, we learn what to avoid and what to hold on to.
My prayers are with each one of you that read my blog. I don't know your names or your circum-stances but I do know that the shape this old world is in, most of us desire a better land where all this evil is put in the past. I do and that is what my prayer will be for you that you will desire Christ so much that you can't turn Him down in His relentless search for you. Grandma Joan
In Christ
It is such a privilege to be 'In Christ', I don't know if I can give this little study justice, but I will try. I may have to continue on to the next blog. We will see. I will try to get my meaning across with some of the things that have happened to me, that I feel are miraculous. I'm sure many of you have similar stories, and it would be nice to hear them.
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Ezekiel 36: 25-28 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgements and do them."
How does all this take place, don't ask me but I know from experience that it does. For example, it has always been hard for me to see someone prosper and for me not to prosper as they have. Call it whatever you want. Without thinking, I find myself now rejoicing over others prosperity, even big corporations, it doesn't seem to matter who, it is always a pleasure for me to see it. I didn't ask for that, when my heart changed so did my thinking. When my stony heart was removed and replaced with a heart of flesh, I find myself more friendly and loving to everyone. This is very exciting to me.
Before I was critical, cold, and nearly friendless. Now I love everyone, am warm and friendly and try very hard not to pick up on my critical spirit. I hated crowds and didn't like church, or much of anything that had to do with people. I can't describe it but I sure can describe the way I am now and I take no credit for it because all I have done to be like this is to surrender it all to Jesus and He has done the rest, I didn't even know some of it was happening until it happened. This is the truth.
1 Peter 2:24,25 "Who Himself bore out sins in His own body on the tree, that we having died to sins, (surrendering our sins) might live for righteousness by whose stripes we are healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul." I have returned. I guess I was lukewarm and didn't take God's promises for real, but now I know they are real and for me and for you. Don't be lukewarm, be on fire with the blessings He bestows when you surrender your sins to Him. I have a story to tell and an experience to share. Praise God.
Do you see what happened to our sins? Christ bore them in His own body on the cross so we could die to ours and in doing this we might be healed by His stripes, (the floggings He received). Have you received His healing power in your life, if you have I praise the Lord, if you haven't I beg you to let go of your selfish ways and submit to Christ's ways, it's totally wonderful. I haven't attained yet but I believe I am on my way. More later. Grandma Joan
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Ezekiel 36: 25-28 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgements and do them."
How does all this take place, don't ask me but I know from experience that it does. For example, it has always been hard for me to see someone prosper and for me not to prosper as they have. Call it whatever you want. Without thinking, I find myself now rejoicing over others prosperity, even big corporations, it doesn't seem to matter who, it is always a pleasure for me to see it. I didn't ask for that, when my heart changed so did my thinking. When my stony heart was removed and replaced with a heart of flesh, I find myself more friendly and loving to everyone. This is very exciting to me.
Before I was critical, cold, and nearly friendless. Now I love everyone, am warm and friendly and try very hard not to pick up on my critical spirit. I hated crowds and didn't like church, or much of anything that had to do with people. I can't describe it but I sure can describe the way I am now and I take no credit for it because all I have done to be like this is to surrender it all to Jesus and He has done the rest, I didn't even know some of it was happening until it happened. This is the truth.
1 Peter 2:24,25 "Who Himself bore out sins in His own body on the tree, that we having died to sins, (surrendering our sins) might live for righteousness by whose stripes we are healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul." I have returned. I guess I was lukewarm and didn't take God's promises for real, but now I know they are real and for me and for you. Don't be lukewarm, be on fire with the blessings He bestows when you surrender your sins to Him. I have a story to tell and an experience to share. Praise God.
