Mentoring on Modesty

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Modesty usually means that the parts of the body that do not need to be exposed should not be exposed. In most cultural terms, this is usually referring to one’s undergarments showing, too much bare skin, or very personal parts of the body.

In Islamic cultures, many Muslim women wear a hijab (headscarf) to show they are modest women. However, those who are more conservative might cover their entire body except for a little slit for their eyes. In some African cultures, their tattoos are considered as clothing. What you might find as modest in one culture might be considered ridiculous in another culture. As you can see, there are different definitions of modesty for different cultures and groups of people.

From my Christian perspective, I could write a very legalistic blog on the topic, but I’m not going to because I remember the day when I wouldn’t have listened to anyone criticizing my choice of clothing or appearance myself!

I can honestly say, “Been there! Done that!”

I remember that gorgeous skimpy shirt & short outfit I bought from the 579 clothing store when I was a teenager. I loved that outfit. I used to sneak it in my purse and change into it after I left my parent’s house. I really looked good in that outfit if I can say so myself. But, one day it disappeared. I never knew what happened to it, but I have the sneaky suspicious my mother somehow got rid of it even though to this day she denies it.

Then as I grew older and became more mature, I looked at how one dresses with a different perspective. One day as a high school librarian, I looked down the section where students were working on the computers and I was appalled when I saw the entire back of a young female student. She was sitting Indian style on the floor wearing a flat piece of fabric [in the front only] held together only by a little-attached tie around the neck. Do you see the visual? Working in a high school I saw way too many girls wearing shirts that cleavage showed and skirts that were way too short. I saw young men with their pants way lower than anyone would care to see; and believe it or not, I saw some teachers that did not seem to be dressed appropriately too.

. . . CHANGE OF TOPIC

I’ve heard many spiritually mature women finally feel ready in their Christian walk to share what they have learned on their Christian journey with others — especially to those younger than them. They may not feel “gifted” in that area, but they are realizing that God has been preparing them to be used in a deeper capacity. They are ready to take the experiences they have had and the knowledge and wisdom that the Lord has bestowed upon them to be used in a deeper, more applicable way. Many of these women are entering a stage in their life where they want to serve God fully, be an encourager and guide to others in their Christian walk. This desire comes when they fervently desire to see everything through God’s eyes and His eyes only. The timing of this desire varies, but many times it comes when a woman finds herself not working or caring for children at home anymore. There is more time at this point to serve God. Through their life, they have developed a deep intimacy with God and they have the experiences to prove it. Many of these women are encouraged to give of themselves to teach younger women after being convicted by the following verse.

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Titus 2:3-5 ESV

Their desire can take many different paths. Maybe they will teach a Bible study class; maybe they will mentor a new believer; maybe they will be available for counseling. Many different outlets are available to fulfill their desire to be used by God, but today I want to discuss just one of them — those who desire to teach younger women to be modest in their dress and appearance.

. . . BACK ON TOPIC

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,  but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness.

1 Timothy 2:9-11 ESV

HOW TO TALK TO YOUNG WOMEN ABOUT THEIR DRESS AND APPEARANCE [Modesty]

  • Keep your ears open more than your mouth. Listen more than talk. Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance. Proverbs 1:5
  • Build credibility with the girl(s) first by be genuinely interested in them before talking specifics. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
  • Give young people choices not demands. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 2:6
  • Guide them [not pound them] on what to do. For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me. Psalm 31:3
  • Appreciate them for where they are right now in their Christian faith and encourage them. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.         1 Peter 2:2-3
  • Be respectful of their opinions. You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it. Deuteronomy 1:17
  • Do not focus on specific pieces of clothing; Focus on them and their beauty as a person. Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. John 7:24
  • Teach them to pray and read their Bible, so the Holy Spirit can convict them on what they should or shouldn’t wear and/or behave. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13
  • Remember that you are not their parents. You [parents] shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 11:19
  • Remember that you are there to minister and encourage them to be God’s best. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:11-12
  • Pray for God’s direction on when and when not to say something. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Psalms 25:4-5
  • Teach by example. Be sure that you are wearing appropriate attire. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Titus 2:7-8
  • Teach that the Bible tells us all we do should be done for the glory of God. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
  • Teach them that they are beautiful and that their beauty comes from God. Many young women believe they must be sexy to be attractive. Let them know that their smile, the sparkle in their eye, their personality is beautiful in and of itself. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:13-14

Understand that when we try to teach (mentor) those younger that it does not always work out like we would like it to. They may or may not listen and they may or may not act on your advice.

