Perpetual Spring!

Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece. An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Wickedness loves company—and leads others into sin. (Proverbs 16:27-29 TLB)

I can honestly say, I have never looked forward to retirement or being out of “something to do”! The past two years of being unemployed, has been an eye opener! To view so many (not all) people who have labored hard physically, mentally, and emotionally and then retire do “nothing”!

There are a few who do some things; but for most, their definition of retiring is to do whatever they want! What transpires is an unhealthy lifestyle; which is doing too much of one thing, and not enough of another - out of balance! 

I'm not speaking for all, but again, many live a routine life, some over eat, some have developed chronic illness, causing them to reside in assisted living facilities, and some have the money and time to travel, but do not! It's an unfulfilled life; without anything being said!  

Retirement should not be boring, unfulfilled or routine. It's like any foreseen change; you  prepare, with Gods' help - you do your part, and let Him do the rest!

If you are a Christian, we (I'm including myself) are to seek out the needy, the downtrodden, the poor, the widowed, and the hungry; everyday, whether retired or not! Opportunities arise hourly, daily, and weekly!

Retired Dentist Shows Students the Magic Behind Helping Others ...

Those who have families, parents, and neighbors have plenty to do! I'm not asking you to force yourselves or get involved in their affairs; however, many of us know who needs help, who needs food, and who needs a ride somewhere! You shouldn't have to be asked, but offer yourselves and your time!

Being in ministry, (which we are all called to do in some form or fashion) should not leave you tired, worn out, or fed up! If you come away with any of these emotions, then you are doing it in your own strength (grudgingly, with a hard heart, and judgmentally)!

When you are led by God to do anything, you are at peace, nothing deters you and you understand others pain and suffering without denying yourself of your needs! There will be people who we are not able to help no matter what - never overlook prayer! 

No one sets out to live a selfish life; however, many of us go down that path! All of us work hard at something; but what many do not realize is that when we replace working for God instead of man, then our thoughts and actions change! Never look forward to a selfish life of focusing totally on ourselves – if that is your idea of “a job well done”, then ask God for living water!

The woman was surprised that a Jew would ask a “despised Samaritan” for anything—usually they wouldn’t even speak to them!—and she remarked about this to Jesus. He replied, “If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for some living water!” “But you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this is a very deep well! Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, are you greater than our ancestor Jacob? How can you offer better water than this which he and his sons and cattle enjoyed?” Jesus replied that people soon became thirsty again after drinking this water.  “But the water I give them,” he said, “becomes a perpetual spring within them, watering them forever with eternal life.” (John 4:9-14 TLB)

Biblical Conviction Series Part 4 of 4

In the final Biblical Conviction Series, I had in my mind who and what to present; however, God led me to read the book of Joshua. After reading just a few chapters, it is evident that Joshua is truly a man of biblical conviction.

In the book of Joshua as you read Joshua Chapter 1, you will find in Chapter 1:6 “Be strong (confident) and of good courage”, Chapter 1:7 “Only you be strong and very courageous”, Chapter1:9 “Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous”, and Chapter 1:18 “Only be strong, vigorous, and of good courage”. 

Now I’m sure you are wondering why God reminded Joshua four times in Chapter 1 to be strong, confident and of good courage; I did also, until God revealed to me why He continued to remind Joshua of obtaining and maintaining these characteristics. 

“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go”. (Joshua 1:7 AMP)

Joshua served Moses during his leadership; and was devoted to and loved God. So God chose Joshua to succeed Moses and lead the people into the Promised Land. To lead thousands of people anywhere is a substantial responsibility; but Joshua accepted the call on his life!

Joshua had many obstacles to overcome before the people could possess the land, as well as enemies to defeat. If he, in any way, doubted God and was not obedient to His Word, it would prohibit Joshua from receiving God's power as well as His instructions and guidance to possess it. In addition, the people would lose faith in Joshua; and begin to put their trust in things instead of the only true God! He would only succeed with trust, dependence, and obedience to God and His commandments! As stated in Joshua 1:7, “Turn not from it to the right hand or the the left, that you may prosper wherever you go”. God is saying, "Do not look any where and to anyone but Me"!

   Rahab letting down the spies!

