Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

 10.15- I saw this at Walmart today. Normally I see this vacuum cleaner with Fred driving. Today it was driving itself. Fred had a small oil mop finishing out the corners and the machine was driving itself. Automatic vacuum cleaners. This what I want in my mind. When a bad thought comes in there is a trigger that cleans out that bad thought and overcomes it with a good one. The word "enemy" triggers the word "love, truth. grace and mercy" 1 John 1. 5  This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.   6  If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.   7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all [ b ]  sin. 8  If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.   9...

 10.14- There are champions who when interviewed are prone to concentrate on others. Their honorable opponents, their teammates, their players (or coaches). Winners who focus on themselves do not positively impress me. "I was great because I worked harder and I'm smarter. These people say in defeat, "They cheated." The teacher honors those who are honest about their need for mercy. These rely on meekness to carry them through life rather than arrogance and concept. Real spiritual freedom is discovered when we are forced to be still and know we are not The Master. If we have grace, mercy and deep inner peace we know that we received it. Romans 12 3  For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.   4  For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the...

 10.13- Science tells us that our walk, gait and posture and speed of our walk is something we learned by watching our parents. I had a visit once from a man who knew my brother. Though he had never met me he approached me saying, "I knew you were Reed's brother by your walk, your gait. Your walk is circumspect and deliberate to produce fruit and success. Your parents or spiritual examples showed you how. Heads up and looking for people to refresh, uplift and encourage. Walk in the light and be careful of tripping. I must be careful physically now, but all must watch out for trip points emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Our leader choice must be indivual but thank God for those around us who set a good walk in the light. 1John 1. 1  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.   2  The life appeared; we ha...

 10.12- I am a broken old man from earth's perspective. But from heaven's perspective I am a beloved son of the designer of the universe and a brother to the world's greatest teacher. I have had family love lavished on me.for many years. 46 years ago yesterday Sheila and I met an amazing family in Denver on October 1, 1977. They came to my home on Saturday and Sunday. . We became close friends and they moved to Greensboro, N. C. We watched our children grow and plan big goals. Their three daughters became great college soccer' players. One wrote down a goal of playing in the Olympics. She did. They said they were proud of the accomplishments of all, yes all, their kids and grandkids, not just one. Their favorite thing from my perspective is to help people. They are servants who seem willing and able to do anything. Last Friday He made and shared a sunset picture with Mars on the horizon. The universe is designed to work like a clock. It is no accident. There is a desi...

 10.11- Do you have people in your circle who are seeking ways they can improve the quality of your life? They save you time and money and wasted energy. They are with you in your hardest places. They refresh your spirit. They are full of grace and truth.They don't just love in word, but in deeds and actions. They are generous with good gifts that perfectly fit your situation in life. Hall of fame companions in life. Acts 20. 32  “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.   33  I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.   34  You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.   35  In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said:  ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’  ...

 10.10- Granny on Beverly Hillbillies always impressed .with her pluck, fearlessness and telling folks what she thought they ought to hear. It was about this time of year that my grandmother Woods moved to be in heaven. She made the best coffee in her little percolator with the glass lip. She could make snuff last a long time it seemed. She would swing and reflect. She lost a son at birth. She had my mom and my amazing Aunt Doodie Philips. 1 1/2 lbs. at birth. Carried the baby in her apron who grew up to be the happiest camper I ever knew and my aunt lived to be 90. Her son in law went to WW II in the pacific. She didn't have a lot of anything but faith. She stood for truth against all forces and finished strong. Little momma. She rode with me from Abilene to the house, where she raised her kids and grandkids. She asked me where is this town of "Little Barrel" She said, " I keep seeing the signs but no town". Those were the signs before don't "Mess wi...

 10.9- Cuts can lead to beauty. Have you ever seen someone who received a cutting remark and rather than react in a negative way, they responded with love or peace or silence. That grace and self control is surprising and lovely. As I walked by my back porch a couple of days ago I saw a response to Jose's cutting my rose bush back. Four beautiful roses. When we are filled with love for God and people our cup can overflow with love even to the pruning that comes into our daily lives. Lord help me to respond rather than react today. Romans 12. 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 hungry, feed him; ...