Category Archives: Christian Living

Christian Living, How to Guides

Decency Matters

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Decency Matters

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I love to be around decent people. Being around decent people makes me feel liked, happy, and valued. When I am around decent folks, I feel like they are genuinely interested in my life and in what I think.  And, who doesn’t like compliments, honest praise, encouragements or even a kind smile? Being decent at work allows for a better working environment. Being decent at home creates a happy home habitat. Being decent in any situation builds goodwill among people. We talk about having a decent standard of living, a decent home, a decent pizza, a decent block party, a decent workshop, and decent hardware for a hover board, but we don’t talk enough about being a decent human being. In fact, I cannot recall ever hearing a sermon on decency. Decency isn’t even a word found in the Bible, but its attributes are absolutely scattered and intermingled throughout the entire Word of God. Yes, decency matters.

Vocabulary.com suggests that . . .

Over time, decency has referred to manners, but today decency is mainly a strong sense of right and wrong, and a high standard of honesty. When a criminal or dictator does horrible things, people assume they have no sense of decency. When a tasteless or violent TV show becomes popular, some people wonder if society has lost its sense of decency.¹

If I had to choose between having good manners, being honest, possessing modesty, being civil, being courteous, being respectable, having dignity, and having a righteous virtue or not, I would choose the former. But, there are people who choose to be immodest, immoral, obscene, rude, and use obscenities. I wonder often why some people crave decency and others don’t.

I’ve been watching a lot of the 2015-2016 presidential debates and I haven’t seen a lot of decency going on between the candidates. DECENCY does matter because decency affects how a person acts, talks, thinks, makes decisions, and relates to people. I am convinced that a leader should be a decent person.

However, it isn’t easy to be decent. We struggle with being decent and sometimes we fail. We get mad at the man at the car wash that doesn’t get our car clean enough; we rip off an angry email to a co-worker because they criticize us. Our sense of worth tries to protect ourselves, and often we act in ways that are very unbecoming.

I went to Baylor University as a non-Baptist. The Bible was a mysterious book to me. It was a sacred book; thus I rarely held it, let alone knew how to use it other than the occasional times I randomly opened one up and pointed to some words. As fate would have it, I found myself in a required New Testament religion class with a failing grade 2/3 of the way through the course. I made an appointment with my professor. I told him I didn’t know what they were talking about in class most of the time; I didn’t understand how most people around me could easily contribute to class discussions; and I didn’t even know the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament, let alone what it meant when he put words with a colon and numbers on the board, i.e. John 3:16. He graciously asked me if I owned a Bible. I said, “No.” He mentioned that I should have a Bible to go along with the text book. I immediately told him that if that was the case, why didn’t the book store have a Bible listed as a required text book for the class? Without criticism or judgment, this kind professor took time out of his busy schedule to explain the basics of the Bible. He even shared with me the questions that were going to be on the next exam along with the answers. I left his office uplifted that he cared enough to listen and understand my predicament. But, more than that, I left knowing I was just in the presence of a decent man.

There are decent believers and there are decent non-believers. My husband and I were on vacation in Istanbul, Turkey last year. We were on a very crowded bus where people were jam packed. An elderly lady all hunched over wearing her black hijab got on the bus. My husband nodded at this woman to take his seat when he stood up. She did. She never said thank you – In her culture, woman are not allowed to talk to men or even look them in the eye. But, when her bus stop came and she was starting to exit, she turned to me and gave me a smile that said, “Thank you for your husband’s kindness.” Here decency begat decency. Anyone can be a decent person, and I am grateful for that. However, it is easier when you are helped by the Spirit of the Living God.

When we think of decent people today, many of the same characteristics Jesus possessed are embedded in the “decent” people we know, admire, and respect today.

12 Characteristics of a Decent Person

  1. Courageous:  Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left, Joshua 23:6
  2. Generous: It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. Psalms 112:5
  3. Good Reputation: A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,and favor is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1
  4. Humble: Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord. Zephaniah 2:3
  5. Integrity: Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. Proverbs 19:1
  6. Kind: The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. Acts 28:2
  7. Loving: You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18
  8. Modest:  Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 1 Timothy 2:9
  9. Patient:  Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. James 5:7
  10. Respectful: Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:7
  11. Responsible:  For each will have to bear his own load. Galatians 6:5
  12. Honest: Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. Proverbs 12:17

Jesus possessed many  of the characteristics above when He lived on this earth. He embraced purity, compassion, kindness, service, and humility. He was a man who resisted temptation, loved men, and persevered in pursuing and following God’s will for his life. These same type of characteristics are seen in men and women with character. But, in today’s world, we see rudeness, sinful behavior, egotism, and confusion. It is a sad commentary on the character of people.