I do not own the rights to this photo

Joshua Chapter 2 is a very profound chapter of Rahab, a harlot! Although she deeply feared for her and her family's life, as well as her native people; she also possessed courage when she understood the concept, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours"! She said, "If your God can part the Red Sea and conquer the Amorite Kings of Sidon, and Og; surely He will give us into your hands"! (Joshua 2:20 AMP)

Rahab states, "Since I've hidden you safely, I ask you to spare me and my family from death". (Joshua 2:12 AMP) The spies agreed, but instructed her to do two things, place the scarlet rope in the window, and secure your family in the house. If anyone leaves, they are not responsible for their death. (Joshua 18-20 AMP) She agreed and the spies went out safely to report to Joshua that God is truly given them all of the land; because the people greatly fear us! (Joshua 2:24 AMP)

This print is showing the Priest going before the people with the Ark of the Covenant in the Jordan River!

I do not own the rights of this photo

Through out the Book of Joshua, God instructed him to do many things that led the Israelites to victory - parting the Jordan River (Joshua 3:16-17 AMP), walking around the wall of Jericho one time for six days, and the seventh day, walk around it seven times. Blowing the trumpet and shouting loudly, crumbled the wall and allowed the Israelites to attack and conquer them - except Rahab and her family! (Joshua 6:14-17 AMP) Nearly losing God's favor over them when Achan confiscated spoils in Jericho, that God forbid all of them to do. He and his family, cattle, and all belongings were stoned to death and then burned! Wow, that took courage - and obedience! (Joshua 7 AMP)

Joshua also reminded the Israelites, and those to come, of the miracles God performed by commemorating and establishing altars Victory after Victory! Which is imperative to bring to thought and memory of how God provided, protected, and kept them healthy along the journey to the Promised Land! 

Walking around the Walls of Jericho with the Ark of the Covenant!

I do not own the rights to this photo

Biblical conviction is not for the faint of heart, It requires boldness, courage, and tenacity! Joshua truly was a man of biblical conviction. He stayed true to God, and did not allow anyone to cause him to stumble, fall, or serve anyone but God!

“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. (Joshua 24:15 AMP)

 Many of us allow riches and wealth to overtake us that soon leads us down an unrighteous path to destruction! We value the money, more than we value God!
Do not hurry up God or think you can hide from Him! He will bless you; whereas, He blesses us in His timing, and His way; which is always righteous and victorious! 

Apart from God we can do nothing!
 

 

Itr's the Simple Things!

You do not have to spend a fortune on your children to keep them happy and entertained! Yes I am a Mother and Grandmother and I have witnessed parents today who invest in things that truly do not hold their value, the child's interest very long; and severs the parent/child relationship. Purchasing expensive toys does not prove anything except raising a child who will soon become selfish, demanding and self-centered. Your child will not fall apart if you put your foot down and tell them "no"; and neither will you!

He who spares his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. (Proverbs 13:24 NKJV)

There are numerous things you can do at home with your child that is creative and fun. Children love a challenge and one of the most practical things to do at home (if space allows) is to set up a card table with a puzzle that is beyond their age level. When they come to you and say they are bored, steer them towards the puzzle and watch a very determined child, determined to figure out how to put that puzzle together (They will sit there for hours doing it also)!

Replace soda pop with a healthy Slushy! I remember one of my Great Aunts would put ice and 100% orange juice in a blender and make Orange Juice Slushies during hot summer days! We loved them! You can use fruit juices, water enhancers, etc. Again be creative! Create a scavenger hunt in the house using index cards with clues that are a combination of math and word definitions! Again, learning as well as having fun! I created a scavenger hunt, years ago, during Sunday school class. I had the class locate scripture in the bible; whereas, I didn't put what book the scripture was located; and used scripture as clues to locate specific leaves, stones, and flowers outside. They met the challenge and exceeded my expectations (I’m glad to know they were paying close attention in class), and wanted to do it again the next Sunday!

                                                                               Homemade watermelon slushy!

It's the simple things that intrigue a child! Winter is coming and the cold weather does not permit anyone to stay out for long hours and be adventurous; so think outside the box. If you do purchase a Wii or X Box, limit their time on it, so they can do other things that involve movement, and exercising the brain. 

