Category Archives: Bible Study

Bible Study, Life Issues, Politics and Current Events, The Bible

Qualities of a Good Leader from Proverbs: Part I

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Qualities of a Good Leader from Proverbs: Part 1

Most of us have had “leaders.” They come in the form of parents, employers, church leaders, principals, mayors, and presidential leaders. The Book of Proverbs delves into the qualities of good leaders and bad leaders. The Bible mentions good (wise) leaders and bad (evil) leaders all throughout the Old and New Testament.

Today, in all occupations we find leaders from both extremes and some in-between. Just as in the Bible, there are leaders today who are:

  • Good leaders who remain good all their lives;
  • Bad leaders who remain bad all their lives;
  • Bad leaders who turn into good leaders; and
  • Good leaders who turn into bad leaders.
There are good leaders, bad leaders, bad leaders who turn good, and good leaders who turn bad.
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As a point of trivia, it is interesting the House of Israel had more bad kings than the House of Judah. Today, let us look only at the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

The Southern Kingdom consisted of two tribes (Judah and Benjamin). The Kingdom extended in the north as far as Bethel, while in the south it ended in the dry area known as the Negev. Its eastern and western boundaries were the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. Jerusalem was its capital and it lasted from about 922-586 B.C. ¹

During this period in history, there were eight kings considered good kings and eleven kings considered bad kings in the Southern Kingdom. Out of the eight good kings, two bounced between the two extremes during their lives. King Asa, King Jehoshaphat, King Uzziah, King Jotham, and King Hezekiah, and King Josiah are noted in most commentaries as “good” kings. King Joash and King Amaziah are recognized as kings who did right in their youth, but evil in their old age.

Let us take King Jehoshaphat as an example of a good king. Jehoshaphat ruled the House of Judah between 873-849 BC. He was 25 years old when he became king. He established peace between the Kingdom of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel. He eliminated Baal worship in Judah. He desired the approval of God when attempting to recover Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians. Jehoshaphat had a very successful military career. He encouraged the worship of God and reformed the justice system. He died when he was 60 years old leaving a Kingdom who loved him. ³

Qualities of a Good Leader: Book of Proverbs ²

  • Knows wisdom and instruction [discipline]; Proverbs 1:2
  • Receives instruction in wise dealing in righteousness, justice, and equity; Proverbs 1:3
  • Gives knowledge and discretion to the youth; Proverbs 1:4
  • Listens and increases in learning; Proverbs 1:5
  • Obtains guidance; Proverbs 1:5
  • Fears the Lord; Proverbs 1:7
  • Walks in the way of righteousness; Proverbs 8:20
  • Embraces God’s instructions; Proverbs 8:32-33
  • Walks with integrity; Proverbs 10:9
  • Gives thought to his steps; Proverbs 14:15
  • Acts cautiously and turns away from evil; Proverbs 14:16
  • Their prayers are acceptable to God; Proverbs 15:8
  • Speaks with divine wisdom and never judges unfairly; Proverbs 16:10 (NLT)
  • Commits their work to the LORD; Proverbs 16:13
  • Life shows in their face; Proverbs 16:15
  • Acquires and seeks knowledge; Proverbs 18:15
  • Shifts out the wicked from the good; Proverbs 20:26 AMP
  • Conducts themselves with purity and unrighteousness; Proverbs 21:8
  • Possesses strength and their knowledge enhances their might; Proverbs 24:5
  • Has an abundance of counselors; Proverbs 24.6
  • Leads their land [their territory] towards stability; Proverbs 28:2
  • Understands justice; Proverbs 28:5
  • Builds up their land [their territory/the people]; Proverbs 29:4
  • Knows the rights of the poor; Proverbs 29:7
  • Possesses self-control; Does not listen to lies; Proverbs 29:12a
  • Faithfully judges the poor; Proverbs 29:14
  • Not hasty in words; Proverbs 29:20
  • Does not drink excessively [or at all]; Proverbs 31:4b
  • Judges righteously; defends the rights of the poor and needy; Proverbs 31:9

List is not exhaustive.

Today, as we look at our bosses, our parents, our government leaders, or anyone who has a leadership role over us, look and see how many of the qualities above they possess. While we are all human and not perfect, possessing some of these qualities is a good start to becoming a good leader in whatever field or occupation we find ourselves in today.

Next Week: Qualities of a Bad Leader from Proverbs: Part II

God Bless You.

PATTIGREENE.eps-(1

Bible Verses: See above.

Prayer: 

LORD, help me to be a good leader. Allow me to follow good role models in my life, so I can become a person with integrity and good standing with You and others. My heart’s desire is to become more like you in every situation and circumstance I face.  In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

¹ “The Kings of Judah.” Web. 22 June 2016. <bible-history.com>.

² The Holy Bible: English Standard Version containing the Old and New Testament. Wheaton: Crossway, 2001.

³Losch, Richard R. All the People in the Bible: An A-Z Guide to the Saints, Scoundrels, and Other Characters in Scripture. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 2008.

If you liked this article and would like to receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please click here and scroll down on www.GreenePastures.org to subscribe. It is an easy way not to miss any posts in your feed! Moreover, I would love seeing you as part of the Greene Pastures Community.

My Books – Available on Amazon or can be ordered at any retail book store.

To order Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

To order Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer

Comments are always welcome. And, I would love to see you subscribe to my blog. To sign up for Newsletter and/or blog, click here.

On my blog, I want to write about topics that serve your needs and about what matters to you. I strive to help you with your needs and interests. Therefore, I am inviting you to share your interests with me so the content I write about will be more relevant to you. Please comment on this blog or email me at pattilondagreene@gmail.com for confidentiality.

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Bible Study, Test Your Knowledge, The Bible

Test Your Knowledge [Men in the Bible]

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Test Your Knowledge [Men in the Bible]

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Here I am again – Making up a test for Father’s Day! As I have mentioned before, ever since I was a 2nd-grade teacher, one of my favorite ‘educator activities’ was designing tests, quizzes, and worksheets! Since Father’s Day is around the corner, I wanted to make up a short TRUE and FALSE test about Men in the Bible. Try it just for fun. Not a test taker? That’s okay.  Just forward it to a friend who is!