How to Become a Decent Person

  1. Trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior through the forgiveness of sins and believe the Holy Spirit will help you.
  2. Read your Bible daily and follow the mandates and standards set by God.
  3. Pray for the courage to follow God’s leading.
  4. Ask the Lord to show you areas in your life that need to be changed.
  5. Pray for wisdom as to how to achieve these changes.
  6. Strive to develop the character of God in every area of your life.
  7. Rally around decent people. They will make us better people and we can learn from them.
  8. Draw near to God with a true heart with full assurance of faith within our hearts…and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:22-24

But, as we go about our lives, no matter what our religious persuasion, let’s try to follow the words of John Wesley.

Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.²

This week, spend some time thinking about how you would like to be regarded 25/15 years from now. Take a look down the road to your future persona. Imagine how you will act;  how you will relate to others; how you will behave; and how you hope to have ministered in the Lord’s name. Then, strive to become that person. As you immerse yourself in His Word and prayer, the Lord will not conceal His will from you. He has a plan for your life and as you become a more decent person with His help, your life will become more enriched and others will notice that you have become the “decent God-fearing” person you desire to be.

Yes, Decency matters.

God Bless,

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Bible Verses

If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. Leviticus  26:3-4

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I see so much evil and violence and unchristian behavior as I go about my daily life. I see so much evil, violence, and unchristian behavior in this society. There is indecency in the workplace, on television, and throughout the Internet. Lord, keep me safe so as I will not be swept into an ungodly lifestyle. Remind me continually that you want me to live a decent life.  When I read your Holy Bible, show me how my character can be changed to be more like you.  Let the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ dwell within me and let my fruits be used as I treat others with decency.  Allow me to aspire to a life of decency Lord for I know that being a decent person is what you want for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Awaken Me and Anchor Me (1)

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¹ Vocabulary.com. 29 Feb 2016.

² Wesley, John. Goodreads. 29 Feb 2016. www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/christian-living.

Christian Living, Life Issues

The Wilderness

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The Wilderness

Have you ever journeyed into the wilderness? The Israelites did. After spending time in Kadesh, the people of Israel turned and journeyed into the wilderness. God told them to be very careful as they passed through the territories before them. He reminded them that the Lord had blessed them and that He knows they are going through this great wilderness. (Deuteronomy 2:7) As a reminder to help the people, God reminded them they had lacked nothing for forty years.

But, what does a wilderness experience look like for us? It could be a job loss, an illness, and/or a depression. Or it may be even more horrific, like torture, kidnapping, abuse. No matter where you are or what you are going through, God cares for you. You are His children and He loves you. He is the one that will see you through it. He will encourage and strengthen you.

When we find ourselves going through a wilderness period in our lives, we should follow the same instructions the Lord gave the Israelites.

  1. Remember to be careful;
  2. Remember your blessings;
  3. Remember God knows you are in the midst of a wilderness period;
  4. Remember God has never let you lack before.
  5. Remember that God always brings His people out of the wilderness

The lion is considered the King of the Jungle. A male lion controls both his territory and every living creature in that territory. Lions have power and strength, but they can be overcome. As you face the lions in your life, remember that lions can be caged. Just as lions can be captured, so can your lions be put under control when you trust Jesus and get help when you need it from the people God brings into your life.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 2 Timothy 4:17 ESV

God Bless,

PATTIGREENE.eps-(1png-300x9

Bible Verses

The Temptation of Jesus

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.  And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”  But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. Matthew 4:1-11

I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet. Deuteronomy 29:5

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years.” Hebrews 3:7-9

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Help me to always remember how you lead the Israelites out of the wilderness. You took care of them and provided for them every step of the way. Give me the ability and the wisdom to always remember that you will take care of me – even if I move into a wilderness periods in my own life. Use my wilderness periods  to trust you more, to seek you more, and to abide in you more. Thanks Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Christian Living, Life Issues, Uncategorized

Consequences

We all have done something STUPID in our lives. I have. It can be that we haven’t thought through a situation, it can be that our emotions or thinking processes have been compromised due to drugs or alcohol or it can be we are influenced by others to participate in an unwise activity. Regardless, looming consequences for our actions may be just around the corner. But, even after our “s_ _ _ _ d” actions, we can turn to God, trust Him, and depend on Him to see us through.

I don’t like to use the word s_ _ _ _d, but in the case below, there is no other synonym that fits! Merriam-Webster’s thesaurus uses other words like airheaded, birdbrained, dim-witted, empty-headed, half-witted, and more, but honestly, sometimes s_ _ _ _ d is the only word that works. But so as not to offend anyone, I will substitute the word half-witted in this blog.