Reading an appropriate book of interest is a very good exercise for the brain and comes highly recommended. Reading was mandatory for both of my children, at grade school level. They had one hour before bed to read a book or magazine to wind down. (Set aside a time that is good for your household) Have your child get in the habit of carrying a book with them when they know they are going somewhere with a long wait - such as the doctor's office too!

My son loved sports as a young child and still does, so my sister subscribed him to Children’s Sports Illustrated and he would read it from cover to cover. Even reading magazines broadened his vocabulary, as well as learning geography! Yes, he knew almost all of the 50 state capitals by associating them with the state of the ball team! Hey, he was reading, and often! My daughter loved to read and still does also; but she enjoys all types of books. 

Both of my children were and still are very intelligent; however, if they are inquisitive about something they do not know, I remind them to go to the library – and they do frequent it often. I'm saddened that many do not gravitate towards the library as often as they used to!

In addition, establish your own family traditions! I have adult children now in their thirties (with children), and they had chores, we created fun things to do, and we ate as a family at home except on Fridays. Friday was our day to dress up and go to a sit down restaurant so they could learn proper dinner etiquette.

Saving money is good, but building relationships with your children, teaching them how to create, challenge their intellect, and exercise the brain, develops a successful child! It’s an investment you will get a return on! 

                                           Math puzzle with answers!

Biblical Conviction Series Part 3 of 4

The beginning [of the facts] of the good news (the Gospel) of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

² Just as it is written in the prophet Isaiah: Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will make ready Your way—

³ A voice of one crying in the wilderness [shouting in the desert], Prepare the way of the Lord, make His beaten tracks straight (level and passable)!

⁴ John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness (desert), preaching a baptism [obligating] repentance (a change of one’s mind for the better, heartily amending one’s ways, with abhorrence of his past sins) in order to obtain forgiveness of and release from sins.

⁵ And there kept going out to him [continuously] all the country of Judea and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, as they were confessing their sins.

⁶ And John wore clothing woven of camel’s hair and had a leather girdle around his loins and ate locusts and wild honey.

⁷ And he preached, saying, After me comes He Who is stronger (more powerful and more valiant) than I, the strap of Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to stoop down and unloose.

⁸ I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:1-8 AMP)

I

I have read these verses several times; as I know many of you have, and it did not even register in my brain of the words prepare, and beaten. John the Baptist was anointed by God to prepare the minds and hearts of the people to receive Jesus; and bring to their attention the sinful lives they were living – and how unacceptable it was in the sight of God!

That word prepare had a profound effect on me, just in my everyday living! If I did not prepare my children’s clothes for school the next day (when they were small) or their lunch; I did not have a peaceful, organized morning! The day did not start off well and escalated as we moved along! Another incident that came to mind was meals. Pondering over what to eat that day did not sit well with my husband or my children; because by 5 O’clock they were ready to eat. Needless to say, dinner was not ready by then; and because of my indecisiveness, the negative emotions escalated from everyone! They were hungry; I was frustrated and rushing leads to mistakes! 

Now what does this have to do with John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus and how does anyone prepare someone to receive and welcome Jesus into their lives? Prepare in the dictionary is defined as: to make (something) ready for use or consideration. Well it’s not as complicated as one would think! He simply said, “John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness (desert), preaching a baptism [obligating] repentance (a change of one’s mind for the better, heartily amending one’s ways, with abhorrence of his past sins) in order to obtain forgiveness of and release from sins”. (Mark 1:4 AMP) When anyone of us is exposed of our wrong doing, we either want to change, or reject it! Those who avidly read the bible already know many were inquisitive as to what the change would bring, fully repented and allowed John the Baptist to baptize them. 

 Well-Worn Path

I do not own the rights to this photo

Yes, I also mentioned the word beaten. Now bare with me on this one. Beaten is not an unfamiliar word, but in this text, it does not mean someone is doing the beating, but our own sinful ways are causing us to veer towards a path that is well traveled (a path that is showing the wear and tear of being used so much, it needs reconstruction and repair). Sin leads to so many negative things that before we know it we are beat up, tore up, and fed up! So stay on the straight and narrow path (living a righteous life [I did not say you wouldn’t make mistakes because you will], but I mean to choose right things over wrong things) that leads to your divine destination! 