  • Some younger women aren’t teachable yet;
  • They may be swayed by the Gloria Steinem feminist movement;
  • They may not share the same commitment to follow God’s teachings;
  • Or, they may be turned off with our self-righteous [which we should avoid.]

In these cases, pray fervently for their eyes to be opened to the loving care of Jesus in their lives. Pray that whatever the stronghold in their life may be torn down. And, pray for the Holy Spirit to be working in their lives, so they can hear what God wants them to hear to make them the person He wants them to be. When hearts are changed to Christ, modesty will improve with love and instruction.

And, to the younger women, I encourage you to find older godly women (including parents) whom you can learn from. Then, be open to seeking God’s will on how you should live your life in all areas including your dress. God does care about your appearance and he will show you apparel piece by apparel piece if it is appropriate in each situation. Being modest isn’t drab; it can be beautiful, in style, and a testimony of your life in Christ.

I once invited a young lady to church. She had not attended church at all in her life. She was living in an abusive relationship. I met her at church for the evening service – he came too. She arrived wearing a halter top, her tanned stomach was showing, her breasts were overflowing, and her short shorts were quite the scene. I had already positioned my purse and Bible in the 2nd or 3rd row as I wanted to be sure she would pay attention and hear the gospel. When I met her and her friend in the back of the church, I thought, “Oh my, what am I going to do? I was visualizing what the preacher was going to do when he saw her and if he would be able to concentrate on his preaching.” I was a nervous wreck. But, God knew exactly how she arrived at the church and that she even came was the mightiest of miracles. And, out of nowhere, a lovely lady in the church came up to her before the service and placed her sweater around her and said, “I know you must be cold in here, why don’t you use this sweater.” And, she wrapped it around her in the most loving way possible. I was so touched. And relieved!

God Bless.

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Bible Verses:

See above.

Prayer:

My Heavenly Father, I love you. I want you to use me. Please take all the lessons you have taught me over the years and allow me to spread your Holy Word and your teachings with others – both the young and the not so young. Lord, allow my heart to become so pure and humble so when you call me into service, I will be ready. As circumstances and opportunities arise, give me a nudge that it is my time to work on your behalf. Give me wise words and prepare the hearts of those who need to hear your precepts through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.


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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!!!

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.


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

Test Your Knowledge: Easter Quiz

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.

Flowers in Holland (3)

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 Lordmake 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


 

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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Poverty and The Poor

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.

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.

Good Seed, Good Ground

Good Seed, Good Ground

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By Ellsworth Johnson, Guest Blogger for Greene Pastures

I remember my first airplane flight. I was seven years old and we were flying from New York City to Tampa, Florida to visit my grandparents. It was raining at departure time and overcast horizon-to-horizon, so I expected the drizzle to continue for the entire ride.

Imagine my surprise, though, as we penetrated the cloud layer after takeoff, and the sun was shining in a clear bright blue sky! The clouds were actually below us now, which is not how I was used to thinking of them — can you get out and walk on them?

Other, deeper questions came to my inquisitive young mind: Is God up here somewhere? Where is Jesus, all the angels, and everyone else? Is this part of heaven?

Doubts about God and religion had already set in by then. If heaven is directly above our house, which I believed emphatically that it was, is it also above my next-door neighbor’s house, too? What about across the house street, in the next town, in California, or a hut in Timbuktu? I knew the Earth was a ball… heaven couldn’t really be above everywhere at the same time . . . could it?

Somewhat less whimsical is the case of Steve Jobs, the prodigious, brilliant and ultra-rich Apple co-founder who died in 2011. The story goes that young Steve asked his local priest one day why God allowed such widespread suffering in the world if He is truly a God of Love. Alas, the priest miserably failed this fairly basic pop quiz by not having a solid ready answer of any kind to the question, and Steve’s faith was busted irretrievably to the point where he went off and eventually became a Buddhist.

I, on the other hand, was still being raised Catholic. Why? Because my mother, the driving force for such matters in our home, attended St. Therese, a Catholic church near our house. I learned, many years later, that this critical choice of faith owed to the sound theological reason that the services, without exception, were always exactly 45 minutes in length.