In the January 12, 2016 edition, USA TODAY posted an article about an Ohio fugitive who texted a photo of himself to the police to use after seeing a mugshot they posted he found unflattering.

“Here’s a better photo that one is terrible,” Donald “Chip” Pugh, 45 said in the text. He attached a selfie with him wearing a blazer and gold-rimmed sunglasses sitting in a car.

The police have a warrant out for him and his new photo is now posted on the police department’s Facebook page.

I don’t know about you, but I would call that half-witted.  As for me, every so often I have been known to do something half-witted too.

My Story

One Thursday, this past December, I was scrambling to get to the Olive Garden Restaurant to meet Dee for our annual Christmas gift exchange luncheon. Unfortunately, I got carried away with time causing me to leave home later than I anticipated. I deplore being late — even a little late. So, I reached for my cell phone to call Dee to notify her that I would late but realized in my rush to leave the house, I also left my cell phone at home. Not being able to call her made me doubly anxious about being late.

As I drove up to Cheddar’s, I absent-mindedly drove right passed the restaurant’s one and only entrance. To remedy the situation, I would have had to drive all the way down the service road to the next exit; make a U-turn and go under the freeway; drive all the way down to the correct exit; make a U-turn under the freeway; quickly veer to the right; and pray I didn’t miss the entrance the second time around. However, I decided not to do that. I turned quickly into the Olive Garden restaurant that was next to Cheddar’s. I pulled into a parking space that faced Cheddar’s. While I originally thought I could just walk over to Cheddar’s, there was a problem — a major problem! Between the two restaurants was a great big, deep overgrown drainage ditch that sloped at least 15 feet down.

No problem, I thought. Confident I could handle crossing the ditch; I took the plunge with my purse and a Christmas gift bag in tow and began my adventure down the ditch. I must admit, I was a little nervous as the grass became thicker and taller on my way down. I thought of withering snakes making contact with my feet in the grass, but I was too far down to turn back.

When I became closer to the center of the ditch, I felt a swampy wet sensation on my feet. Yes, I was wearing “my favorite, black, wedge-heeled flip-flop fastened to my foot by only a small strap”. And, before I knew it, when I was at the bottom of the ditch, my right foot slipped into muddy “quicksand” and I was being sucked in.  Within seconds, my right leg became entrapped all the way to my thigh by swampy, murky mud. I knew that I was in trouble and it would be awfully dangerous and hard to escape if I didn’t act quickly. I fell to the left, quickly dragging my right leg out of the muddy, putrid water and pulled myself to a wobbly standing position. My right flip-flop was entrapped in the murky sludge over three feet down; I looked back, like Lot’s wife, and saw my left flip-flop a few feet away. Scared to retrieve the left flip-flop, I ran up the other side of the drainage ditch like a mad woman.

Miraculously, at the top of the ditch, I pulled myself together and proceeded to walk into Cheddar’s, barefoot and all. As soon as I arrived, I saw Dee. After sharing the short version of what just happened, we checked in at the reception desk and the host brought us to our table. I hoped no one would see my soaking wet bare feet and my muddy jeans and ask me to leave. If anyone saw them, they didn’t say anything. From the waist down, I was freezing. It didn’t help that the restaurant’s AC was in full force right on our table either.

God works in mysterious ways! Dee happened to have a few bags of clothes in her car that she was going to drop off at the recycling center after our lunch, so she went to fetch them for me. I felt like the poor Samaritan who was being helped by the kind-hearted person passing by. I took a few pairs of socks, a pair of overalls 6 sizes smaller than I am, and a sweatshirt. I proceeded to the restroom to change. I had to walk all the way to the other side of the restaurant, pass by a ton of waiters and waitresses, just to get to the restroom where I could change. Mind you, no one mentioned my condition or bare feet or my smell. I was fortunate — I was able to put the tight overalls up to my waist when I unbuttoned all the buttons; I let the bib and straps hang down, and I put the sweatshirt over me.

Then, Dee and I had a lovely Christmas lunch!

The Secular Moral of this Story

Sixty-one-year-old females should never run down a 15-foot drainage ditch without expecting some kind of trouble. It’s just plain half-witted.

In my secular story, I was lucky — all I lost was “my favorite, black, wedge-heeled flip-flop fastened to my foot by only a small strap.”

But, when dealing in the spiritual realm, sometimes the consequences of our actions can be a lot more catastrophic.