Do you see what happened to our sins? Christ bore them in His own body on the cross so we could die to ours and in doing this we might be healed by His stripes, (the floggings He received). Have you received His healing power in your life, if you have I praise the Lord, if you haven't I beg you to let go of your selfish ways and submit to Christ's ways, it's totally wonderful. I haven't attained yet but I believe I am on my way. More later. Grandma Joan
Friday, January 20, 2017
Pardon Me, Lord
I have noticed lately that the President of our country has been handing out pardons quite freely. I really have no opinion on it one way or another, but I was thinking about how they must feel to be granted such a blessing after years in prison. I hope they appreciate the freedom they will be experiencing and will stay away from their life of crime. Some of them may end up going right back to prison again. I hope not.
You know, sometimes we end up in a prison that we make for ourselves, like a prison of hate, anger, pornography, overeating, sugar, did you know that most people that give up meat in their diet fall for the sugar addiction, it's true, I have observed that over and over. There are addictions of all kinds, some of which do not seem bad to us but could end up wasting a lot of our time which we could spend getting acquainted with Jesus or sharing or doing something that needs done and we just don't want to do it Movies, Facebook, texting which are good things, well, I don't no about movies being a good thing but for me Facebook is my social outlet and I was spending way too much time on it and by God's help it is much better. I don't do much texting. I don't like movies because they are a waste of time and the swearing and filth that is in most of them does affect us whether we believe it or not. "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes." Psalm 101:3. What are you spending time in prison for? All of these things are addictions of some kind.
Here's the best part, we can ask our heavenly Father to pardon us from these prison sources and be free at last. Do you believe that? Let me share some promises with you so you can receive an abundant pardon from your prison house.
Isaiah 55:7 "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I,am He who blots out your transgressions for My sake; and I will not remember your sins."
I have a question to ask myself mostly but it may apply to you. Why after we ask for pardon or forgiveness do we keep allowing satan to bring up our past and keep condemning us for something God has pardoned us from? That is a good question. It just now came to my mind as I am considering this subject. I just realized that it is called unbelief. Wow! I am ashamed for the times I have shown disbelief in the pardoning love of my Lord. What do you think about that? I am so glad that God has brought me back to blogging again, I am learning more by sharing with you than maybe even you are. Praise the Lord for His patience with me.
Psalm 86:5 "For You Lord are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You."
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Nehemiah 9:17 "They (the Israelites) refused to obey, and they were not mindful of Your wonders that you did among them. But they hardened their necks and in their rebellion they appointed a leader to return to their bondage. But You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness, and did not forsake them."
How long are you going to stay in your prison of addiction? Pardon is just a prayer of confession away. Don't be like me. Don't let Satan intimidate you with your past, let Jesus wash it all away and forget about it. What promises of pardon and freedom and peace! Believe them and be free.
Grandma Joan
PS. Let's not go back to prison. What do you say?
You know, sometimes we end up in a prison that we make for ourselves, like a prison of hate, anger, pornography, overeating, sugar, did you know that most people that give up meat in their diet fall for the sugar addiction, it's true, I have observed that over and over. There are addictions of all kinds, some of which do not seem bad to us but could end up wasting a lot of our time which we could spend getting acquainted with Jesus or sharing or doing something that needs done and we just don't want to do it Movies, Facebook, texting which are good things, well, I don't no about movies being a good thing but for me Facebook is my social outlet and I was spending way too much time on it and by God's help it is much better. I don't do much texting. I don't like movies because they are a waste of time and the swearing and filth that is in most of them does affect us whether we believe it or not. "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes." Psalm 101:3. What are you spending time in prison for? All of these things are addictions of some kind.
Here's the best part, we can ask our heavenly Father to pardon us from these prison sources and be free at last. Do you believe that? Let me share some promises with you so you can receive an abundant pardon from your prison house.
Isaiah 55:7 "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I,am He who blots out your transgressions for My sake; and I will not remember your sins."
I have a question to ask myself mostly but it may apply to you. Why after we ask for pardon or forgiveness do we keep allowing satan to bring up our past and keep condemning us for something God has pardoned us from? That is a good question. It just now came to my mind as I am considering this subject. I just realized that it is called unbelief. Wow! I am ashamed for the times I have shown disbelief in the pardoning love of my Lord. What do you think about that? I am so glad that God has brought me back to blogging again, I am learning more by sharing with you than maybe even you are. Praise the Lord for His patience with me.