Have a blessed Father’s Day whether it is celebrating your dad, your grandfather, a friend, or just celebrating yourself.

I would love for you to honor a special man in your life by putting a 1 or 2-word description of them in the comment section of this blog, i.e. Dad-Helpful; Grandpa-Loves God; Late Grandfather-So kind; Step-father-Provider.

True or False Trivia Quiz – 5 points / question.   TOTAL SCORE: __________%

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Men in the Bible

  1. _____ Solomon was David’s second son by Bathsheba.
  2. _____ Methuselah was the last of the minor prophets and the writer of the last book of the Old Testament.
  3. _____ Joshua accompanied Moses part of the way when he ascended Mount Sinai to receive the two tablets.
  4. _____ Reuben was the eldest son of Jacob and Leah.
  5. _____ Simeon’s mother was Eunice and his grandmother was Lois.
  6. _____ Barabbas was a robber whom Pilate proposed to condemn to death instead of Jesus.
  7. _____ Naaman was cured of blindness when he dipped himself 7 times in the Jordan River.
  8. _____ Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands in prayer when fighting the Amalekites.
  9. _____ Maoch was a wise man and legal expert consulted by King Xerxex.
  10. _____ Josiah became king over Judah when he was 7 years old.
  11. _____ Jesus said, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
  12. _____ Ben-Hur was the first of a list of twelve district governors appointed by Solomon to oversee his kingdom.
  13. _____ Belshazzar was the new name given to Daniel.
  14. _____ Gauis was one of Jesus’ travelling companions.
  15. _____ King Hezekiah was a godly king.
  16. _____ Jahziel was a synagogue ruler in the area of Lake Galilee and was an example of a man of faith to Mark and Luke.
  17. _____ Jethro was Moses’ father-in-law.
  18. _____ Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar were friends who sought to comfort Job when he encountered calamity.
  19. _____ Joseph’s brothers stripped Joseph of the multi-colored tunic his father gave him.
  20. _____ Pudens was one of Joab’s friends.

SCROLL DOWN FOR ANSWERS

The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair. Proverbs 20:29
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Brookwood Community
Glorious Wall at Brookwood Café, Brookshire, Texas

Quick Answers:

  1. True
  2. False
  3. True
  4. True
  5. False
  6. True
  7. False
  8. True
  9. False
  10. False
  11. True
  12. True
  13. False
  14. False
  15. True
  16. False
  17. True
  18. True
  19. True
  20. False

Detailed Answers:

  1. True; However, Solomon was the first son after their legal marriage, but their first child died. 2 Samuel 12:16-25
  2. False; Malachi was the last of the minor prophets and the writer of the last book of the Old Testament.
  3. True; Exodus 32
  4. True;  Genesis 29:32
  5. False; Timothy was a young disciple; His mother was Eunice and his grandmother was Lois. 2 Timothy 1:5
  6. True; John 18:40
  7. False; He was cured of leprosy not blindness. His cure is alluded to in Luke 4:27.
  8. True; Exodus 17:10-12
  9. False; Marsena was a wise and legal expert. Esther 1:14. Maoch was the father of Achish. 1 Samuel 27:2
  10. False; Josiah became king over Judah at 8 years old. 2 Kings 22:1
  11. True; Matthew 11:28
  12. True; 1 Kings 4:7-9
  13. False; Belteshazzar, not Belshazzar, was the new name given to Daniel. Daniel 1:7
  14. False; Gaius was one of Paul’s travelling companions. Acts 19:29
  15. True; 2 Kings 18-20
  16. False; Jairus was the ruler presented as an example of faith to Luke and Mark. Mark 5:22-23
  17. True; Exodus 3:1
  18. True; Book of Job
  19. True; Genesis 37:23
  20. False; Pudens was one of Paul’s friends. 2 Timothy 4:21

God Bless.

PATTIGREENE.eps-(1

Bible Verses:

The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Proverbs 23:24

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

And do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your fathers. Jeremiah 17:22

Prayer: 

My heavenly Father, Thank you for my father, my grandfathers, and all the men influences I have had in my life. Teach me to respect them and care for them. If there are ways I have hurt them or they have hurt me, give me the courage to repent and/or to forgive them. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

If you liked this article and would like to receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please click here and scroll down on www.GreenePastures.org to subscribe. It is an easy way not to miss any posts in your feed! Moreover, I would love seeing you as part of the Greene Pastures Community.

My Books – Available on Amazon or can be ordered at any retail book store.

To order Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

To order Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

Comments are always welcome. And, I would love to see you subscribe to my blog. To sign up for Newsletter and/or blog, click here.

On my blog, I want to write about topics that serve your needs and about what matters to you. I strive to help you with your needs and interests. Therefore, I am inviting you to share your interests with me so the content I write about will be more relevant to you. Please comment on this blog or email me at pattilondagreene@gmail.com for confidentiality.

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Bible Study, Church and Ministry, Friendship, How to Guides, People in the Bible

Purah: A Servant of Gideon

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Purah: A Servant of Gideon

Do you have a “PURAH” in your life? For the sake of this article, a “PURAH” is the one person who is always loyal to you, who shows up just when you need him, and always wants the best for you.

As I was reading Judges 7:10, I ran across a man named Purah. He is mentioned only one time in the entire Bible, so most people would think of him as an insignificant person.

I decided to read more about this man. I have three reference books that are packed with entries about fascinating people in the Bible. I looked through all three books and there were NO ENTRIES for Purah. It looked like I was correct in my conclusion that he was indeed an insignificant figure in the Scriptures.  But when I re-read about Purah, he was significant — significant to Gideon, and significant to obtaining God’s desired outcome.

The Midianites were oppressing Israel while Israel was doing what was evil in the sight of the LORD. An angel of the LORD came to Gideon and told him that the LORD was with him. Then, after Gideon asked why all these bad things have happened to the Israelites, the LORD said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”

God called Gideon into the ministry of saving Israel. Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal, then he asked for signs from God to be sure of his calling. When God reduced Gideon’s army of 22,000 men to only 300, the LORD said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped the water, I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” That same night the LORD said to him, ‘Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant.” Gideon went down with Purah , and defeated the Midianites. [Judges 7]

Do you have one person who is always loyal to you, who shows up just when you need them, and always wants the best for you?
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Have you ever been in a tough situation? Have you ever been fearful? Has God ever put that one special person in your path just to help you? This is what happened with Gideon.

