Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

7.6-Chaplain to a King or a Senator, Remember. I have read that my great, great grandfather, George Wishart, was a chaplain to the king of England in 1748. I don't know if this is true or not. I do know that by God's Amazing Grace I have been a chaplain/supporter in times of crisis to some unusual people. A senator, a police chief in city of 300,000 people, a couple of school leaders in charge of 30,000 students. Even today I get to be supported by and a supporter of 40 working men who are out on the field of life call ed the "NFL" National Family Leaders, in our family lingo. Big league teachers, family leaders and church leaders who are up for criticism every day. A good chaplain is -A person of joy. -A reminder to the person of their best values. -One who stands and resists bad religion and bad poltitics. -A well read, growing person. -Comfortable in their own skin. -Forgetful of pas failures and successes. -Seeking maturity for all knowing it

7-6 The reason we don't heal and help more people is we filter our coffee which is ok, but we also filter our sick people as to the kind which we are willing to heal and help. James 2  My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2  Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3  If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4  have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5  Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6  But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging

7.6- True freedom is not freedom to do what we want, but rather freedom to do what we ought. My neighbor, Ronnie, saw me taking out my trash can and ask if she could do this for me. I said, "Yes, if you would like to." For the six years she has done what she could to help and serve us. 2,000 years ago Jesus used His freedom to wash his betrayer, Judas' feet. His buddy, Peter, wrote, "Use your freedom to serve others." I think I remember my college English teacher making us memorize a line, "Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage." The prison is me, me, me, selfishness. 1 Peter2. 16  Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17  Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 18  Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those

7.6- Yesterday I was unkind to a door to door lawn services salesman. Beyond that I was even harsh and unloving. As soon as I closed the door my wife corrected me in a very good way. I agreed I was wrong. I was leaving my home shortly and I looked for his truck and him hoping to apologize. I still hope to do so. The prayer Jesus gave me is important to me this morning. “Father forgive me of my sins as I forgive others.” Help me to be forgiving. Matthew 6. 5  “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6  But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8  Do not be like them

7.4-  Some people only consider telling the truth when under oath and then it is common to hear.  "I don't recall." A man or woman of integrity will say the same thing under oath that they say all the time.  The truth or nothing and all.  Period.  End stop. Proverbs 12. 17  An honest witness tells the truth,      but a false witness tells lies.

7.3- Humility has to do with God increasing and us decreasing.   God is wise.  Humans who do not reflect God are not.  Satan wants to convince us that we know what is right and wrong.  Listening to Godly people gives wisdom.  Ignoring advice from men and women who know God and know us is foolish. Proverbs 12. 15  The way of fools seems right to them,      but the wise listen to advice.

7.2- When we call to ask for help it is important the tone, the volume and the words we use.  I was with my friend,  Jeff, to ask how to get a small service matter done to my car.  I was willing to pay a fee to get it done and did not expect it to be complimentary.  He said, "Call them and tell them what help you need and why and simply asked what it would cost?"  I happened to have a friend who owned and another one who worked in the business he mentioned.  I did what he said.  I told him what I needed.  "What would that cost?" "Nothing.  Get on down here." I drove down to the shop.  He came out.  Took my car.  Did the small service matter.  Although I demanded to share with him something which he graciously received I was blessed by him and my friend who had structured my words. Proverbs 12. 14  From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,      and the work of their hands brings them reward.

7.1- When we realize we have done something wrong we can use honesty and humility to begin the repair of our integrity and reputation.   We must not blame others.  We must not make excuses because everyone does it or others are worse.  We must admit the truth and get started righting the wrong. Proverbs 12. 6  The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,      but the speech of the upright rescues them.

6.30- Do you have a friend that can keep your secrets?  You are blessed.  This must be someone who can listen without judgment and preaching to you.  It cannot be someone who piles on to the guilt you already feel.  It needs to be someone who can keep you wise about how to stop the damage you are doing to yourself and others.  But especially someone who will not betray your confidence. Proverbs 11. 13  A gossip betrays a confidence,      but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.