Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

 4.2- Discipline means different things to at different ages. As a child for me I got a belt to the bottom. At times we gave our children a sit in the corner and be quiet order until you have control. Later we learn it is something of an intense learning time. We learn from suffering. A boot camp of sorts. Ideally, we feel honored to be loved by God to engage us in this unique process. So we are armed with purpose during this phase of our lives and have no time for distractive nonsense. Joy is on the other side of the phase. Joy in it with proper reflection and thought. Sitting in a corner does not mean I am not loved by my parents but that indeed I have parents that love me as I am, but too much to leave me as I am. Hebrews 12. 12  Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us,   2...

 4.1- Springtime. Hopetime. My trees are budding. Longer afternoons to sit on my porch and watch bluebirds and squirrels playing jumping around. Then the spiritual hope of Easter. My grandmother's both knew that beyond this life was life with our heavenly father. They both taught their children how to live harmoniously with their family. My mother sponsored eggs hunts and celebrated all holidays with excitement and joy. She a roomother rarely missed healing all my classmates have a good time. Both my grandmother's had a hard life and were in no way bitter about their journey. They had plenty fire and strength to render their opinion and were not afraid to speak up. But were not cynical and sarcastic. They took their children to schools and churches that trained them in hopeful answers to complicated problems. They were strong but sympathetic and compassionate. Training how to build up a family was essential to them. I have seen them swing and rock on a porch while they shell...

 3.31- We don't know who we are helping. When we help the poor. When we stand up for justice for those who cannot stand up for justice for themselves it is not them we are helping, but beyond them we are helping God.  God has placed himself with the poor.  His heart is with the poor.  He has provided that extra crops be given to them.  He has said that if you cheat the poor you will eventually give account to God.  He has said that when you helped the poor you were actually helping God. How can you help them?  You can be generous with them in their times they work for you.  You provide clothing that you don't need anymore.  You can share food.  You can make sure they feel seen and respected by you.  You can refuse to take advantage of them.  I was watching a television program where a man made his money by ripping people off through scams.  He made millions per year and was asked while on his yacht if he felt guilty. ...

 3.30- Some things that we see cause us to believe that this life is not all there is. It can be events around the death of a loved one. The disciples of the teacher ran to the tomb after his death and looked at the linen wrappings lying there. They saw these and believed. What did they see? At the death scene of loved one's I have seen them stretching toward a curtain that they were stretching to open where they mentioned the name of their loved one they seemed to see on the other side. These scences caused my belief in the reality of life beyond life to be very real. I have also seen the trust and peace people had as they surrendered this life over with a peace that passes understanding that I could not explain apart from our Father in heaven. What have you seen that convinces you that there is life beyond this life? John 20 20  Now on the first  day  of the week Mary Magdalene *came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and *saw the stone...

 3.29- Unless you know the heart of a father you will not understand his expectations for his children. He expects his children to love each other deeply from the heart. That may seem understandable. What about someone who killed your son. Would he expect you to love him? That who our father in heaven is. He loves each of us regardless of our condition because that is who he is. There was a rebellious criminal who died next to God's son. He couldn't move his hands or feet but he could move his heart and mouth. He admitted he was getting what deserved and said to the Lord remember me when you come back. He was told, "Today you're going to paradise with me." Our father loves people and wants to set them free to live in paradise with him forever. You will never understand the father's expectations for his children without knowing his heart. Romans 5 5  Therefore, having been justified by faith,  [ a ] we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,   2  t...

 3.28- I want those closest to me To have the best experience of me. Without much thought I have given "leftovers" of my life rather than the "prime rib" of my life to my family waiting for a time later life , retirement some day I will put them first. I hope to focus and be in the best "mood" possible for those i love most. 1 Thessalonians 5 12  But we ask you, brothers  and sisters , to recognize those who diligently labor among you and  [ h ] are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you  [ i ] instruction,   13  and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.   14  We urge you, brothers  and sisters , admonish the  [ j ] unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.   15  See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all peopl...