Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

 2.4- The guys came over this morning reminding me of the importance of fellowship and praying for each other and learning together. They seem happy to come to my house since I'm slowed a bit right now. We had read in the Bible why Jesus loved the 10 Commandments. He had heard them read at his "church" as a child. How blessed is the nation who helps its people to love God and each other. Romans 13. 13  Every  [ a ] person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except  [ b ] from God, and those which exist are established by God.   2  Therefore  [ c ] whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.   3  For rulers are not a cause of fear for  [ d ] good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;   4  for it is a servant of ...

 2.3- If you have to have a fierce conversation, let silence do the heavy lifting. John 8. 8  But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.   2  And early in the morning He came again into the temple  area , and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and  began  teaching them.   3  Now the scribes and the Pharisees *brought a woman caught in the act of adultery, and after placing her in the center  of the courtyard ,   4  they *said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of committing adultery.   5  Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?”   6  Now they were saying this to test Him, so that they might have  grounds for  accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground.   7  When they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up and said to them,  “He who is withou...

 2.2- That which doesn't kill us often educates us and stetches us and restores us to the faith we had in God as a powerless child. Matthew 18 18  At that  [ a ] time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”   2  And He called a child to Himself and set him among them,   3  and said,  “Truly I say to you, unless you  [ b ] change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.   4  So whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.   5  And whoever receives one such child in My name, receives Me;   6  but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to  [ c ] sin, it is better for him that a  [ d ] heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea.

2.1-He was a teacher who taught with confidence.  This comes from memories of God's power in earlier days.  They believe in a God who will forgive the sins of our youth. Psalm 25.7  This forgiveness is to bond the children of God to reflecting on his ways and the consequences of sin to destroy our lives. He called men who were courageous to work with Him. This requires self controlled and focused  They remembered stories of faith when God's children overcame amazing oppression. They helped people and healed people. They have them hope of a time of resurrection of our spiritual bodies at the end of the time on the old earth. Those who had been helped by Jesus became servants to help others as Jesus had helped them. Jesus wanted to move out into different cities and places to teach those who hadn't heard the good news of God's power to help people to change.  God leads us to enjoy the life of truth. Mark 1. 14  Now after John was  [ j ] taken into custod...

 1.31- After a week of clouds and rain I'm loving this sunshine. The best work requires good discipline and training. Then one needs to relax and do what needs to be done with high focus and joy. The last three football games of the 2023 season are being finished and only one team can win. Some lose because they can't relax and play their game. Thankfully, at the game of life anyone can win. Simply trust that we are not God and admit that God is God and we are not and things fall into place. We get to know God by observing his provision of seasons and sunshine, rain, fruits, veggies, honey, butter, rolls, fried chicken and Blue Bell ice cream. Ask people we know who have lived a great life and many will mention "faith, family and friends." Faith people might mention following Jesus and living by the golden rule. Good life here and hereafter. Today is the best day to cast all our anxiety him because he cares for us. Jesus died inviting people to receive forgiveness a h...

 1.30- When I see little powerless animals I see the love of the designer of the big universe. He wants us to speak in little words that build people up in a big way. When people tell me words of a compliment type, I store them away in my heart for the long winter when self doubt vacuums the love and confidence out of me. This squirrel pointed me to God this morning without a word. Short sentences with clear words are the best sentences. The best devotional posts are the shortest. Hebrews 13. 13  Let love of the brothers  and  sisters continue.   All reactions: 12 Denise Cross, Carol Wishard and 10 others