Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

 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  [ ...

 12.2- Those black Friday sales shuffles. Get up early. Fight to get the favorite doorbuster thing. Then a few years later. We eventually downsize from six rooms to one room. The item is sold, given to goodwill or put out in the trash. What really mattered was more who we were with than the item purchased. Priorities on people over purchases and those memories will remain forever. 1 Timothy 6 10  For the love of money is a root of all  [ h ] sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many  [ i ] griefs. 11  But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,  [ j ] perseverance,  and  gentleness.   12  Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and  for which  you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ...

 12.1- It's too soon to quit friends. There have been moments i have had good friends that got so disgusted with being misused and abused that they wanted to quit. Then some close buddy would come alongside and say, "Not yet." Then the passions would cool down and the man would recommit to his long term goals and reengage. He would get back into his volunteer work and keep serving. I have been blessed with friends like that. This year on Thanksgiving I remember them. 2 Timothy 4 16  At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.   17  But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might  [ g ] be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.   18  The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will  [ h ] bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to  [ i ]...