The Spiritual Moral of this Story: Dealing with Consequences

If an individual decides to wander away from the right path, they might lose their virginity, their reputation, their license, their family, and/or more. But, as believers sometimes we do mess up. Temptations will always be upon us and our choices lead to consequences. However, there are some things we should all understand when we have done something half-wittingly.

We need to understand that . . .

  • God isn’t surprised when we do something unwise or sin.
  • If we sin, God will forgive us.
  • There are consequences to our actions.
  • God is compassionate.
  • We need to trust the Lord when we mess up.
  • God will help us out of our difficult situations, but we must let Him.
  • God knows we can make a bigger mess of our lives if we don’t let Him help us.
  • God knows why we do what we do or did what we did. He understands our poor judgment.
  • God sees the big picture of our lives.
  • God can use our mess-ups to develop our character.
  • God wants us to learn from our mistakes and become closer to Him by depending on Him for everything.
  • The Bible advises us to obtain wise counsel from people who can help us.

And please, whatever you do, try not to lose more than a pair of shoes like I did. It’s NOT worth it!

God bless you.

PATTIGREENE.eps-(1

 

Bible Verses

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Romans 7:15

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:10

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to always honor you in all I do. I can try on my own to be a good person, but I find myself failing so often. Teach me to think like you. Help me to behave like you Jesus. I need your wisdom and your mind to be all you want me to be. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/01/12/ohio-fugitive-hates-his-mugshot-sends-police-selfie-replace/78682094/

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Bible Study, Christian Living

Humility

What humility!

Hudson Taylor was scheduled to speak at a large Presbyterian church in Melbourne, Australia. The moderator of the service introduced the missionary in eloquent and glowing terms. He told the large congregation all that Taylor had accomplished in China, and then presented him as “our illustrious guest.” Taylor stood quietly for a moment, and then opened his message by saying. “Dear friends, I am the little servant of an illustrious Master.”¹

Humility is not a fashionable word to throw around. You don’t hear many people talking about it; it is very rarely spoken about from the pulpit; and if one says they are humble, it usually means they are not.

I knew when I wrote about PRIDE last week that I was obligated to tackle the tough topic of humility next. On a personal level, I desire to be humble, but I fear true humility is way beyond my reach. I feel more comfortable writing about topics I have some degree of knowledge about. But humility can’t be bought or achieved by intellectual means. It can only be obtained as we grow closer and closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. So, because the Bible addresses humility, I will attempt to give some perspective on it.

Michael M. Smith, the author of Becoming more like Jesus, defines humility as a trait that is “indispensable for growth in Christian character – for becoming like Jesus.”² As believers, we are called to be humble people. 2 Chronicles 7:14 states, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

To become humble we must be willing for the Lord to peel pride from our character and be totally God-centered like the Lord Jesus. However, we each have areas in our lives that usually hinder our quest for humility. And, we usually do not like sharing this personal information with others lest they glean something into our character that we don’t want them to see. As you read the next few paragraphs, think about some of the triggers that affect you from becoming more Christ-like, i.e. jealousy regarding a friend’s fabulous vacation; pride because your child received a higher SAT score than their peers; or coveting the larger, custom home of a co-worker.

Characteristics of Humility [a humble person]

  • Asks for forgiveness and says, “I’m sorry” quickly;
  • Rejoices and praises others, but not themselves;
  • Follows Christ’s example the best they can;
  • Possesses Authenticity;
  • Listens to God
  • Possesses a grateful/thankful spirit;
  • Gives generously;
  • Shows modesty regarding their achievements;
  • Enjoys serving others;
  • Loves others;
  • Possesses the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’;
  • Enjoys seeing God in everything;
  • Projects sincerity;
  • Holds wisdom close by;
  • Retains control over their tongue;
  • Waits patiently upon God;
  • Admits faults easily;
  • Overlooks the failures of others;
  • Enjoys giving others credit that is due them;
  • Understands that they have so much to learn in the spiritual realm;
  • Accepts personal responsibility;
  • Desires daily encounters with God;
  • Longs for a touch from the Holy Spirit;
  • Agonizes over sin;
  • Compares themselves to the Lord rather than other people;
  • Recognizes their need for continual repentance; and
  • A humble person will NEVER boast of their humility.

Jesus – A Biblical Example of Humility

The Bible has many examples of humble people: Samuel, Esther, David, Daniel, and more. But, the most humble person in the Bible has to be the Lord Jesus Christ. He washed the feet of his disciples. [John 13:12-17] He gave his heavenly father all glory and honor [John 5:19,30,41] But, the biggest act of humility anyone could give, is that he submitted to God so fully that he took the form of a servant, humbled himself, and became obedient to the point of dying on the cross for our sins. His love for God and us was that strong.