Psalm 86:5 "For You Lord are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You."
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Nehemiah 9:17 "They (the Israelites) refused to obey, and they were not mindful of Your wonders that you did among them. But they hardened their necks and in their rebellion they appointed a leader to return to their bondage. But You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness, and did not forsake them."
How long are you going to stay in your prison of addiction? Pardon is just a prayer of confession away. Don't be like me. Don't let Satan intimidate you with your past, let Jesus wash it all away and forget about it. What promises of pardon and freedom and peace! Believe them and be free.
Grandma Joan
PS. Let's not go back to prison. What do you say?
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Benefits received from the Word of God
There are all kinds of benefits, Insurance benefits, job benefits, health benefits, government benefits, VA benefits, Social Security benefits, death benefits and then there is Spiritual Benefits. All of those are good benefits usually but the Spiritual benefits are the best of all because there is nothing left out that will benefit our spiritual life. I would like to encourage you today by listing some of these excellent benefits from the Word of God. The first are from Psalm 119. A benefit is something that is an advantage to us or is for our well-being, or something we can gain. So lets see what some of them are.
Psalm 119:18 "Open mine eyes that I may see wondrous things from your law." We are asking Him to open our eyes so that He may reveal things to us from His law. A Revelation.
Psalm 119:25 "Revive me according to your Word". According to His word we can have a revival."
Psalm 119:28 "Strengthen me according to your Word." We will receive strength from His word.
Psalm 119:99 "I have more understanding then all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation." We will receive wisdom from His word.
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." His word is a light to guide us.
Psalm 119:165 "Great peace have they that love your law, and nothing shall offend the." His word gives us peace.
These verses reveal to us the benefits that we will receive through His word. They are: We will have a revelation of things from His word. We can have a revival from His word. We can be strengthened by reading His word. We will receive wisdom by reading His word. His word is a light to guide us through life, and we can have great peace so that nothing can offend us.
It seems to me that this covers a lot of areas of our life. A lot more than earthly benefits do, at least in my humble opinion. Our heavenly benefits are priceless, are they not? I challenge you to apply His words to your life and watch these benefits come to life. It's worth every effort. I have even noticed things changing in my life that I didn't ask for and it is wonderful to see how God works each day as we submit our will into His will. Grandma Joan
Psalm 119:18 "Open mine eyes that I may see wondrous things from your law." We are asking Him to open our eyes so that He may reveal things to us from His law. A Revelation.
Psalm 119:25 "Revive me according to your Word". According to His word we can have a revival."
Psalm 119:28 "Strengthen me according to your Word." We will receive strength from His word.
Psalm 119:99 "I have more understanding then all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation." We will receive wisdom from His word.
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." His word is a light to guide us.
Psalm 119:165 "Great peace have they that love your law, and nothing shall offend the." His word gives us peace.
These verses reveal to us the benefits that we will receive through His word. They are: We will have a revelation of things from His word. We can have a revival from His word. We can be strengthened by reading His word. We will receive wisdom by reading His word. His word is a light to guide us through life, and we can have great peace so that nothing can offend us.
It seems to me that this covers a lot of areas of our life. A lot more than earthly benefits do, at least in my humble opinion. Our heavenly benefits are priceless, are they not? I challenge you to apply His words to your life and watch these benefits come to life. It's worth every effort. I have even noticed things changing in my life that I didn't ask for and it is wonderful to see how God works each day as we submit our will into His will. Grandma Joan
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Five Steps to Eternity
Have you ever wondered what you have to do to live forever with your God? Is there certain things we must do? Well, I have to tell you this, Heaven is a perfect place that we may enter upon obeying God's requirements. He will never, ever allow sin to enter there. That's a hard saying isn't it? Yes, I know it is, but I also know this, I don't want to go there if I have to suffer like I have suffered here in this world, and I doubt that you would want to go through your suffering again or something of the same order. There is a saying, that I agree with and it says: 'It is easier to be saved than to be lost.'
