Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

 12.8- When Cain, whose grandfather was God, decided to harbor anger in his heart toward Abel it set up some very bad consequnces. He was the first murderer mentioned in scrpture. The Christmas story includes these words "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Because of Jesus are saved from the guilt and power of sin. I watched two stories on television this week where family members killed someone they loved. Tragedy. Anger, hate and murder Limited in the power of its destruction by the baby born in Bethlehem living to age 33 and dying on a cross and saying "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. Matthew 1   21  She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for  [ t ] He will save His people from their sins.”   22  Now all this  [ u ] took place so that what was s...

 12.7- I came across this recently It’s entitled, “A Franciscan Blessing”: MAY GOD BLESS YOU with discomfort, at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. May God bless you with tears, to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor. Amen 2 Corinthians 1 2  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3  Blessed  be  the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,   4  who ...

 12.6- How to win in life walking with the creator.. Stand firm in these things. 1. Do not worry about the future. 2. Expect foolish, rebellious people to believe in war and killing as a answer to problems. 3. Do not be frightened. 4. Do not be surprised if some people hate you for standing up for what is right. 5. Expect wisdom to be given to you as you stand with truth. 6. Do not allow your life to be burdened by carousing,drunkenness and the anxieties of life. Luke 21 34  “But be on your guard, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that  [ y ] this day will not come on you suddenly, like a trap;   35  for it will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth.   36  But stay alert at all times, praying that you will have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” All reactions: 12 Larry Wilterdink...

 12.5- Schadenfreude. Shaden means "harm." Freude means "joy." A German words meaning finding joy in others misfortune. This is opposite of feeling compassion and a desire to help one's fellow man. Humans were created in the image of God who sent his son down to Bethlehem to show a better way. 2,400 years ago a wise man,Odadiah, wrote, "you should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune..nor boast in the day of their trouble." He wrote that the maker watches over all things and as you have done it will be done to you. When trouble comes it good to limit the damage to all. This shows the potential of humans to turn a bad thing into a glorious healing moment. Obadiah 12  Do not  [ g ] gloat over your brother’s day, The day of his misfortune. And do not rejoice over the sons of Judah On the day of their destruction; Yes, do not  [ h ] boast On the day of  their  distress. 13  Do not enter the gate of My people On the day o...

 12.4- The pilgrims and native Americans shared their food and there was plenty. I'm guessing your Thanksgiving table had plenty. There are at least two ways of looking at life. Life is hard. God is harsh and expects things from his creation that is impossible. Love is in very limited supply. The more love given to others the less that is available to you. You must hoard everything or lose out. God is loving and generous. He created a fruitful earth. Work hard and smart and treat people fairly and abundance will come your way. Love is not scarce and in limited supply. The more love given the more there is sets up a generous attitude. Evil has always lied about the nature of God and his world. The fruitfulness of the earth shows God is generous with growth and beauty. From flowers to honeybees he spreads his provision for his creatures. When the teacher saw students without food he felt compassion and provided what they needed with leftovers. Luke 15 11  And He said,  “A m...

12.3- First things and second things. My folks defined what was first by their actions. They were not perfect people so like all humans they got their priorities wrong. Still, by their life and honest admissions they taught us what was primary and what was secondary. Faith, family and friends are always more important than money. The first things give definition and meaning to second things. First things last forever, second things are temporary. We had a great Thanksgiving weekend because we found joy together in being together regardless of things and arrangements and schedules. Sheila wanted "things" to be as nice and pretty as possible, but especially in her later years just being together was all that really mattered. That has been the secret to a happy life for us. I hope your holiday was great. Matthew 6 24  “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and  [ ...