Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

 11.6- For as long as I can remember I was warned about the problem with religions that are formed by men instead of God. They care more about their rules than about honoring God by having compassion for people. When Jesus broke their rules and restored a man to health they wanted to kill Him for breaking their religious rules. He looked around at them in anger because of their stubborn hearts. When people use their religion as an excuse to not help people, God is not pleased. If anger motivates us to keep doing the right thing then this is a way to "be angry and sin not". I am very much for true religion which is helping those in need and keeping oneself from the filth of this world, but I am not for religion that robs widows and prays long prayers. Mark 3. 3  Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.   2  Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the S

 11.5- Ransom. I have friend who lost a daughter to cancer. She was pregnant when she found out and she refused certain lifesaving treatments to protect the health and life of her baby. She died soon after the child was born. She gave her life as ransom for that child. Don't you know that grandparents love all the grandkids, but this one feel especially cherished. The feelings Mary, the mother of Jesus, must had at the cruel, ugly cross. They always released a prisoner at passover. Maybe the blameless Jesus would be released. No, the people said release Barrabus and crucify the innocent one. Jesus was the ransom on this Passover. The lamb of God. We should all feel cherished by God, our Father and Jesus. We too are free because He traded Himself for us. Matthew 27. 15  Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd.   16  At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus [ b ]  Barabbas.   17  So when the crowd had gath

 11.4- The truth is that God can help you to handle money correctly, but money cannot change the truth of who God is what He desires for His children. Matthew 28. 11  While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.   12  When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money,   13  telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’   14  If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”   15  So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

 11.3- Where can you go where everyone is welcome regardless of their income level or whatever kind of home or neighborhood they live in. They are welcome to come and learn together regardless of age from 8 days to 88 years. They are can find joy if the like joyful, upbeat music or slow and sad songs. They are from all nations and all ethnic groups and all are one group. There is no division even during election cycles. Where can you find such a friendly, supportive comforting group? I found this at my home congregation this morning. When you need to receive a fix of the love of God a church that centers on worshipping Jesus Christ is the place to be. Acts 2. 42  They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.   43  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.   44  All the believers were together and had everything in common.   45  They sold property and possessions to give to an

 11.2= Evil in the form of murder has come to a hospital in DFW where they celebrate and protect the life of babies. Teachers had to have training as to how to protect their students in a mass shooting incident. Churches where the resurrection life from Jesus is supposed to be central have drifted into divisive, negative politics. That is the very depressing bad news. The good news is that around the world in places where they oppress freedom of religion it is being overcome by courageous, steady believers who are speading grace and mercy and peace everywhere they go. One of the bright places is a dialysis center where an 80 year old protestant minister comforts his Catholic nurse as she cleanses his blood and he strengthens her faith. They give each other hope and inspiration three days a week.They work below the radar screen of negative media. Millions of these great things happen daily around the world because God is love. Hope you have grace, mercy and peace today. Let not your

 11.1 Today you and I will cross paths with people who need to be encouraged. It can be as simple as smiling. It could be as complex as taking a day off work costing a few hundred dollars. Driving five hours. Taking someone to a doctor's office and waiting patietly thirty minutes with other "patients". Driving five more hours. Getting up the next day and back to work. Doing this with steady joy. Wisdom teaches we can help the sick or give a bottle of water or a joyful good morning a day it makes a difference and will never be forgotten. Matthew 25 31  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.   32  All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.   33  He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your

 10.31- There is something that has been around for 2,000 years.  It's name may seem strange to some who read this.  It is the ekklesia Ron Rose wrote On set occasions,” she continued, “men would leave their cities, villages, and families. They would gather here in this large open field and talk about their needs, their concerns, their dreams, ideas, and philosophies. In these gatherings they would share stories, argue, rant, reason and persuade. They would set new directions and form common goals--they learned from each other.” Ummmmm. They were 'Better Together' as my friend Israel Lewis says. She added, “Imagine people from all over the country, coming together here to understand each other and learn from each other. Imagine the common good that was born here.” “So, preacher man," she looked straight at me, "do you know what this gathering was called?” "I have no idea," I replied . “It was Ecclesia. It’s where your word for church comes from. You shou