Not only was Gideon called to do a work for the LORD, Purah was also called to be instrumental in getting God’s work done by being an encourager to Gideon. Both men were essential to the task at hand.

God knew Gideon was encountering fear. How would you feel if you had only 300 men to defeat an entire army? However, God loved Gideon and provided him with a strong wonderful man called Purah to offer encouragement, comfort, and protection. Purah was there for Gideon.

Many times those ministering for the LORD become discouraged, fearful, depressed, weak, and needy; when these times occur,  they need a PURAH. Are you available and in the right spiritual mindset to be used in that capacity? Maybe you are the PURAH someone else needs. Maybe you are the one called to work alongside someone going through a difficult or challenging situation.

Or maybe you need a PURAH today. God has called you to do an insurmountable task — one that seems too overwhelming to tackle on your own. Keep your eyes open for God to provide the encouragement to pursue it. God may provide help through a person who will comfort and encourage you to be all God wants you to be.

I have a friend for whom it seems I find myself there only during major crossroads in her life. We keep in touch occasionally, but I always seem to be around when she needs major help. Her beloved dog was being “put to sleep” one day – I felt so impressed to go with her and be with her through the ordeal. Another time, this same friend had surgery, and I was there to bring food and comfort her. I was her PURAH in those circumstances.  A PURAH bears one another’s burdens.

The LORD knew Gideon needed strength to fulfill God’s calling in his life. And God provided it through Purah.

But, why Purah?

In The Wisdom of Purah: Gideon’s Mentor ,¹ Writersfield states . . .

  1. Purah was more experienced, older in age and more mature than Gideon;
  2. Purah was loyal to Gideon; and
  3. Purah took pleasure in seeing Gideon get credit for what Purah had done.

When we find a friend like that, we have found a treasure!

How to be a PURAH

  • Keep yourself in God’s Word;
  • Pray for opportunities to be used by your Heavenly Father;
  • Ask God to let you recognize the signs to fulfill His will;
  • Be a loyal friend, family member, church member, and employee;
  • Be a confidant;
  • Be humble;
  • Don’t harbor jealousy;
  • Be available;
  • Be grateful;
  • Think of others before yourself.

God Bless,

PATTIGREENE.eps-(1

Edited by E. Johnson

Bible Verses:

Read Judges 7: 1-18 ESV

Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

The LORD said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.’” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.

And the LORD said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ shall not go.” So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, “Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink.” And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. And the LORD said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley.

That same night the LORD said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant. And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the armed men who were in the camp. And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the people of the East lay along the valley like locusts in abundance, and their camels were without number, as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance. When Gideon came, behold, a man was telling a dream to his comrade. And he said, “Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat.” And his comrade answered, “This is no other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp.”

As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the LORD has given the host of Midian into your hand.” And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon.’”

Prayer:

Oh Lord, make me an instrument to be used by You. Prepare me to be someone’s PURAH. The depths to which You can use me are enormous. I am scared. I feel unable. I feel unworthy. You can make my heart secure in what You want me to be and do, so I lay my trust upon You to make me everything You desire. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

¹ ¹ https://writersfield.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/the-wisdom-of-purah/

If you liked this article and would like to receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please click here and scroll down on www.GreenePastures.org to subscribe. It’s an easy way not to miss any posts in your feed! And, I would love seeing you as part of the Greene Pastures Community.

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To order Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

To order Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

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Comments are always welcome. And, I would love to see you subscribe to my blog. To sign up for Newsletter and/or blog, click here.

On my blog, I want to write about topics that serve your needs and about what matters to you. I strive to help you with your needs and interests. Therefore, I am inviting you to share your interests with me so the content I write about will be more relevant to you. Please comment in this blog or email me at pattilondagreene@gmail.com for confidentiality.

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Bible Study, Prayer

10 Quotes on Prayer

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10 Quotes on Prayer

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It has been a very busy week for me. I am care-taking my mom in my home. I am the primary person in charge of remodeling my parent’s home. I am trying to make some headway in writing my next devotional prayer journal. I attended a retirement party for a wonderful librarian friend. I spent much needed time getting my hair dyed, and I met and had my picture taken with actress Renee Zellweger! [Yes, she is charming!] So, instead of pressuring myself to write a “real” blog this week, I decided to share 10 quotes on prayer that I ran across as I was researching PRAYER for my upcoming book. I hope you enjoy them!

  1. How can we know whether or not our requests are in line with God’s will? Ultimately, the only sure guide in this, as in every aspect of the Christian faith, is the divine revelations disclosed in Scripture. Stanley J. Grenz in Prayer: The Cry for the Kingdom
  2. Prayer is a time when we should balance our resignation to God’s will with humble expectations resting on His goodness. Richard L. Pratt, Jr. in Pray with Your Eyes Open
  3. Pray that your adult child will have the wisdom to always seek the counsel of godly and wise people. Stormie Omartian in The Power of Praying for your Adult Children
  4. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God for things agreeable to His will. That puts the center of prayer where it belongs — not on the things we ask for, but rather upon God and His will. Charles L. Allen in All Things are Possible Through Prayer
  5. I wholeheartedly believe that if you genuinely desire to follow Him, He will move heaven and earth to show you His will. How can I say this for certain? Because in order for you to accomplish the good goals God has designed for you to achieve, you must know what He has called you to be and do. (Ephesians 2:10). Charles Stanley in Waiting on God: Strength for Today and Hope for Tomorrow
  6. That which is gained speedily by a single prayer is sometimes only a second-rate blessing; but that which is gained after many a desperate tug, and many an awful struggle, is a full-weighted and precious blessing. Charles H. Spurgeon in The Power in Prayer
  7. At its base, prayer is talking with God. We can pray alone or in a group: silently or aloud; using a written prayer or a spontaneous one. But to be in prayer is more than just speaking words. Scripture portrays a life of continual prayer, meaning a kind of openness toward God in all we do (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Our entire lives should be prayers to God, exhibiting the praise and love of our Creator and Savior. Rose Publishing in What the Bible Says about Prayer
  8. Prayerlessness . . . could be defined as that state in which one prays less than he ought, less than the Father desires, and less than that one himself knows he should. Jack R. Taylor in Prayer: Life’s Limitless Reach
  9. When the answer to our prayer does not come at once, we should combine quiet patience and joyful confidence in our persevering prayer. Andrew Murray by With Christ in the School of Prayer
  10. When you wait on the Lord, you can know for certain that the best is yet to come . . .  always. Charles Stanley in Waiting on God: Strength for Today and Hope for Tomorrow

God Bless.