It is one thing to talk about how to recognize a humble person, but we need to get to the point where we pursue or desire to pursue that kind of life ourselves with our entire heart and soul. But how?

Pursuing a Life of Humility involves:

  • A willingness and desire to rid ourselves of pride and be humble like Christ;
  • Praying for humility;
  • Faith in God’s ability to humble us;
  • Studying His Word continually;
  • Depending daily on the power of the Holy Spirit;
  • Following His leadings;
  • Living a disciplined life free from sin; and
  • Understand that God expects us to be humble.

Humility does not appear overnight. It is a trait that takes time to develop. We need time to grow into a person who is permeated with wisdom and grace. We will be tested to see if we will follow Him in many different circumstances. We need time to be taught what is right and wrong. We need time for the Word of God to blend into our life and character. But, as we experience more of God, we will find following him much easier as days pass by. With His grace, God’s strength will be perfected in us. As we find ourselves falling more in love with God, His Word, and our time communicating with Him, we will grow in humility. We might not even notice it, but others will. Look for opportunities to practice humility. Pray for those opportunities. Let’s stop tooting our own horn and let God have His way with us because he really is our “Illustrious Master.”

Blessings Always,

Patti

Bible Verses:

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:7-11

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Romans 12: 10-16

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

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

Prayer:

Oh Jesus, I confess my proud spirit to you right now. Please give me the discipline to develop my character to become more like you. I desire your presence in all areas of my life. Make my prayer life and Bible reading be filled with your Holy Spirit’s leading, so I can be the person you designed me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

¹Wiersbe, Warren. Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching and Preachers. 7 Dec. 2015. p. 243.

²Smith, Michael. Becoming More like Jesus. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1999.

Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²) is an international network of independent bloggers who meaningfully blog—and who are serious—about matters relating to the Bible. Follow the members on Twitter using our BG² List.

Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²) is an international network of independent bloggers who meaningfully blog—and who are serious—about matters relating to the Bible. Follow the members on Twitter using our BG² List.

Christian Living, Life Issues

What is God’s Purpose for You?

What is God’s purpose for YOU?

I can’t say it any better than Gus Yepiz!!!

“…I will use you according to your designed purpose.”  This is profound and one area that God had to work on in my life. When we become Christians, Satan comes along and gives us this horrible assumption that God will turn us into “supermen”, able to leap tall building with a single bounce so to speak. We assume H…e will change our personality, give us new giftings, and replace our old talents with new ones. God never intended or promised any such thing! He never intended to take our broken pot made of clay and turn us into a vessel of gold, he only promised to take the pieces of the broken pot, turn them back into clay, and then remake the same pot using the same clay. The difference is that He has removed the dross and contaminants that caused the pot’s uselessness in the first place. It is like the master craftsman who cuts down the big oak tree on his land and makes from it a beautiful chair. Everyone is in awe of the woodwork and carvings of such a beautiful chair. Old women now sit on the chair and rest their weary feet, young men stand on it to reach the fruit from the orchard, a mother rocks and feeds her baby from the comfort of that chair. Such magnificent beauty, strength, and usefulness are now that oak chair’s portion! And that, of course, is exactly the point…, it is still by its very nature oak! The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. God doesn’t give us new gifts and personalities when we become Christians. He won’t turn our clay to gold or our oak to ebony in order to perform His work…, rather He says, “Stand back and watch what I can do with clay and oak!”

By Gus Yepiz
(Reproduction permission given by Glory Odemenene)

God, It's Me and Awaken Me

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    God, It’s Me – Coming Soon!
Christian Living, Friendship

My Housekeeper

I love my housekeeper.

Yesterday I received a Facebook post from my good friend Glory. It was simple and easy to read, but so powerful. It simply said, “Become friends with people who aren’t your age. Hang out with people whose first language isn’t the same as yours. Get to know someone who doesn’t come from your social class. This is how you see the world. This is how you grow.” I do not know the source of this statement, but knowing my friend who posted it, I feel sure she meant that this is how you grow as a Christian.

Glory's post FB 2

As an USA expat living in Lagos, Nigeria, I have now seen poverty, unbelievable health problems, corruption, and the tears of people reaching out to God for help. But, I have also seen the calm sweet spirit of those who love Jesus and want to be obedient to Him no matter what life has brought them.

In Nigeria, most expats have housekeepers, cooks, and drivers. I am no exception. Yesterday, I told my housekeeper to show up, but that she was not going to clean for me, because I wanted to take her out for a birthday lunch. I decided to take her to a simple place next to our flat where we could walk to and not spend too much time.