Every Sunday morning Mom would announce that it was time for her, my brother Dwayne and me to leave for Mass. On the infrequent occasions I objected, my father, invariably planted in front of the television set in his burnt-orange upholstered chair would jump up, point his finger at the door and start shouting words of reprimand for what seemed like an eternity. Oddly, I can never remember anything he said, less so any of it ever making sense. When he was done, he returned to his football or basketball game (depending on the season) as if nothing had happened.

For some reason, he never had to go with us. This, too, struck me as odd. If God wanted the three of us to go to church on Sunday, didn’t He want my father to go, too?

Maybe the TV was his own special form of worship.

Time and years went by, and this Sunday ritual was joined when I was 12 by Christian Children’s Doctrine (CCD) classes. These classes met at St. Therese on Tuesday nights. They were taught by one of the nuns, and went from 7:30 to 9:00, consisting entirely of a lecture on some obscure religious point. Few children in the class took it seriously: I sat in the back each week and passed the time with these two cut-ups who joked and fantasized about how I was really a bullfighter, and other such nonsense.

Ultimately, CCD was for me, a waste of time. I felt bad for the nun who led it: she was so sincere in what she was doing and yet, like my father’s Sunday diatribes (and unlike the bullfighter goofing), absolutely none of the substance of her words survived.

I endured it for grades 7 and 8; for ninth graders, however, CCD was no longer held at the church, but now instead at a local parishioner’s house. Apparently that change was too inconvenient for my mother, so, miraculously, I no longer had to go.

Many decades later, the real reason for the class’ ineffectiveness was unearthed: their messages were never reinforced at home.

Upon returning to my house after class each week I was never, not once in two years, asked about what we did or what I learned, let alone discuss it in any depth. Did they, my parents, even *know* this stuff already? Did they care? Was it important? Certainly nothing about the Catholic way of life was identified or practiced in the way we lived. Its doctrine was not reflected outside the church walls.

Another failure. More doubt.

Ritual Sunday Mass continued, though, all the way to the end of high school. Four days after graduation I was on a plane to Boston to begin a summer program at MIT. I was in college now, presumably in charge of my own affairs, and the first thing to go: no more church! It was forced on me throughout my childhood, never explained, its precepts ignored at home, and now I was finally free to drop it.

It would take fifteen years, a brain aneurysm and one man’s persistent faith to bring me back to Christ. And he did it simply by doing what no one had done up to that point.

He put the pieces together so that they made sense.

Plus, it was OK not to know, and to ask questions.

I was in my hospital bed at Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego on that day in November 1992 and my friend Bob had come to visit me there. Four weeks earlier a blood vessel in my head popped and I was suddenly inches from death’s door. I had recovered to a pretty good extent, but I still needed surgery to finally repair the rupture. That surgery was scheduled for the following morning.

In the month I had been there, my mother had come to see me four times; on the other hand, this was Bob’s fifth visit. And this time, he brought his Bible.

Of course, I already knew the broad strokes, like who God and Jesus are, and about sin, heaven and hell. I also had the standard Catholic outlook on the after-life, which included Purgatory, and the mystical notion of needing to be somehow “good enough” in order to get into heaven.

What was missing were the details of how they were all related.

And, of course, everything else.

We talked for half an hour. My lifetime of lingering questions had all been answered, the wrong information had been righted, and for the first time I had a correct Biblical view of things. “Great,” I declared. “What do I do now?”

Bob said that I needed to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He came to earth, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose on the third day and now sits at the right hand of the Father.

I looked at him and declared triumphantly: “I can do that!”

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Matthew 13:23

From there, the rest is history. As a result of the surgery the next day, I made a complete 100% recovery from my aneurysm utterly baffling my doctors. After leaving Scripps I quickly joined a Baptist church in San Diego and became a voracious student of the Bible and the Christian life. A month after getting out of the hospital, I was baptized correctly through full immersion in water — though I’m sure the sprinkling I received as a baby was cute.

Eight years later, with the arrival of the new millennium, I met the woman God had picked out for me and took her to wife. We were blessed in March 2005 by the arrival of our son Joshua. At Joshua’s baby dedication, where we gave him back to the Lord, a surprise guest showed up at the last minute:  my friend Bob, who had confronted me with the Word a decade and a half earlier in my hospital bed (evidently, I was “sick” spiritually too, as well as physically). He appeared on the scene with his wife just as the ceremony got underway.

And . . . I started going to church again every Sunday, the difference this time being that it was something I chose to do, because I wanted the knowledge that it brought… plus, it was the right thing to do. It made sense, and the spiritual reasons for doing so are far more real and compelling than the “because I said so” dictates of yore.