PATTIGREENE.eps-(1

Bible Verses:

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. Matthew 21:22

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let you requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. James 5:13

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  Matthew 6:9-13

If you liked this article and would like to receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please click here and scroll down on www.GreenePastures.org to subscribe. It’s an easy way not to miss any posts in your feed! And, I would love seeing you as part of the Greene Pastures Community.

Web Page: www.PattiGreene.com

To order Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

To order Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

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Comments are always welcome. And, I would love to see you subscribe to my blog. To sign up for Newsletter and/or blog, click here.

On my blog, I want to write about topics that serve your needs and about what matters to you. I strive to help you with your needs and interests. Therefore, I am inviting you to share your interests with me so the content I write about will be more relevant to you. Please comment in this blog or email me at pattilondagreene@gmail.com for confidentiality.

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Bible Study, Friendship, Most Recent Post, People in the Bible

Glorious Friendship

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Glorious Friendship

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Have you ever received a GLORIOUS email or letter from a friend? I love it when I get either a beautiful letter (snail mail type letter) or a touching email from a friend.

One Saturday morning, I received an early morning email from a friend saying she had the day free if we wanted to get together. I had told her there was something the Lord wanted me to talk to her about. Understandably, she perceived it as something she did not want to hear. In fact, she said, “Let’s get it over with!”

Even so, plans were made. My husband was going to be gone. She came over and as I usually do when I am with this friend, I make a list of everything we need to cover to be sure we don’t miss any vitally important conversational topics. Yes, I am a list maker — mainly because I don’t want to forget anything I want to talk about.

My friend came. Sitting on my two couches was not intimate enough, so we ended up on the floor leaning against a couch, chatting, sharing family pictures on my computer, and going through the list. She was pleasantly surprised that what I wanted to share with her was not what she was expecting to hear, but she was willing to come expecting a Word from God through me. She did get a Word from God, but not the one she was dreading me to share with her.

We laughed; we were serious; we ate chocolate cake and drank hot “British” tea. We hugged. We parted.

After an entire afternoon of chatting, laughing, and catching up with my friend, the next day I received the following email from her.

Thanks a million for yesterday, ’twas an awesome mother-daughter roll up-your-sleeves and sit on the floor fun day catching up & chowing down a great chocolate cake. We should have one more before you hop home for Christmas. Enjoy a lovely week.

That is what friends are for. To share, to encourage, to love, to give, to receive, to laugh, to be serious with, and to have fun with.

Make time for your friends. Enjoy those times with your friends and be grateful for them. And, if you don’t have friends like that, I pray that you will be able to have the courage to invite someone to share life with you.

In God’s goodness, I turned to my Bible reading plan today. And, guess what? My reading was about the deep friendship David and Jonathan embraced in the Old Testament. As I read 1 Samuel 18-20, I gleaned some dynamic traits found in true friendship.

Characteristics of a Good Friend

  1. The souls of friends are knit together; 1 Samuel 18:1
  2. Friends love each other like themselves. 1 Samuel 18:3
  3. Friends are generous towards each other. 1 Samuel 18:4
  4. Friends delight in each other. 1 Samuel 19: 1-4
  5. Friends protect each other from harm. 1 Samuel 20:9
  6. Friends help each other discern what is best [for each other] and then share it with them. 1 Samuel 20:12-31a
  7. Friends desire to spend time together. 1 Samuel 20:13b
  8. Anticipate through the course of a close friendship, others may be jealous of the friendship. 1 Samuel 18:6-16
Friends help each other discern what is best [for each other] and then share it with them. 1 Samuel 20:12-31a
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Bible Verses:

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. Colossians 3:12-14

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

Prayer:

O Gracious Heavenly Father, I need a real friend — someone I can share my feelings, my past, and my future desires with. I am asking you to give me that kind of friend. I need someone who I can email, call, and visit with without judging me. Let me be the kind of friend I need to be to the friends you bestow upon me. God, you are all-powerful. I know you can move friends around the world just for me if you want to. I love you and I am waiting for the blessings of friendship. In Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.

God Bless.

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If you liked this article and would like to receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please click here and scroll down on www.GreenePastures.org to subscribe. It’s an easy way not to miss any posts in your feed! And, I would love seeing you as part of the Greene Pastures Community.

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To order Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

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Comments are always welcome. And, I would love to see you subscribe to my blog. To sign up for Newsletter and/or blog, click here.

On my blog, I want to write about topics that serve your needs and about what matters to you. I strive to help you with your needs and interests. Therefore, I am inviting you to share your interests with me so the content I write about will be more relevant to you. Please comment in this blog or email me at pattilondagreene@gmail.com for confidentiality.

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Bible Study, People in the Bible, Test Your Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge [Women in the Bible]

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Test Your Knowledge [Women in the Bible]

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I just LOVE making up tests. Ever since I was a 2nd-grade teacher, one of my favorite ‘educator activities’ was designing tests, quizzes, and worksheets!

Since Mother’s Day is around the corner, I wanted to make up a little fun activity about Women in the Bible. Try it just for fun. Not a test taker? That’s okay.  Just forward it to a friend who is!

Have a wonderful Mother’s Day whether it is celebrating your mom, your grandmother, a friend, or just celebrating YOU.

I’d love for you to honor a special woman in your life by putting a 1 or 2-word description of them in the comment section of this blog, i.e. Mom-So kind; Grammy-Fabulous cook.