I was ready to go. Mary (not her real name) showed up in a nice, lovely suit for the occasion. I was just wearing my regular old jeans that I had worn the past two days. I was gently jolted into reminding myself that this lunch was a very special occasion for her. We arrived at the restaurant. Remember, it is Nigeria. We had to proceed through a scanner and have our purses checked before being allowed entrance. The table in the main restaurant was covered with a bright white tablecloth adorned with a lovely folded cloth napkin. I ordered a steak and French fries. She ordered a hamburger and French fries. She ate her French fries with a fork. We laughed. I told her that in America, we eat our French fries with our fingers. I made her order a dessert since it was her birthday. She ordered an apple pie to go. She wanted to share her special occasion by bringing something home to her husband and son. Throughout the meal, we shared our lives. She told me about her tribal wedding and her white wedding. She asked me if I drove a car. She was shocked that someone from the USA didn’t have a driver to drive them everywhere. She doesn’t drive. You see, there is no opportunity here for her to ever own a car. She takes multiple buses to get home after cleaning my flat – sometimes taking up to three hours to get home.

table set

One day I asked her what she really wanted if I could bring her one thing back from the U.S. Her answer wasn’t fancy clothes, toys for her son, or needed medicine. She wanted a new watch. Hers wasn’t keeping time correctly, so she wanted a new watch, so she wouldn’t be late to work.

The lunch ended. We walked back to my flat. She left. I sat down and I thanked God for an opportunity to share with someone who was not my age, someone I had to ask to repeat what she said when she jumped into her tribal dialect, and someone who definitely was not from my social class.

Then, later that night, when I read the post from my friend, I could totally relate to it, because I had just experienced it and lived it this very same day.

While my housekeeper thanked me for my kindness towards her, I thanked God for the blessing I had just received.

Bible Verses:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

“I will make them and the places around my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in its season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26

Six hours after I posted this blog, I received a message from Mary that I want to share. It is written exactly as she wrote it.

“Gudeven mum. I am very happy and appreciated for what u did for me .may almighty God reward u and bless ur family in jesus amen.I love u mum .thanks Mary.”

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Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²) is an international network of independent bloggers who meaningfully blog—and who are serious—about matters relating to the Bible. Follow the members on Twitter using our BG² List.

www.PattiGreene.com

Christian Living, Friendship

Sometimes God Just Gives Us a Blessing

I wasn’t expecting a blessing today.
It was a typical morning today in Houston, Texas. I got up, made my coffee, said goodbye to my son as he left for work. My couch is the usual spot for my quiet time. I balance my coffee cup on a coaster on the couch and read the Bible and pray. Today my devotional was on LAZINESS (Proverbs 13:4.) I thought about the fact that if someone writes a book, they are not lazy! It takes time, dedication, editing, more editing, and persevering. I said my prayers, wrote some notes to some friends, and got ready for my day. I picked up lunch at Taco Bell, went to Kroger, bought some Christmas presents at Palais Royal, journeyed to my friend’s house for a visit, and then returned home.I stopped at our mailbox on the way home only to be a little disappointed that there was no key in the box indicating I had a package. But, I did have a United States Postal Service Priority envelope. Honestly, I went through all my junk mail and then tackled the envelope. I saw immediately that it was from Lizzie. Lizzie (a.k.a. Elle Bee) is a young woman who attended the Sunday School Class my husband taught before we went on our little adventure to Nigeria.
The package was opened and I was so thrilled. I saw a book that Elle Bee had written and published. I was so happy for her, and was totally touched when I opened the book and read her sweet note to us. It said, “Patti and John, Thank you so much for everything you did for me. This book would never have been written without you. LB.” By this point I was more thrilled about her stick-to-itiveness to finish and publish this book. Then, I turned the page, and I had to sit down – I couldn’t even stand. This precious new author dedicated the book to our family. Never before have I been so honored as in that moment TODAY. The dedication read, “To the Greene family. For your support. For your love. And for your kindness.” By this point, I knew a “thank you email” was not going to be sufficient.
 I immediately called Elle Bee. I congratulated her and thanked her for her kind gesture even though it did not seem like it was enough. I told her how proud I am of her for all her hard work.

You see Elle Bee isn’t someone who has dreamed about writing a book all her life and is finally doing it – like me! She is a young, single lady in her 20’s who is dedicating her gifts and talents to the Lord now. She is truly following 2 Timothy 4:12 which says, “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”

Love you “Elle Bee.” Because of you, I received a blessing that I absolutely was not expecting today. Thank you.