I know that you probably don't agree with that and neither did I to begin with but through study of God's word I can understand it better now. I humbly submit to you that I don't have all the answers as you must have read in my last blog, but I have to believe what God has told us in His word.
Step #1 Recognize that we have a problem. How hard is that? Acknowledge that we are sinners. How hard is that? I know I have problems and I also know that I am a sinner saved by grace not by my own doings.
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." All includes each of us.
Isaiah 53:6 says, "All we like sheep have gone astray, We have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." God has laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all, all of us.
Step #2 Believe you can be saved. That might be hard for some of us who have fallen far from grace but the Scripture promises us that "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and He who does not believe the Son shall not have life, but the wrath of God abides on Him." John 3:36. So my advice for myself and others is pray for Belief and God will give us the belief that we need.
Step #3 Confess and Repent. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Isaiah 55:6,7 also says, "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near, Let the wicked forsake His way, and the unrighteous man His thoughts; let him return to the Lord , and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." No matter how far we have fallen from His grace, we are told that He will ABUNDANTLY pardon, so lets show sorrow for our sin and confess and repent, He is faithful and just to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.
Step #4 "Willing to receive Jesus as our personal Savior and trusting in the instruction He has given us. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that we might not perish but have everlasting life." And 2 Cor. 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new Creation, old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." Rev. 3:20 says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to Him and dine with Him and He with me." He is asking us to be willing to come, is that hard to do?
Step #5 Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior. And share Him with others. We don't just want to be in heaven without our friends and family, do we? We must share. We can share our experience and what God has done for us. Romans 10:9,10 says, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Mark 8:34 says, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me."
How do we follow these steps? There is only one way and that is submit to God's calling and remember in Hebrews 13:5 He has said, 'I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU."
Check this one out for encouragement. 2 Thess. 5:23,24 "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. HE WHO CALLS YOU WILL ALSO DO IT."
Our duty is to stay surrendered to His will and humbly follow His leading as you search the scriptures to know His will. Pray for strength to be able to surrender your will. That is the hardest part of our journey to His kingdom, to surrender self and live in His will. God bless as you journey on to know your Lord. Grandma Joan
For this study I give credit to Doug Batchelor, I thought it was worth sharing.
I know that you probably don't agree with that and neither did I to begin with but through study of God's word I can understand it better now. I humbly submit to you that I don't have all the answers as you must have read in my last blog, but I have to believe what God has told us in His word.
Step #1 Recognize that we have a problem. How hard is that? Acknowledge that we are sinners. How hard is that? I know I have problems and I also know that I am a sinner saved by grace not by my own doings.
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." All includes each of us.
Isaiah 53:6 says, "All we like sheep have gone astray, We have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." God has laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all, all of us.
Step #2 Believe you can be saved. That might be hard for some of us who have fallen far from grace but the Scripture promises us that "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and He who does not believe the Son shall not have life, but the wrath of God abides on Him." John 3:36. So my advice for myself and others is pray for Belief and God will give us the belief that we need.
Step #3 Confess and Repent. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Isaiah 55:6,7 also says, "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near, Let the wicked forsake His way, and the unrighteous man His thoughts; let him return to the Lord , and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." No matter how far we have fallen from His grace, we are told that He will ABUNDANTLY pardon, so lets show sorrow for our sin and confess and repent, He is faithful and just to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.
Step #4 "Willing to receive Jesus as our personal Savior and trusting in the instruction He has given us. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that we might not perish but have everlasting life." And 2 Cor. 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new Creation, old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." Rev. 3:20 says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to Him and dine with Him and He with me." He is asking us to be willing to come, is that hard to do?
Step #5 Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior. And share Him with others. We don't just want to be in heaven without our friends and family, do we? We must share. We can share our experience and what God has done for us. Romans 10:9,10 says, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Mark 8:34 says, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me."
How do we follow these steps? There is only one way and that is submit to God's calling and remember in Hebrews 13:5 He has said, 'I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU."