True or False Trivia Quiz – 5 points / question.   TOTAL SCORE: __________%

Women in the Bible

  1. _____ Hannah prayed specifically for a son.
  2. _____ Eve was created from a rib.
  3. _____ Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s mother, was the reason Jesus performed his 1st recorded miracle.
  4. _____ Deborah was one of Israel’s most charismatic judges.
  5. _____ Anna, the prophetess, was childless.
  6. _____ Abishag was a beautiful Shunammite woman who tended King David in his old age.
  7. _____ Salone, Herodias’ daughter, was responsible for John the Baptist losing his head.
  8. _____ Ruth was a Jewish convert who passed her faith on to her grandson Timothy.
  9. _____ Abishag had a son named Obed.
  10. _____ A well-known woman in the Bible said, “Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.”
  11. _____ Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas) was a seamstress and made tunics and other garments.
  12. _____ Rachel was the woman Jacob was tricked into marrying by a deal connived by her father Laban.
  13. _____ Mary complained to her sister Martha because Martha was just sitting around talking to Jesus.
  14. _____ Naomi was the great-great-grandmother of Israel’s most revered king – King David.
  15. _____ The servant Rhoda saw Jesus when she answered a door, so she ran to tell others.
  16. _____ Deborah, daughter of Jacob and Leah, was raped and her brothers wanted revenge.
  17. _____ Gomer was the prostitute that God told Hosea to marry.
  18. _____ The Queen of Sheba traveled to see King Solomon to test his wisdom.
  19. _____ Mary, Jesus’ mother, said “How will this be since I am a virgin?”
  20. _____ Lydia was the mother of Mark.

SCROLL DOWN FOR ANSWERS

Flower on bamboo. Isolated on white

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
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Quick Answers:

  1. T
  2. T
  3. F
  4. T
  5. T
  6. T
  7. T
  8. F
  9. F
  10. F
  11. T
  12. F
  13. F
  14. T
  15. F
  16. F
  17. T
  18. T
  19. T
  20. F

Detailed Answers:

  1. True; 1 Samuel 1:11
  2. True; Genesis 2:22
  3. False; Mary, Jesus’ mother, was the reason Jesus performed his 1st recorded miracle John 2:1-10
  4. True; Judges 4
  5. True; Luke 2:36-37
  6. True; 1 Kings 1:4
  7. True; Matthew 14:8
  8. False; Lois was Timothy’s grandmother. 2 Timothy 1:5
  9. False; Obed’s parents were Ruth and Boaz. Ruth 4:22
  10. False; This quote is attributed to Corrie Ten Boom – a Dutch Christian who, along with her father and other family members, helped many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust during World War II.
  11. True; Acts 9:36-39
  12. False; Leah was the woman Jacob was tricked into marrying by her father Laban. Genesis 29:14 – 29:30
  13. False; Martha complained to Mary because she was just sitting around talking to Jesus. Luke 10:38-42
  14. True; Ruth 4:17
  15. False; Rhoda saw Peter when she answered the door. She was so excited she left Peter standing outside while she ran to tell others. Acts 12:12-16
  16. False; Jacob and Leah’s daughter’s name was Dinah. She was raped and her brothers did take revenge. Genesis 34:1
  17. True; Hosea 1:2
  18. True; 1 Kings 10:3-4
  19. True; Luke 1:34
  20. False; Lydia was a Christian Thyatiran woman and a seller of purple goods. Rhoda was the mother of Mark. Acts 12:13

God Bless.

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Bible Verses:

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22
Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Proverbs 31:29
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Prayer: 

My heavenly Father, I am so grateful to you for giving me everything I need to get along in this life. Thank you for my mother, my grandmother, and all the women influences I have had in my life. You truly are my LORD and Savior. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

If you liked this article and would like to receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please click here and scroll down on www.GreenePastures.org to subscribe. It’s an easy way not to miss any posts in your feed! And, I would love seeing you as part of the Greene Pastures Community.

Web Page: www.PattiGreene.com

Order now for Mother’s Day!

To order Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

To order Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

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Comments are always welcome. And, I would love to see you subscribe to my blog. To sign up for Newsletter and/or blog, click here.

On my blog, I want to write about topics that serve your needs and about what matters to you. I strive to help you with your needs and interests. Therefore, I am inviting you to share your interests with me so the content I write about will be more relevant to you. Please comment in this blog or email me at pattilondagreene@gmail.com for confidentiality.

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Bible Study, Christian Living

Surprising Proverbs

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 Surprising Proverbs

As a teenager, I had a healthy, holy regard for the Bible from afar. But, once I began to read the Bible at the age of 16 years old, I was awed that this HOLY BOOK contained some of the funniest and most profound things I had ever seen. One of the funniest proverbs I read as a new believer was about how it was better to live in the corner of an attic than with a crabby woman in lovely home. [Proverbs 21:9] I pictured my future husband hanging out in an attic because he couldn’t stand to be around me. Of course, it was funny because I wasn’t married at the time. Then, I read about a dog who returns to his vomit, just like a fool repeats his folly. [Proverbs 16:31] Finally, I read about how white hair is a crown of glory and is seen most among the godly. [Proverbs 26:11] — It made me think of my Grammy! Once I read verses like those, I was hooked into reading more of these surprising Proverbs. Believe it or not, those verses were what God used to get me interested in reading more of the Bible!

I love the word “PITHY.” My definition of a proverb is, “a brief, pithy statement voicing a wise truth regarding how we should live or how we should not live.”

The Book of Proverbs is an Old Testament book. Many of the proverbs come from King Solomon who spoke these words in the 10 century B.C. Solomon’s 3,000 wise sayings and 1,005 contains wisdom sayings for everyone — from the very young to the aged. God wants to instruct us on how to be a better person. He does this through this little instruction book by discussing the fear of God, reckoning, human speech, human sexuality, and more.