Raised practically by himself, ten year old Charlie would like nothing more than to be left alone. Unfortunately, he is a magnet for attention, particularly of the negative degree. Bullying. Blame. Teacher disapproval. For the majority of his life, Charlie has been able to take the attention in a “grin and bear” it sort of way. But what will Charlie learn as he is whisked off to Thailand?

To find out more, check out The Evidence (Mission with Miss Bee BOOK #1) by Elle Bee; ISBN 978-1-312-15522-0.

To read more or to order an autographed book, go to Joseph’s Grain at http://josephsgrain.org.

Pictures shared by permission!

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Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²) is an international network of independent bloggers who meaningfully blog—and who are serious—about matters relating to the Bible. Follow the members on Twitter using our BG² List.

www.PattiGreene.com

Christian Living, Life Issues

Dealing with a Crisis

Many country crisis situations occur in Nigeria. One is a crisis going on right now at the Lagos Airport Cargo Terminal. Last week, custom clearing agents, who worked in the cargo section of the Muhammed International Airport, assaulted officials of the Nigeria Customs Service who came for an inspection of their warehouse.

Armored personnel were called in and many were severely injured during this violent clash. The end result was that cargo terminals have been closed while terminal security management figures out how to handle random people entering the cargo area, violence, inadequate national security issues, and how to clear the terminal of “unwanted” elements. The bottom line is that airport security at the terminal needs to be improved, but many are furious that the terminal buildings have been shut affecting  both revenues and companies that have their cargo currently locked up affecting goods purchased for their Christmas sales – including perishable items.  With criminals jumping fences and illegal access to gates that are not policed, this crisis has become a totally chaotic situation.

A newspaper article in This Day Live entitled Taming the Crisis at Lagos Airport Cargo Terminal says the main concerns with this crisis are:

–          A Porous Facility

–          An Inadequate Security, and

–          A Lasting Solution

That is exactly what happens in our lives when we are dealing with an insurmountable crisis that has become chaotic and uncontrollable.  When a crisis reaches that level, we need to check where the holes are, find the full-proof security, and come up with a lasting solution.

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First, you need to analyze what is coming into your life porously causing the instability and confusion. Are ungodly influences in your life? Have you been involved in any sinful behavior? Are your attitudes towards people or your circumstances entering your mind causing disruption in how you see your crisis? Second, where is your security? Is your solution to the crisis based on Jesus Christ? Have you confessed your sins and placed your security in the arms of your blessed Lord and Savior? Doing this will fill the inadequate security problem in our lives. When Jesus Christ is leading our lives, our security creates stability and assurance that God will take over and handle our problem. Finally, the lasting solution is in trusting God and seeking His will and His way out. It may involve making changes, require apologies, and/or disassociating from undesirable individuals. Reading the Bible and asking God to speak to you about your problem will bring you peace and a lasting solution to your crisis, but you must obey His Word and His leading as it is shown to you.

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Plugging up the holes that create porosity, finding the appropriate security in Jesus Christ, and trusting that God can provide a long-lasting solution is the means your crisis can be overcome and maintained.

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

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Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²) is an international network of independent bloggers who meaningfully blog—and who are serious—about matters relating to the Bible. Follow the members on Twitter using our BG² List.

www.PattiGreene.com

 

Christian Living, Prayer

Prayer, Hope, and Answers!

At certain times in our lives, we encounter situations that require us to lift up deep cries, wails, and prayers to our heavenly Father. These prayers may involve our health, our family, our loneliness, or a multitude of other circumstances. Let’s take a look at Hannah’s prayer and discover how Hannah felt and how the Lord chose to answer her prayer. Keep in mind that God always sees the big picture for YOUR life, and God’s answers are always designed especially for you or whomever you are praying for.

In 1 Samuel 1-2, we read that Hannah was married to Elkanah. Elkanah was a Godly man who loved Hannah very much; but the Lord had not blessed their union with any children. Peninnah, also Elkanah’s wife had children. Peninnah continually provoked Hannah because of her childlessness to the point she wept and would not eat.  Hannah was embarrassed and grieved with this harsh treatment. Have you ever been at the point, like Hannah, where you have experienced embarrassment, grief, and/or distress? If so, let’s look at the process that Hannah experienced and see if you find any similarities in your life.