Check this one out for encouragement. 2 Thess. 5:23,24 "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. HE WHO CALLS YOU WILL ALSO DO IT."
Our duty is to stay surrendered to His will and humbly follow His leading as you search the scriptures to know His will. Pray for strength to be able to surrender your will. That is the hardest part of our journey to His kingdom, to surrender self and live in His will. God bless as you journey on to know your Lord. Grandma Joan
For this study I give credit to Doug Batchelor, I thought it was worth sharing.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Humility after Submitting
Hello Friends, I want to tell you a little story about humility. I had a young friend that was always asking for advice from me and I was very willing to give it. One day she asked me a question and as always I was there for her and to give her my opinion or advice. I don't remember what the question was but I do remember what her answer to me was after receiving my advice. She said, ' You always have an answer don't you?' At that moment, I didn't have anything to say, it struck me that I was always willing to give my advice and should have been giving her godly advice and that I had a bit of pride that I needed to remedy. I NEEDED HUMILITY.
Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
The Lord's requirements are: 'to do justly'. It means to do what is morally right, to be fair, to deal honestly, to do righteously. Sometimes I don't think before I speak and it comes out all wrong. So it might do me some good to think before speaking. 'To love mercy' to have compassion, give grace, to show kindness. Always show kindness with love and forbearance. It sounds so easy, but is it? "To walk humbly with your God.' Every day submit to His will for the day, that's what it is to walk humbly with your God, surrender your day and plans to Him, how hard is that? Well, it is pretty hard for those of us who are use to doing our own thing all the time without thought to what He might want us to be doing. Yet, I have found that if I submit to His will every morning, I CAN walk humbly with my God, but if I forget, Oh my, how I love my own way and my own will and it ALWAYS gets me into trouble. Have you discovered that? It really is a great discovery and causes me to want to do His will and not my own. My own is always a disaster in some form or another.
So my young friend taught me a good lesson that day that I have reviewed over and over again. Before giving advice, ask God to give you His advice and the reception will be much different, specially if they know you have asked God's advice first before answering. Humility is a great asset and comes along after submitting your will to Him first, then, you can walk humbly with your God. Do you agree?
Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
The Lord's requirements are: 'to do justly'. It means to do what is morally right, to be fair, to deal honestly, to do righteously. Sometimes I don't think before I speak and it comes out all wrong. So it might do me some good to think before speaking. 'To love mercy' to have compassion, give grace, to show kindness. Always show kindness with love and forbearance. It sounds so easy, but is it? "To walk humbly with your God.' Every day submit to His will for the day, that's what it is to walk humbly with your God, surrender your day and plans to Him, how hard is that? Well, it is pretty hard for those of us who are use to doing our own thing all the time without thought to what He might want us to be doing. Yet, I have found that if I submit to His will every morning, I CAN walk humbly with my God, but if I forget, Oh my, how I love my own way and my own will and it ALWAYS gets me into trouble. Have you discovered that? It really is a great discovery and causes me to want to do His will and not my own. My own is always a disaster in some form or another.
So my young friend taught me a good lesson that day that I have reviewed over and over again. Before giving advice, ask God to give you His advice and the reception will be much different, specially if they know you have asked God's advice first before answering. Humility is a great asset and comes along after submitting your will to Him first, then, you can walk humbly with your God. Do you agree?
Monday, January 16, 2017
God is Good
Dear Friends all over the world. Wherever you are I haven't forgotten you and I hope we can reconnect. I was looking at my blog last night and just got the urge to get back on. I hope each of you will get back on too. I'll be looking forward to seeing you again as my blog shows me where you are from and it thrills me to know someone from all places all over the world. Also you can comment and tell me what you think and where you are from. Would love to hear from you.