When the Man from Apple left this Earth, what I took to be that still small voice announced matter-of-factly one day out of the blue: “Steve Jobs is in hell, and will be there forever.” Pretty rough, to be sure, but if he remained a Buddhist and never accepted Christ while he was alive, is that not the expected outcome? His billions, his tech-savvy and his reputation (all God’s gifts, by the way!) ultimately could not save him from a Christ-less eternity.

I thank God for bringing Bob into my hospital room that day to share the Word. The time and place were right for me to receive it, take it in, and for it to blossom. If he had not stepped out on faith and done that, if something had gone wrong on the operating table the next day and I died in an unsaved state, I am positive I would have ended up joining Apple’s co-founder in his grim post-mortal experience.

As Christians, our lives continue to be on roller coasters, but with God along for the ride they stay on track, no matter how fast or slow we go, no matter how high the peaks or low the valleys.

The cloud-piercing experience was not the only important revelation to my young mind on that first flight day.

I learned also that the states in America, in fact, do not have their names written on them in giant letters which you can read from the sky.

-Ellsworth Johnson, a retired software engineer and math teacher. He lives in Katy, Texas with his wife Sonja and son Joshua. He is waiting expectantly to see what God, in His sovereignty and grace, has in store for the next phase of his life.

The policy of Greene Pastures is to respect the views of Christian denominations in its writing. However, essay references to denominations have been kept in Good Seed, Good Ground for author credibility and honesty in sharing an autobiographical story.

Bible Verses:

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” Matthew 13:24-30

Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:8

Prayer:

Dear Lord, as I come to you this day, I ask you to let me hear and understand your Holy Word. Allow me to heed your holy words and apply them to my life. Give me wisdom in using the gifts and fruits you bestow upon me. Make me an instrument of your love. Allow my faith to share Jesus with those I encounter as your Holy Spirit is preparing them to accept you as Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Decency Matters

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 LordZephaniah 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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¹ Vocabulary.com. 29 Feb 2016.

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

The Wilderness

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,

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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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Death, Dying & the Terminally Ill

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 Lordthat 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 Lordand 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.

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Negative Peer Pressure

Negative Peer Pressure

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In The Difference between Negative and Positive Peer Pressure, writer Denise Witner states,

Peer pressure is not a bad thing. We all are influenced by our peers, both negatively and positively. It helps define who we are and how we feel about subjects in our lives. It is how we chose to react to peer pressure that defines who we are as an individual. Are we a leader or a follower? Both types of people are needed to make the world go around . . .The difference between negative and positive peer pressure is the outcome.²

Everybody feels peer pressure at one time or another. We might choose to belong to a particular group or organization,  i.e. political parties, gangs, or church denominations. Our peer groups encourage us to conform to that group’s beliefs, values, and behaviors. This can be seen as either a positive or negative change of one’s attitude or compliance to a group’s belief system. Someone might be influenced to wear only gothic punk clothing while someone else might be positively influenced to join a spirit-filled church group. We all desire to be accepted and secure in our own little conclaves.

We tend to think of peer pressure as a feature that only teenagers experience, but that is not true. Today, peer pressure follows us no matter what age we are. But, as a believer, when negative peer pressure tempts us, we must decide to follow the crowd or follow Jesus.

Peer pressure tempts all age groups. In the teenage years, young people are sometimes attracted to the wrong crowd or friends. They can be drawn into risky behaviors that can be detrimental to their health and safety while others are drawn into a peer group that stresses high achievement and more positive activities. In the young adult years, one might be drawn to compete with their friends for the bigger house, the most kids, the best jobs, or even the best mani-pedi. In middle age, one could compete for a position in the Women’s Club or on the tennis team. And, for those who work, one may be striving for that vice-president job that everyone in your department is striving for. When children are ready for college, parents might feel pressure to get their children into the best college or university, buy a second home, or even try to outdo others for the most prestigious church ministry. One would think that following the crowd would die down when reaching the golden years, but there are seniors competing for the best home update, car, portfolio, assisted-living home, and even the best medical alert system.