  1. God loved Hannah. 1 Samuel 1:5
  2. Hannah had no children. 1 Samuel 1:5
  3. Hannah was embarrassed and grieved. 1 Samuel 1:6
  4. Hannah was provoked, so she wept and did not eat. 1 Samuel 1:6
  5. Her husband loved her. 1 Samuel 1:8
  6. Hannah was distressed. 1 Samuel 1:10
  7. Hannah prayed to the Lord as she wept bitterly. 1 Samuel 1:10
  8. Hannah vowed her unborn child to the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:11
  9. Hannah poured out her soul to Eli the priest. 1 Samuel 1:15
  10. Eli gave Hannah hope. 1 Samuel 1:17
  11. Hannah left with a good countenance and wasn’t sad anymore. 1 Samuel 1:18
  12. Hannah conceived and bore a son – Samuel. 1 Samuel 1:20
  13. Hannah gave her child to Eli as she vowed. 1 Samuel 1:24-28.
  14. Hannah rejoiced and glorified the Lord for his answer. 1 Samuel 2:1-2

How often do we find ourselves in one or more of the steps that Hannah found herself? When I read 1 Samuel 1, I became so impressed that Eli gave Hannah hope. And, it took that hope to get Hannah out of her funk. Proverbs 13:12a says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick. . .” It was hope that made Hannah’s countenance shine. She went away with hope. Through hope, her strength returned. She ate and left with a smile on her face (while still in the midst of her situation)!

When you are facing situations beyond your control, remember HOPE. Even Zophar, in Job 11:18, states, “And you shall be secure and feel confident because there is hope; yes, you shall search about you, and you shall take your rest in safety.”

If a friend or family member is in a distressful situation, give them hope. Tell them they can be secure in the Lord Jesus Christ by confessing their sins and trusting in Him. Pray for their perseverance to ease the sorrow they are facing during their difficult time.

In Luke 13, Jesus healed a woman who had been sick for 18 years. “She was bent over completely forward and utterly unable to straighten herself up or to look upward.” But she encountered Jesus and was “released from her infirmity . . . all the people rejoiced over all the glorious things that were done by Him.”

The complete verse in Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Amen!!! Keep praying and your longing will be fulfilled in His way in due time.

“For this child I prayed; and the LORD, hath given me my petition which I asked of Him.”

1 Samuel 1:27

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Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²) is an international network of independent bloggers who meaningfully blog—and who are serious—about matters relating to the Bible. Follow the members on Twitter using our BG² List.

www.PattiGreene.com

Christian Living, Prayer

Cocooning

Have you ever woken up feeling that you just want to go back to bed. You don’t want to think about the future. You don’t want to pick up the house. You don’t care if the dishes are left in the sink. And you don’t care about even opening the curtains to let a little light in. That’s what I call cocooning!

You just want to remain in the dark. You want to stay in a place where no one can see you. You want to be closed in where you can be alone with your own thoughts and even give yourself the freedom to have a pity party if you desire. And heaven help us if the doorbell rings. We don’t want any intrusions, so we pretend we aren’t home and pretend no one is behind the door. Sometimes these feelings stem from just being lazy. Other times it is because you have been too involved in the outside world that you need a break.

It is okay. It happens to all of us at one time or another.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s verb definition of cocoon is “to spend time at home instead of going out for other activities.” I am one of those people who likes to cocoon!

Usually when I am at home, I like my curtains closed most of the time. It isn’t because I don’t like the light; it is because when I am at home, I like to be truly at home – closed in; away from noise; away from outside pressures. I just like the secure-closed in feeling of being safe – of being allowed to think my own thoughts without distractions.

Jesus needed those times too. He needed to get away to pray by himself. He needed that quiet time to dwell on his life and his God-given mission. We need that too. But, with too much time to reflect, we can become so introverted that we are no use to others. Yes, closing in to relax and have time alone with God is necessary, but if when we find ourselves closing in without the spiritual tug to open ourselves up to be used by the Lord, we need to re-evaluate our motives.

Years ago, I had surgery. I had to stay in the house by myself for 2-3 weeks. Yes, I enjoyed the solitude needed for healing. I enjoyed the days getting up going to the fridge to get a drink, and then going back to bed surrounded by my blankets and my favorite books and reading materials. But, there does come a time when we need to get out. We need to experience life and be around other people.

If we find ourselves in a position where we feel we just can’t get out and face people, we need to muster up enough courage (with God’s help) and fortitude to be able to get going with life. It isn’t that we have to give up our quiet solitary life completely. But, we do need to ‘escape’ our cocoon and see what God has for us.

To do this, we must take time in our solitude to ask God for courage; to trust the Lord to show us how to be brave; how to minister to others; and when to cocoon back into the solitary we enjoy and many times need.

Mark 6:31 ESV

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Joshua 1:9 ESV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

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Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²) is an international network of independent bloggers who meaningfully blog—and who are serious—about matters relating to the Bible. Follow the members on Twitter using the BG² List.

www.PattiGreene.com