‘The purposes of the book of Proverbs are stated in the prologue to the wisdom collections in Proverbs 1:2-7.” They include:

  • Know wisdom and instruction
  • To receive teaching in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity
  • To help the simple gain prudence and the youth to gain knowledge and discretion
  • To increase learning and to acquire skill in understanding
  • To understand proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles, and
  • To learn the fear of the Lord.¹

I can’t help but encourage all of you to read this awesome book. Reading the Book of Proverbs will make you laugh, cry, inspire, and convict you. Today, let’s look at one proverb or phrase from each of the 31 chapters of Proverbs. Hopefully, these will excite and motivate you to read the entire chapter. Determine to read one chapter of Proverbs each day for a month. What a wonderful way to study this outstanding book. And, for all you women reading this blog, check out Proverbs 31 – It’s written just for you!!!

Determine to read one chapter of Proverbs each day for a month. #GreenePastures.org
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Surprising Proverbs: Verses from The Living Bible

Proverbs 1:7-9 How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord! Only fools refuse to be taught. Listen to your father and mother. What you learn from them will stand you in good stead; it will gain you many honors.

Proverbs  2:1-5 Every young man who listens to me and obeys my instructions will be given wisdom and good sense. Yes, if you want better insight and discernment, and are searching for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wisdom will be given you and knowledge of God himself; you will soon learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.

Proverbs 4:24 Spurn the careless kiss of a prostitute. Stay far from her.

Proverbs 5:18 Be happy, yes, rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Proverbs 6:10-11 “Let me sleep a little longer!” Sure, just a little more!  And as you sleep, poverty creeps upon you like a robber and destroys you; want attacks you in full armor.

Proverbs 7:1-3 Follow my advice, my son; always keep it in mind and stick to it. Obey me and live! Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart.

Proverbs 8:33-34 “Listen to my counsel—oh, don’t refuse it—and be wise. Happy is the man who is so anxious to be with me that he watches for me daily at my gates, or waits for me outside my home!

Proverbs 9:6 Leave behind your foolishness and begin to live; learn how to be wise.

Proverbs 10:4 Lazy men are soon poor; hard workers get rich.

Proverbs 11:13 A gossip goes around spreading rumors, while a trustworthy man tries to quiet them.

Proverbs 12:20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting for evil; joy fills hearts that are planning for good!

Proverbs 13:11 Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.

Proverbs 14:17 A short-tempered man is a fool. He hates the man who is patient.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels.

Proverbs 16:3-4 Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed. The Lord has made everything for his own purposes—even the wicked for punishment.

Proverbs 17:27-28 The man of few words and settled mind is wise; therefore, even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays him to keep his mouth shut.

Proverbs 18:17 Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight.

Proverbs 19:21 Man proposes, but God disposes.

Proverbs 20:13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Stay awake, work hard, and there will be plenty to eat!

Proverbs 21:14 An angry man is silenced by giving him a gift!

Proverbs 22:1 If you must choose, take a good name rather than great riches; for to be held in loving esteem is better than silver and gold.

Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father’s advice and don’t despise an old mother’s experience.

Proverbs 24:17-18 Do not rejoice when your enemy meets trouble. Let there be no gladness when he falls— for the Lord may be displeased with you and stop punishing him!

Proverbs 25:2 It is God’s privilege to conceal things, and the king’s privilege to discover and invent. You cannot understand the height of heaven, the size of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind!

Proverbs 26:17 Yanking a dog’s ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn’t any of your business.

Proverbs 27:1-2 Don’t brag about your plans for tomorrow—wait and see what happens. Don’t praise yourself; let others do it!

Proverbs 28:5 Evil men don’t understand the importance of justice, but those who follow the Lord are much concerned about it.

Proverbs 29:20 There is more hope for a fool than for a man of quick temper.

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

Proverbs 31:10-12 If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems! Her husband can trust her, and she will richly satisfy his needs. 12 She will not hinder him but help him all her life.

I hope you enjoyed this little trip through the Proverbs.

If you have a favorite proverb, I would love to hear it in the comment section!

God Bless.

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Bible Verses:

See above.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I want to be a wise person. Please show me what I need to do and what I need to learn to be more like you. Help me to read through your Holy Scriptures with an understanding given from the Holy Spirit. I need you in my life and I need to be constantly close to you. Give me power to be committed in Bible study and prayer. If I don’t have you by my side, my life will spiral out of control and I don’t want that. Thank you for who you are and how you are going to lead my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please subscribe at www.GreenePastures.org

Web Page: www.PattiGreene.com

To order Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

To order Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

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Comments are always welcome. And, I would love to see you subscribe to my blog. To sign up for Newsletter and/or blog, click here.

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¹ Hill, Andrew and John H. Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 2000.

Bible Study, Test Your Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge: Easter Quiz

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Test Your Bible Knowledge [Easter Trivia Quiz]

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Typically, Easter Sunday is the most well-attended Christian church service of the year. But what is Easter? It is the season where Christians pay tribute to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, Christians believe that Jesus was raised from the dead three days after He was crucified on the Cross and through His death, burial, and resurrection. Christians also believe that Jesus Christ paid for all our sins and through Him, we can have eternal life.

Let’s see how much we know about the Easter Season! If you don’t know the answers, take a guess. Then, scroll down and see the answers along with both a short answer and a more detailed Biblical explanation below. Great way to test your kid’s knowledge too!

Questions

  1. How many hours was Jesus on the cross? a. 3 hours, b. 6 hours,  c.  9 hours, d. 12 hours;
  2. Jesus died on the cross so . . . a.  Angels would come and protect us, b. We could be happy, healthy, and wealthy in this life, c. We would be forgiven of our sins, d. We could understand the Old Testament;
  3. After Jesus died, whom did he send to help his followers? a. The Greeks, b. His angels, c. John the Baptist, d. The Holy Spirit;
  4. What Old Testament prophet predicted that a messenger would announce Jesus’ coming to earth? a. Jeremiah, b. Isaiah, c. Ezekiel, d. Micah;
  5. In the Gospel of Luke, what did the men who were holding Jesus in custody do to himP? a. Mocked him, b. Beat him, c. Blindfolded him, d. All of the above;
  6. Who was compelled to carry Jesus’ cross behind him? a Simon of Cyrene, b. Barabbas, c. Peter, d. Caiaphas;
  7. After Jesus’ death, who took Jesus’ body away with Pilate’s permission? a. Mary-Jesus’ mother, b. Joseph of Arimathea, c. Nicodemus, d. Simon Peter;
  8. To whom did Jesus say the following? “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father, to my God and yours.'” a. Nathanel of Cana, b. Thomas, c. The angels; d. Mary Magdalene;
  9. Where was Jesus crucified? a. Antioch, b. Corinth, c. Golgotha, d. Nazareth;
  10. Pilate addressed the crowd desiring to release Jesus, but the crowd kept shouting, a. Who does he say that he is? b. Crucify him, crucify him! c. Are you the son of God? d. Worthy is the Lamb, Worthy is the Lamb.

