Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

 1.17.21- I give my taxes to Caesar, but my soul goes to God. In the ways that my God directs I will give proper honor to a my government unless it asks me to do something different from my calling from God. I will pray for those in authority that we may live a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. That is all. Matthew 22:21 The Message 21  They said, “Caesar.” “Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.”

 1.16.21- Pursue things that make for peace. As competition for higher audience numbers increases radio and television programs push controversial topics. This is supposed to get them more money but it divides our community and nation. Christians are taught to help the weak and this is work that is always available and makes for peace. I am sad that this year we have had a virtual Civil War and cannot any longer speak of the "peaceful transfer of power". I am praying for more careful listening standards for myself this year and forever in my life. "Oh be careful little ears what you hear." Was a great children's song many of us learned. Romans 14. 19-21  So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault. You’re certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God’s work among you, are you? I said it before and I’ll say i

 1.15.21- What were the people discussing today among your family and friends? How our bodies break down and don't work well sometimes. A man has a locked trigger finger.  Painful to straighten. Covid. 1.13.21, 4,000 deaths per day. Luke 24. 17-18  He asked, “What’s this you’re discussing so intently as you walk along?” They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard what’s happened during the last few days?” The Message. Job 14. 14  1-17  “We’re all adrift in the same boat:      too few days, too many troubles. The Message

 1.14- Crying to God is prayer. Listening to God cry is prayer. Crying with God is prayer. O America. America. God help us draw near to you and each other.   Matthew 23. 37  “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who have been sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. 38  Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! 39  For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘ Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord !’”  

 1.13- We as followers of Jesus are called to be subject to our government.   It comes to us from God. It exists to bless us as Christians who want to do good things.   For those in our society who want to do bad things our government puts the fear of God into them.   Lawlessness and violence will be dealt with in a way that puts an end to insurrection.   We give to our government as Christians the respect of our input through prayers and voting with a good conscience.   We give our taxes to build up a good nation.   This requires a renewed focus this morning.   I remind us of this verse today.   “   Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.

 1.12-   On September 8, 2003 my wife and I toured the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol   which is composed of statues donated by individual states to honor persons notable in their history. They are limited to two per state.  In my journal I made a note that Georgia had given a statue of Crawford Long M.D., the discoverer of the use of sulphuric ether as an anesthetic in surgery on March 30, 1842 at Jefferson, Jackson County Georgia.   The quote from him said,   “My profession is to me a ministry from God.”  These beautiful rooms in the Capitol I thought looked strong, rich and permanent.   They were constructed to give a sense of long term purpose, yet the democratic experiment which is America is comparatively young.       When I saw what happened in these halls yesterday it reminded me that no democratic nation can stand without a commitment to truth,   justice and peace.   Lawlessness and senseless destruction is not a path to an improved d

 1.11-   When Morning Comes Hebrew 11:1-8 Cindy Hess Kasper It was very late when we stopped for the night at a country inn outside of Munich. We were delighted to see that our cozy room had a balcony, although an oppressive fog made it impossible to see into the darkness. But when the sun rose a few hours later, the haze began to fade. Then we could see what had been grimly shrouded the night before – a completely idyllic scene – peaceful and lush green meadow, sheep grazing with tiny tinkling bells about their necks, and big white clouds in the sky that looked exactly like more sheep – huge, fluffy sheep! Sometimes life can get clouded over by a heavy fog of despair. Our situation may look so dark that we begin to lose hope. But just as the sun burns away a fog, our faith in God can burn away the haze of doubt. Hebrews 11 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (verse 1). The passage goes on to remind u