Today I just want to say, 'God is Good'. The reason I had to let my blog go for so long as I was bleeding internally and couldn't get it stopped until I realized I was irritating my ulcers with diet and when I changed my diet my blood count went up to normal but I am still seeping blood a little but it will quit and when it does I will have my heart aorta valve replaced and then I should be good as new almost. God is Good. To those of you who have prayed for me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I still ask you to continue to pray for me for healing and I will do my very best to keep up on my blog. Thank you so much for coming back on and reading. I hope you will be blessed.
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of God, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper." Ps. 1:1-3. (What a promise, wouldn't it be great to be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that brings forth spiritual fruit, my desire is to prosper spiritually, but it's good to prosper physically, monetarily, emotionally whatever is your need I'm sure God will fulfill His promise if we fulfill our part. God is Good.)
"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whom there is no deceit." Ps. 32: 1,2. (Forgiveness, how much we need His forgiveness every day of our life. It's not always a deliberate sin, it can be a spur of the moment sin, sometimes it's premeditated, but whatever is the reason, it is so wonderful to receive His forgiving power. Such a relief to know we don't have to be burdened down with guilt. God is Good.)
Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble, the Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies." Ps. 41:1-3. (We all know of someone who is poor, poorer than we are. If not, all you have to do is go to the city nearest you and you will find them. My son and I and another family love to pass out sandwiches etc to the homeless in our town, we have gotten acquainted with them and three of them call me Mamma. I love to be their mamma, there are some real sweet poor people, you will be blessed if you will look them up and lend a hand. They love us and they pray for me when I'm not there. God is Good)
"Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways." Ps. 128:1. (God makes a very simple request so that He can bless us, 'just walk in His ways', it can't get any simpler. If you want His blessing, you know what to do. God is Good.)
God doesn't lead us on a blind journey without instructions in our daily walk. The scriptures are full of directions so we won't be misled. Read a portion every day but first ask for His wisdom and discernment so you can get exactly what YOU need while you are reading. I know you will be blessed. God is So Good He's So Good to Me. How about you? I'll be back tomorrow. God loves you and I love you, whoever you are.
Today I just want to say, 'God is Good'. The reason I had to let my blog go for so long as I was bleeding internally and couldn't get it stopped until I realized I was irritating my ulcers with diet and when I changed my diet my blood count went up to normal but I am still seeping blood a little but it will quit and when it does I will have my heart aorta valve replaced and then I should be good as new almost. God is Good. To those of you who have prayed for me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I still ask you to continue to pray for me for healing and I will do my very best to keep up on my blog. Thank you so much for coming back on and reading. I hope you will be blessed.
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of God, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper." Ps. 1:1-3. (What a promise, wouldn't it be great to be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that brings forth spiritual fruit, my desire is to prosper spiritually, but it's good to prosper physically, monetarily, emotionally whatever is your need I'm sure God will fulfill His promise if we fulfill our part. God is Good.)
"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whom there is no deceit." Ps. 32: 1,2. (Forgiveness, how much we need His forgiveness every day of our life. It's not always a deliberate sin, it can be a spur of the moment sin, sometimes it's premeditated, but whatever is the reason, it is so wonderful to receive His forgiving power. Such a relief to know we don't have to be burdened down with guilt. God is Good.)
Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble, the Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies." Ps. 41:1-3. (We all know of someone who is poor, poorer than we are. If not, all you have to do is go to the city nearest you and you will find them. My son and I and another family love to pass out sandwiches etc to the homeless in our town, we have gotten acquainted with them and three of them call me Mamma. I love to be their mamma, there are some real sweet poor people, you will be blessed if you will look them up and lend a hand. They love us and they pray for me when I'm not there. God is Good)
"Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways." Ps. 128:1. (God makes a very simple request so that He can bless us, 'just walk in His ways', it can't get any simpler. If you want His blessing, you know what to do. God is Good.)
God doesn't lead us on a blind journey without instructions in our daily walk. The scriptures are full of directions so we won't be misled. Read a portion every day but first ask for His wisdom and discernment so you can get exactly what YOU need while you are reading. I know you will be blessed. God is So Good He's So Good to Me. How about you? I'll be back tomorrow. God loves you and I love you, whoever you are.
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