Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

 6.25- My first father's day and today I knew what my father showed me. The first day of the week is a day to clean your mind and body and be your best self. Put your best foot forward. Shining, smile drenched in joy was in our hearts as we headed to church services. There I would meet with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and others. We would have Sunday School. There the children were taught by Frances Land Fields. She was a banker on Monday through Saturday but on Sunday she was a teacher at the Oak Ridge church. Ed Fink was a gin worker on Monday through Saturday, but on Sunday morning at 9.30am he was the teenager Sunday school teacher. My aunt Laura Milton was the ladies Sunday school teacher. Then at 10.30am we had church service. Uncle Bob Wishard was the adult Sunday school teacher for the men. There in Sunday school there was a discussion of the hard questions and illustrations and testimony of how God had blessed us with rain or healing or comforted us in grief.

 6.24- Where did all those fathers go. Bread crumbs were left behind so I could follow them. I only have one father who is an older first cousin of mine. The other fathers have been picked up by Jesus to move to the unseen realm. Here are some of the bread crumbs toward heaven. Growth of corn plants and designer of growth pointed to the designer. Mercy to lead the family to worship the Father in heaven. Friend of God and friend of people. Believing yet seeking for help in areas of unbelief. Walking by faith into new dreams and new work in new areas. Improving housing for the family. Thinking of heirs to not waste resources. Encouraging loyalty to the family by pure thinking and words. Goal focused on heavenly home over an earthly one. Desiring to stand with the oppressed minority. Pushing for freedom for all people. These are the bread crumb trails to heaven from good fathers I have known in my 76 years. Hebrews 11. 11  Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about

 6.23- Father's who teach their children the joy of productive work by their own example are a treasure. Whatever you do. Do it with passion with more goals than whatever makes the most money. Do it to help others and provide for yourself and others who need a hand up. Do it with excellence so you know you did the best you could. Do your work in a way so that if all workers had the same standards as you that there would peace and order, not sloppiness, disorder and chaos. Don't be discouraged by critics who do nothing. Colossians 3. 15  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.   16  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.   17  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father

 6.22- What have you learned to be thankful for? Summer blessings. Clean, hot and inside air conitioned house running water. Being a North Texas farm boy I can still remember when the first central air conditioning came to Billy Hill grocery store in Ladonia Texas about 1958. I was happy when my dad and I started working in the a/c of Piggly Wiiggly in Honey Grove. People went shopping just to cool of. Now with all other sports over I'm hoping for a run toward the world series for the Rangers or Rockies. Noticed my crepe myrtle are blooming. God is good to give us seasons and seasonal fruits and veggies. Thank you God for the rain. Bless those with hail damage. Acts 14. 16  In the past, he let all nations go their own way.   17  Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”   18  Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping

 6.21- Does your way of life give you love, joy and peace? If it does, let your children choose their own path and it will lead back to you. Speak words of grace and truth as you walk long your path with your family. The more freedom we give people to learn things in an effective way, then the.shorter their path to a healthy life. Freedom accelerates growth. Luke 2. 22  When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord   23  (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” [ b ] ),   24  and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” [ c ] 25  Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.   26  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before

 6.20- Love does not speak rashly. Proverbs 12. Fools show their annoyance at once,      but the prudent overlook an insult. 17  An honest witness tells the truth,      but a false witness tells lies. 18  The words of the reckless pierce like swords,      but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19  Truthful lips endure forever,      but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. 20  Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,      but those who promote peace have joy.

 6.19- Raised on drugs. I was raised by being drug to some places I didn't want to go at the time. Drug to church and Bible class at times Staying with a hard relationship with a losing sports team. Drug to the cotton field from 7am to 6pm. Drug to clean the house to entertain guests. Reminds me of the story. Wife: "Get up. You're late." Husband: "No. This is Sunday." Wife: "Please get up. Take off the cover and move." Husband:"No. I don't like the leaders. The elders and deacons are too judgemental and self righteous." Wife: "Get up. You're the preacher. 90% plus of the time, once I did what I should do I'm very happy I got up and went. It was this morning as I was asked to teach at Bible class. I met with joyous, hopeful Christians and it built up my spirit greatly. So happy to be a substitute teacher for the Sister Act Class at church. They made my day as usual. Glad I was drugged by my parents. Luke 2. 22  When the ti