Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

 4.14- Thoughts about O. J. Simpson and lessons from life, death judgment and eternity. The bestselling book of all time is The Bible with over 5 billion copies having been sold. One of the reasons it is a best seller is because it tells the truth about people and their creator. It teaches that the final judgement of all people is not to be done by human beings who cannot know the secrets of the heart. That is known by God alone. What wise humans are directed to do is to observe the fruit of a tree and learn from noticing whether the fruit is good or bad. Justice and consequences of choices is often delivered in this life but not always. Hitler killed millions, but was able to kill himself without facing the justice on this side of death. It is said the Bible that after death comes the judgement for all of us. Great Bible figures like David and Paul saw themselves as great sinners saved by an even greater grace from God who is full of compassion and mercy. Up to the year 65 A.D...

 4.13- Joy is the strength of families that flourish. One of our favorite songs has this line. "My cup overflows". The secret superpower of the runners of the Ironman triathlon of the spiritual journey is a banquet of deep satisfaction regardless of circumstance. Yes, living in this life there are tribulations but in the midst of these there is full abundant joy. A man who was in a inner prison which was a hard place to be after being beaten for doing the right thing. They were overflowing with celebration of life praise and the was an earthquake. A man who was super depressed asked how to live in such a state of upbeat instead of down beat. The answer. Believe in way of life taught by the carpenter who had learned to make an easy yoke for those working with him. Hope in every situation. This our joyful religion. Downbeat religion is not true religion. John 17 13  “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the ful...

 4.12- A Rose There are events that happen in a person’s life that can drown them in fear. The tragedy of love in a young person’s life that puts them in a position to be used and abused and cut to the very core of their being. Without being properly cherished they can bleed out the very hope of deep joy in a pure relationship. The hunger stays there in the person for a long time. That need for fulfilling love was placed in them by the creator. He has placed in the heart of humans the ability to cherish those who have been used rather than loved properly. This can open them like a morning mist or dew. This fear causes hyper caution and fearfulness that slows down the growth process. Then as spring follows winter there follows a new season of opportunity to get back onto the dance floor of life and try again. She had her heart broken last year in the spring semester, but in the fall term she overcomes the fear of waking up to the best kind of love a guy can give. He had been taken...

 4.11- When it comes time for major growth changes in life there is a tendency to want to hang on to the old and comfortable routines. We want to be in control. Graduation from high school. Leaving a job for a different job. A child gets married. Retirement. Reflecting on a loved one being moved to heaven. There those victory days of the past. We must let go and move forward. The stream of life moves forward. Is my life out of control? I felt the eclipse yesterday was a wink from the designer of the universe to his children that he has everything in control. Matthew 6 25  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?   26  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?   27  Can any one of you by worryi...

 4.10- The total eclipse today shows the Intricate and precision design of our universe points to His glory. It gives new meaning to my daily prayer, "Our Father in heaven..." Matthew 6 5  “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.   6  But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.   7  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.   8  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9  “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10  your kingdom come, your will be done,     ...

 4.9- The day before a major astronomy event. A hotel advertised some reservations made over 40 years ago. Three friends of mine gathered at my house yesterday. Here for Rudy's BBQ and fellowship. One had driven from Denver. We met but did not hurry. We talked about family Church Eclipse Met but did not hurry Sports stars encounters Funny stories Mistakes survived and overcome Restored each other's soul But did not hurry. Our 3rd year to gather personally We are normally on Zoom But we did not hurry. 1pm to almost 5pm. Luke 10 38  As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.   39  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.   40  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41...

 4.8- Fight the good fight in a good way. One of the most important weapons to hold on to is a good conscience. These eleven people are my inner circle of family teachers.. Fun loving, peaceful, easy going, laugh at life people. They rarely started fights but they never walked away from a good one that came to them. They are "home" to me regardless of where I live. 7 have been moved to heaven now but live on my pictures and memories. 4 of us are still here on earth finishing our chores. They remind me. Never let anyone steal your joy or your good conscience. Top. L to R. Bill, Helen Wishard, Bill, Hazanne Luttrell, Sheila, Reed, Gene Wishard Lower. L ion R. Aunt Doodie Phillips, Cora Sue, Wayne Wishard. Philippians 4 4  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!   5  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.   6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present y...