Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

 9.24- Do not judge people based on mere external observations. I remember the respect and honor I saw my father and Sheila's father extend to women in their lives. Dad also respected his sisters. He had six. The tendency to discount and prejudge women as objects of use and abuse by men is not good. Worldly people traffic women. Some religions discount them. Jesus taught, "Do not judge by mere appearance." Women were freed to vote, August 18. 1920, 19th amendment. John 7.   24  Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”

 9.23- There is a connection between suffering and learning. All humans are humbled by suffering and the approach of the death. The teacher learned by suffering. I am learning to be very careful in my walk nowdays. "We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world." C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain Hebrews 5. 7  During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.   8  Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered   9  and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him   10  and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

 9.22- Decisions have consequences. Choose life and love and pass it on to your circle of family, friends and business partners. 9.11.01 reminds me of the sad losses from bad religion that pushes hate of enemies. My teacher teaches love of enemies. Romans 12. 14  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.   15  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.   16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. [ c ]  Do not be conceited. 17  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.   18  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.   19  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” [ d ]  says the Lord.   20  On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungr...

 9.21- Would you say religious people are more joyous than other people? I don't know. I do know that people who feel loved by God and others would have more capacity to love others. The ability to seek out those in trouble and reach out to them will refresh their spirits. Normally a by product of humble, secret and sincere service is a deep sense of usefulness that might be called joy. 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 anyone who had need.   46  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,   47  praising God and enjoy...

 9.21- Fresh mercy each morning is oxygen for the soul. Lamentations 3. 22  Because of the  Lord ’s great love we are not consumed,      for his compassions never fail. 23  They are new every morning;      great is your faithfulness.

 9.20- Escape rooms. One of the most interesting new businesses I have seen lately is paying someone to lock you up and you and your group must find a way out. The designer of the universe set up some of the most important things in life to be connected to great pleasure and comfort. Family, food, drink and celebrations. These blessings with self control are delights. Without self control there is total destruction. The designer has built a way of escape into each danger zone. We must seek wisdom to find the escape that goes with each temptation. It is there.. 1 Corinthians 10.13 13  No temptation [ c ]  has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful;  he will not let you be tempted [ d ]  beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, [ e ]  he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

 9.19- The reality is that all of us are adding to the darkness or the light by the way we live. Some people are in positions of great responsibility and therefore when we get off track it has a greater negative impact. Our home, community and nation would be better if we could keep our values where people are more important than money and power. When we see someone treating others in an unfeeling and callous way it is clear that this is not the way of love. Psalm 119.70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,      but I delight in your law.

 9.18- When you are rich and healthy you think you don't need the church. Acts 4.   34  For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the  [ cl ] proceeds of the sales   35  and lay  them  at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need.