Now I want to discuss Mark l:6: 

“And John wore clothing woven of camel’s hair and had a leather girdle around his loins and ate locusts and wild honey”. 

  

Although when you read the above verse, if you are like me, I didn't give it a second thought - until I asked for wisdom and knowledge of God's Word. Well let me explain. John was living in the wilderness. Scripture does not say he lived in a tent in the wilderness; nor does it elaborate much on what resources he had, where he slept, etc.; it just tells us what he wore and ate. This is my assumption of John’s wilderness: He was vulnerable to attack from predators, in constant discomfort of the heat during the day, and the cold at night, adjusted to sleeping under the stars (I'm sure storms came, so he had to locate shelter from it) and being caught off guard from unexpected visitors. I’m sure God provided protection, in addition to the tools and the right mentality to do so; but again, that was my assumption. Anyone who is fearful could not have lived the way John did. It takes a person who is fearless, has tenacity, is bold and courageous. Many animals today, if you are in the wilderness will flee from you, unless they are predators. Wilderness living will either be desert, forest, or a combination of both. Scripture clearly states that John lived in the desert wilderness. I am knowledgeable that deserts are extremely hot during the day and cold at night; with temperatures falling as low as 30 degrees.

                                                                     Jordan River declining today!

I do not own the rights to this photo

Camels were used in the desert for travel, because their bodies are equipped to do so with very little interruptions.Their hair is very soft, but woolly to protect them from the harsh sand storms and strong winds. Camels are characterized as mild-mannered, tolerant, and have great endurance. If any of you have ever worked with the public, we know that people can be unruly and very hard to deal with, so it takes all of the characteristics of a camel to engage with people of unruly character, therefore, John the Baptist was well equipped with all of the resources and supplies he needed to encourage the sinners, stay warm, and endure negative talk!

 

I also want to elaborate on his leather girdle around his loins. This tells me John was a man of conviction and he understood humility. He did not exemplify a man of wealth in the physical and worldly view. He also kept himself pure from sexual sin; therefore, keeping his mind clear and focused on what God ordained him to do.

Biblical and leather Chasity belt! (Not exact replica, but close) 

I do not own the rights to this photo

The last point I want to make is his diet. Although it seems disgusting to us, it was very well balanced and healthy. Locusts; and many bugs too numerous to mention, contain vitamins, minerals, natural sugars and protein our body needs; and are very low in calories. It takes quite a few to fill you up, but bugs produce very fast and in massive quantities. WOW, that’s God! They also contain fatty acids and minerals that boost the immune system, prevent inflammation of the body organs, and cancer. This is what studies have found today! Nor does it surprise me, because I already know our God supplies all of our needs and He created everything for our pleasure and enjoyment! Scripture tells us that God said; "For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). (II Peter 1:3 AMP)
 

Now let's discuss wild honey. It has numerous minerals, vitamins, natural sugars, contains hormones, antimicrobial, and antibacterial elements; as well as boost the immune system. I had had enough of diets that did not work; and practically starving myself to lose weight. I finally reached out to God in prayer and ask for help. One of the foods he said my body needed was honey. After researching it, it is very beneficial for my body; whereas, I have Graves’s disease and severe allergies; and both are stemmed from a low immune system. Our bodies digest honey different from table sugar also. The glucose in honey does not require enzyme digestion; but table sugar has to reach the small bowels where the enzymes are located to fuel the energy in the body ~ there you have it! I bet, from now on, you will invest in local honey as a sweetener and a staple in your pantry for your good health! 

Grasshopper locust

I do not own the rights to this photo

To endure the wilderness, a healthy diet (but not a diet everyone could withstand), being ridiculed, mocked, and secluded, tells me, John the Baptist was a man of conviction; and by his actions; demonstrated his strong belief in God!

He was also be-headed by King Herod! Why? Because, Herod married his brother Phillip's wife; and John the Baptist revealed to him it is incest and wrong in the sight of God (sin)! None of us want to hear of the wrong things we are doing; and many are in denial! We want to do what we want to do - right or wrong!  

Now King Herod had the authority on earth to kill John the Baptist; but his power could never rule over God's power in Heaven. Scripture says;, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.". (Matthew 10:28 NIV) Now I am not the judge, but I do know that King Herod did face judgment - under fire!