There is no age or culture immune to peer pressure. Just because “everyone is doing it” does not make it right. In Uganda, Africa, many women are peer pressured to apply harsh chemicals and carcinogens to their skin to lighten it. This process is very harmful, but there is so much pressure for the women to be beautiful. They are led to assume that their beauty comes from being lighter and fairer than others.¹ The pressure to fit in is even prevalent in poor countries even though grave harm may come upon people. In the case of the Uganda women, the chemicals could burn their eyes or cause cancer in their bodies. Young people are joining gangs and the potential dangers often costs them their lives. In addition, joining a gang may cause drug addiction, violent behavior and possible prison time. Following the wrong crowd and trying to fit in can cause lifetime consequences. We must stress this upon our children.

Negative Peer Pressure may lead to . . .

  • Risky Behaviors: People will be influenced to participate in risky behavior that may lead to  jail time, prison incarceration, a ruined career, and more.
  • Misguided Friendships: People will be continually attracted to the wrong crowd and friends.
  • Single-minded Dependence: People will depend upon “their group” for help and guidance; thus there might be a non-dependence upon family and/or God.
  • Inconsideration: People will hurt those that love them by their actions and words.
  • Short-sightedness: People will be impractical or imprudent by not recognizing their reputation may be damaged and/or opportunities may be lost by the groups they associate with.

Just as there is a cost in following the wrong crowd, there is a cost in following the Lord. Luke 14:27-30 says,

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

Throughout the Bible, we see people choosing to follow God and not the world.

In Genesis 7, Noah obeyed God and built the ark while “the crowd” sinned and the Lord saw the wickedness of man. The evil continued and eventually the people were destroyed by the flood — all that is except Noah and his family who separated themselves from the wicked people and obeyed the Lord.

In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to the golden statue of King Nebuchadnezzar as the crowds were doing. But, the king threw them into the furnace and heated it seven times more than it was usually heated, but they survived. They decided not to follow the crowd, and God delivered his servants who trusted in him.

When we decide to follow Christ, we can stop worrying about what other people think of us. We know that God is the one directing our steps. We can trust in what the Holy Bible tells us to do. We believe that the Holy Spirit is directing our lives and are able to avoid the tangles brought by the popular culture of the world. When obeying the Father and striving to be like Jesus, every decision we make will be made through the eyes of God.

While costs are involved in following both the crowd and Jesus, the benefits of following Jesus are so much more.

BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING JESUS

  • Assurance of salvation and life after death in heaven;
  • Comfort in knowing there is a purpose in their life;
  • Forgiveness for our past, present, and future sins;
  • Love from Almighty God;
  • God’s peace in life.
  • Ability to trust that God knows the big picture of our lives; and
  • Joy as we use our spiritual gifts and develop the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

While there are many who try to live in both the secular world and the spiritual world, the Bible warns against those who become complacent in their Christian walk. Many times those are believers who have accepted Christ, but have never grown deep roots into the things of God.

Old Testament Joshua says,

Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 23:14-15

If you are hanging with the wrong people, it is time to decide whom  you will serve. God will give you the courage to choose Him. Choosing to follow Christ means a change – a change of attitude – a change of friends in some cases – and an understanding that following Jesus Christ will create a positive shift in your life. These changes will become more and more positive as they grow roots through Bible reading and prayer.

God Bless.

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Bible Verses

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

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”— my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors. Proverbs 1:8-19

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ Matthew 11:18

So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Mark 15:15

Prayer

Heavenly Father, let me see areas where I am following the crowd and giving into unnecessary peer-pressure. I am asking you to change my life so I can follow you fully in everything I attempt to do. I want you to change my heart and may I always bring glory to you. Let me believe and trust that you will respond to all my needs as I give take up my cross to follow you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

¹Strickland, Ashley. Light and shadows: Skin bleaching in Uganda. CNN. 22 Jan 2016. Online.

²Whitner, Denise. The Difference between Negative and Positive Peer Pressure. About Parenting. 4 Dec 2014. Online.

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Comments are always welcome.

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Obey, Call Upon, and Confirm Your Relationship with God

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To walk with God, we must love him, obey him, call upon his name, confirm our relationship with him, and know that he loves us. Yes, we all fail when we try to follow God, but his love, constant concern, and abounding love for us is ever present. In Abram, we see a man who loved God, obeyed God, confirmed his love for God through his actions, and allowed God to pour his love out towards him in order to complete the purpose that the Lord had in store for him. It is the same with us. When we obey the Lord, in even the smallest detail, we find ourselves desiring more and more of his presence. It is then and only then, we can find peace knowing that he cares for us and he will prove his love for us through the many ways he confirms his relationship to us.