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Short Answers

  1. b
  2. c
  3. d
  4. b
  5. d
  6. a
  7. b
  8. d
  9. c
  10. b

Detailed Answers

  1. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. Matthew 27:45 From the sixth hour. —The first three Gospels agree as to time and fact. Assuming them to follow the usual Jewish reckoning (as in Acts 2:15; Acts 3:1; Acts 10:3; Acts 10:9) this would be noon, the fixing to the cross having been at the third hour, 9 A.M. (Mark 15:25), and the darkness lasting till 3 P.M. St. John names the “sixth hour” as the time of our Lord’s final condemnation by Pilate, following apparently the Roman or modern mode of reckoning from midnight to noon. Looking to the facts of the case, it is probable that our Lord was taken to the high priest’s palace about 3 A.M. (the “cock-crow” of Mark 13:35). Then came the first hearing before Annas (John 18:13), then the trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, then the formal meeting that passed the sentence. This would fill up the time probably till 6 A.M., and three hours may be allowed for the trials before Pilate and Herod. After the trial was over there would naturally be an interval for the soldiers to take their early meal, and then the slow procession to Golgotha, delayed, we may well believe, by our Lord’s falling, once or oftener, beneath the burden of the cross, and so we come to 9 A.M. for His arrival at the place of crucifixion. From Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers.
  2. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die, death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:6-11
  3. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.  John 14:26
  4. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. again; Isaiah 40:3
  5. Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” Luke 22:63-64
  6. As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Luke 23:26
  7. After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. John 19:38
  8. Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” John 20:16-17
  9. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). Mark 15:22; [Golgotha, often called Calgary, is the Biblical name for the place where Jesus was crucified. It is located right outside the walls of Jerusalem.]
  10. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” Luke 23:20-21

God Bless. I want to wish you a wonderful Easter Sunday. And, if you normally don’t go to church, why not go this Easter? God would like that! And, so would your family!

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Bible Verses:

See above.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you so much for dying on the cross for my sins. Let me always be grateful for how you have changed my life. Thank you that I can know I have eternal life through you. Lord, be with my friends and family who do not know you as Lord and Savior. May they be convicted by your Holy Spirit to make the most important decision of their entire life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please subscribe at www.GreenePastures.org

Web Page: www.PattiGreene.com

To order Awaken Me: Growing Deeper in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer

To order Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer (A Devotional Prayer Journal) by Patti Greene, click here.

Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Bible Study and Prayer

 

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Bible Study, Life Issues, Politics and Current Events

Poverty and The Poor

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Poverty and the Poor

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The last few days I have been thinking a lot about poverty and Lagos, Nigeria. My husband and I resided in Lagos during 2013-2015. We saw a lot of poverty as we traveled within the city. I know there is poverty in the United States, but the poverty in Lagos was different than what we had seen in the United States of America.

Poverty is a global problem, but the poverty I saw in Nigeria was more bothersome than what I had seen in the USA. Maybe it was because I was unaccustomed to it – maybe not. Each nation may have different issues to consider, but the results usually involve what most people think poverty is – a lack of food, clothing, and shelter.  Knowing that poverty is a very complex issue, I decided to look at some of the issues that led up to poverty in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, many politicians were corrupt and governmental money was not being used to help the people in the country. We saw the imported products being unloaded from the docks because manufacturing, agriculture, and entrepreneurship were limited due to lack of education or funding available. Buildings dangerously toppled down from lack of codes or enforcement. Transportation and roads needed a throughout upgrading. Getting used to an electrical system where your electricity goes out 5-10 times per day was strange. Schools, hospitals, and medical facilities were in need of an upgrade. The majority of the economy’s focus was on oil production, but there was pilfering of oil, unequal distribution of the oil’s wealth, and disdain by many locals towards the oil companies. Beggars were commonplace. I ran into a lot of “workers” who felt they deserved a handout just because we supposedly had more money than they did. Paying a bribe for safety or special favors began to seem logical after a while. In our short time there, we experienced two close calls with criminal behavior. And being an avid newspaper reader, I read many newspaper articles about the living conditions of the people in the northeastern part of the country being killed and displaced due to the terrorist organization Boko Haram.

The first step of my research for this blog involved trying to figure out who really were “THE POOR.” I decided to search the Bible to find out what God had to say about the poor. While I couldn’t find a definitive definition in the Bible of who exactly the poor are, I found multiple words and phrases about the poor in Strong’s Concordance with Hebrew and Greek Lexicon. From various verses throughout the Bible, the poor were noted as weak, hungry, indigent, needy, of the lowest class, impoverished, reduced to beggary, afflicted, wretched, lean, powerless to accomplish and end. In addition, Strong’s mentions the Greek word ‘ptόchos’ defines the poor as:

One who crouches and cowers; beggarly; destitute. The Greek word ptōxόs defines the poor as deeply destitute, completely lacking resources (earthly wealth) – i.e. helpless as a beggar. It relates to “the pauper rather than the mere peasant, the extreme opposite of the rich.”

Andrew Wilson interviewed Natalie Williams in his article Who Are the Poor. In that article, Williams states,

One biblical characteristics of poverty is [you are] powerless to raise yourself out of your circumstances.”

It is my opinion that since not all poor people are destitute, it would be wise to look at poverty and the poor in the context of each Scripture that addresses the issue. That is a challenging task since the word ‘poor’ and/or related words are mentioned in the King James Bible hundreds of times.

  • Poor – 205 times
  • Poorer – 1 time
  • Poverty – 15 times
  • Beggar – 3 times
  • Destitute – 8 times
  • Needy – 38 times
  • Penury – 2 times

Living in Nigeria made me wonder what God’s attitude toward poverty is. I noticed that poverty was affecting good people as well as bad people —maybe not equally, though. I noticed many Godly people who were poor and I noticed many ungodly people who were rich. It saddened me to see the shame, struggles, and ruin that affected many poor people, but it also saddened me to see the rich and famous lack humility, peace, and an ungodly lifestyle. My conclusion regarding poverty is that poverty does not have to lead to an ungodly life, but life is still tough. In the Bible, the word ‘poor’ most often referred to a person’s economic situation. But in each Biblical and/or current story on poverty, the causes and circumstances surrounding poverty are very different and complex.

Poverty will always exist in this world. Matthew 26:11
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Possible Causes of Poverty

  1. Sin; Genesis 3:17-19
  2. Trials/Misfortunes/Bad decisions i.e. stock market crash, bad investment, illness; Job 1:13-21
  3. Lack of discipline; Proverbs 13:18
  4. Idleness; Proverbs 10:4
  5. Neglect in giving; Proverbs 28:22
  6. Divine punishment; Proverbs 22:16
  7. Injustice; Proverbs 13:23
  8. Debt; Matthew 18:23-25
  9. Natural occurrences, i.e., tsunami, famine, tornado, hurricane, flooding; Genesis 47:20-22

Sometimes our attitude towards the poor has to do with why we “feel” a person is poor. We might not feel sorry for a person when they are poor because they don’t want to work and are just expecting a handout. When I see people asking for money on the street corners, I am a skeptic most of the time. I wonder why they are experiencing poverty or if they are really poor or even a fraud. I wonder what the cause of their poverty might be and then I make a judgment call. Whether that is acceptable or not, I do know that God is very specific about how He wants the poor to be treated.

How Should ‘The Poor’ be Treated?

  1. The poor should be treated fairly. Exodus 23:6
  2. The poor should not be mistreated. Galatians 6:9-10
  3. The poor should be cared for. Luke 3:11
  4. The poor should be helped generously. Jeremiah 39:10
  5. The poor should have special privileges. Exodus 23:11

We should show compassion for the poor among us. When we look at the early church, we see a Godly attitude shown by the first believers toward the poor. We see Jesus having compassion on the poor. The Bible says that when we show compassion toward the poor we will be rewarded. The Bible even gives some examples of the poor we should help – the orphans and the widows specifically. [Note: The family should be the first to help relatives, especially the orphans and widows in need.]

Poverty Principles

  1. Poverty will always exist in this world. Matthew 26:11
  2. God is concerned about poverty. Psalm 14:6
  3. People in poverty are expected to work if possible. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
  4. Family members are to help their poor relatives. 1 Timothy 5:8, 16
  5. People who are financially able should help the poor, i.e. gifts, food, clothing. Ephesians 4:28
  6. The church should help the poor. Acts 15:26

So far, I have spoken only of the physically poor. However, there is also the spiritual poor – those without Jesus Christ in their lives. And just as there are reasons for physical poverty, there are reasons for spiritual poverty. One may lack faith, understanding, or knowledge of God. This is where those who understand the redemptive power of Jesus Christ must pray for the Holy Spirit to change a person’s heart so that they will be drawn into loving relationship with Jesus. God does hear the prayers of the poor in spirit who are willing to trust Him for their daily needs.

I once saw a lady in Lagos on the street begging as she wearily walked up and down between the cars. Her shirt top was pulled down as she was nursing twins – one on each breast. She wore raggedy clothing. Her facial expression exhibited true despair. Her body screamed “malnutrition.” I don’t know about you, but in my estimate, she qualified as being one of the poor. You will run into people throughout your life that God will call you to minister to. They may be needy; they may be destitute; they may even be faking poverty. But by using your God-given wisdom and discernment abilities, He will show you what He wants you to do or how to help the poor! He really will!!!

God Bless,

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Bible Verses:

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. Proverbs 14:31

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matthew 16:26

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, when we see weariness, distress, and poverty, please allow us to discern who you want us to minister to – both physically and spiritually. Open our eyes to see everything we encounter through your eyes. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Strong’s Concordance with Hebrew and Greek Lexicon. 14 March 2016. Online. EliYah.com.

Wilson, Andrew. “Who are the Poor? A Conversation with Natalie Williams.” 14 Oct 2015. Web. 13 March 2016.

Zondervan Dictionary of Bible Themes. Ed.Martin H. Manser. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999.

Bible Study, Life Issues, Medical

Death, Dying & the Terminally Ill

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Death, Dying & the Terminally Ill

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The last few weeks I have been thinking a lot about death, dying, and the terminally ill. Many times we are forced into these thoughts by an event in our own personal life. That is why I am experiencing thoughts of death right now. However, it is not time yet to organize my thoughts to give a well-thought-out essay on the process of dying or how to care for a loved one at the end of their life. But I have thought about how prayer and God’s Word can strengthen those who are grieving over the anticipated loss of a loved one or those dealing with their own last days. Below you will find some meaningful Bible verses relating to the terminally ill and those soon expecting the death of a loved one.

Verses for the Terminally Ill

But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Psalm 49:15

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. Ecclesiastes 8:8

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.Isaiah 43:2

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. John 10:27-29

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live”,  John 11:25

She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” John 11:27

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14:8

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:1-6

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:4-5

Verses for those expecting a Loved One’s Death

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15

A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. Ecclesiastes 7:1

No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. Ecclesiastes 8:8

and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah41:10

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. John 10:28-29

Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” John 13:7

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

God Bless.

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Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, be with all of us who dealing with the death of loved one or friend or the impending loss of someone dear. Give us your comfort. Give peace to those in the midst of a terminal illness. Let them accept your gift of grace and love to get through this difficult time in their lives. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

To receive email notifications of new posts or to receive monthly newsletters, please subscribe at www.GreenePastures.org

Web Page: www.PattiGreene.com

Comments are always welcome. And, I would love to see you subscribe to my blog. You will see the sign-up feature on any of the Greene Pasture blogs.