Abram Obeyed

Some verses in the Bible just strike us when we read them. As I was reading Genesis 12, three words just hit me over the head.  Referring to Abram walking with God, the words simply said,

So Abram went . . . Genesis 12:4

Abraham grew up as a child in the heavily populated city of Ur (Southern Iraq now) and moved with his father to the land of Haran. It was in Haran that the Lord asked Abram to take his family and go to the land he would show him. Abram obeyed. His move was like moving from New York City to the small “ghost town” of Pennington, Texas. It would appear to many people as a pretty risky proposition at least “business-wise.”  But He obeyed and took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, his livestock, and all his servants with him.

Abram Calls Upon the Name of the LORD

When Abram journeyed from location to location, he called upon the Lord. We see him calling on God in Schechem and again near Bethel.

Then the Lord appeared to Abram in Genesis 12:7-8 and said,

To your offspring I will give this land. So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.  From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord.

Abram had a habit of calling upon God. We see this again in Genesis 13:4b 

And he journeyed on from the Negeb as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the Lord.

We call upon God in times of peace and in times of desperation.  We do that because we need him. But he also wants us to call on him. It is through our dependence on God, we gain more faith, trust, and love towards him and our fellow man.

When we call upon the Lord . . .

  • We should seek him with all our heart, soul, and mind and with all our strength. Mark 12:30
  • We should call upon the Lord with a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22
  • We should call upon the Lord for as long as we live. Psalm 116:2
  • We must admit that we need Him. Acts 17:27

Abram Confirms his Relationship with the LORD

As Abram continues his journey, he goes down to Egypt to sojourn there. In Egypt, life goes on. During this time, Abram doesn’t appear to be the shining star that we like to think he was. He didn’t trust God fully and when he was about to enter Egypt, he told Sarai to lie about their relationship. He said,

Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.

Abram was caught in his deceit, but life went on. He left Egypt and went with Sarai, Lot, and all he owned into Negeb, then into Bethel to where his tent had been at the beginning. It was there that Abram called upon the name of the LORD.

Later, Abram soon realized that his possessions were so great that he and Lot needed to split up. He said to Lot in Genesis 13:8,

Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.

The two went their own ways, and God spoke to Abram and settled him by the oaks of Mamre and there he built an altar to the LORD. Abram’s life continued. He rescued Lot, was blessed by Melchizedek, defeated the King of Sodom, and confirmed his faith in God when the King of Sodom asked him to give back his people but take the goods for himself. Abram verbally confirmed his relationship with God in Genesis 14:22.

I have lifted my hand to the LORD, GOD Most High Possessor of heaven and earth.

While we might not build a physical altar to the Lord, there are ways we can confirm our relationship with the Lord.

To confirm our relationship with God, we need to . . .

  • Ask the Lord to forgive our wrongdoings/sins. Romans 3:23
  • Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior. Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Understand that our own works and efforts can’t get us into the right relationship with the Lord. Titus 3:5
  • Confirm our relationship with the Lord through our daily prayers and obedience to His holy Word. Philippians 4:6

God Confirms his Relationship to Abram

In Genesis 15:1, shortly after confirming his relationship and speaking publically about his relationship with the Lord, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:

Fear not Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.

The reward God was talking about was the covenant God made to Abram that his “offspring would inherit the land from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites.” Genesis 15:19.

Life continued and Abram aged. The Lord soon changed his name to Abraham. But, even before that, Abraham trusted and believed wholeheartedly that the Lord God Almighty was blessing him with an amazing inheritance.

God confirms his relationship with us by . . .

Abraham walked with God as we do – through ups and downs, trials and blessings!  Just as he grew, we also grow and mature. He is always by our side, calling us to obey him because He knows the right plan for our lives. He wants to show that to us so we can live a Godly fulfilling life. And as we continue on in our Christian life, let’s follow Abram’s example of obedience, calling upon him, and confirming our relationship to him.

Yes, we will fail sometimes, but life goes on. When we do fail, He is there to pick us up. When we honor God by remaining in this cycle of obeying, calling, and confirming, we can receive God’s vision, direction, and blessings upon our life.  He really does want the best for us.

God Bless You.

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Bible Verses:

Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 12:28

call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Psalm 17:6

I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. Psalm 119:106

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I love you and I want to obey you with my entire heart. Help me to call upon you in every area of my life. I truly want to uphold the words in your Holy Word. I want to proclaim your truths to others. Thank you for loving me and confirming your love for me in such a caring and special way. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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