Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

 11.6- For as long as I can remember I was warned about the problem with religions that are formed by men instead of God. They care more about their rules than about honoring God by having compassion for people. When Jesus broke their rules and restored a man to health they wanted to kill Him for breaking their religious rules. He looked around at them in anger because of their stubborn hearts. When people use their religion as an excuse to not help people, God is not pleased. If anger motivates us to keep doing the right thing then this is a way to "be angry and sin not". I am very much for true religion which is helping those in need and keeping oneself from the filth of this world, but I am not for religion that robs widows and prays long prayers. Mark 3. 3  Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.   2  Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he woul...

 11.5- Ransom. I have friend who lost a daughter to cancer. She was pregnant when she found out and she refused certain lifesaving treatments to protect the health and life of her baby. She died soon after the child was born. She gave her life as ransom for that child. Don't you know that grandparents love all the grandkids, but this one feel especially cherished. The feelings Mary, the mother of Jesus, must had at the cruel, ugly cross. They always released a prisoner at passover. Maybe the blameless Jesus would be released. No, the people said release Barrabus and crucify the innocent one. Jesus was the ransom on this Passover. The lamb of God. We should all feel cherished by God, our Father and Jesus. We too are free because He traded Himself for us. Matthew 27. 15  Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd.   16  At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus [ b ]  Barabbas.   ...

 11.4- The truth is that God can help you to handle money correctly, but money cannot change the truth of who God is what He desires for His children. Matthew 28. 11  While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.   12  When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money,   13  telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’   14  If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”   15  So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

 11.3- Where can you go where everyone is welcome regardless of their income level or whatever kind of home or neighborhood they live in. They are welcome to come and learn together regardless of age from 8 days to 88 years. They are can find joy if the like joyful, upbeat music or slow and sad songs. They are from all nations and all ethnic groups and all are one group. There is no division even during election cycles. Where can you find such a friendly, supportive comforting group? I found this at my home congregation this morning. When you need to receive a fix of the love of God a church that centers on worshipping Jesus Christ is the place to be. Acts 2. 42  They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.   43  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.   44  All the believers were together and had everything in common.   45 ...

 11.2= Evil in the form of murder has come to a hospital in DFW where they celebrate and protect the life of babies. Teachers had to have training as to how to protect their students in a mass shooting incident. Churches where the resurrection life from Jesus is supposed to be central have drifted into divisive, negative politics. That is the very depressing bad news. The good news is that around the world in places where they oppress freedom of religion it is being overcome by courageous, steady believers who are speading grace and mercy and peace everywhere they go. One of the bright places is a dialysis center where an 80 year old protestant minister comforts his Catholic nurse as she cleanses his blood and he strengthens her faith. They give each other hope and inspiration three days a week.They work below the radar screen of negative media. Millions of these great things happen daily around the world because God is love. Hope you have grace, mercy and peace today. Let not ...

 11.1 Today you and I will cross paths with people who need to be encouraged. It can be as simple as smiling. It could be as complex as taking a day off work costing a few hundred dollars. Driving five hours. Taking someone to a doctor's office and waiting patietly thirty minutes with other "patients". Driving five more hours. Getting up the next day and back to work. Doing this with steady joy. Wisdom teaches we can help the sick or give a bottle of water or a joyful good morning a day it makes a difference and will never be forgotten. Matthew 25 31  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.   32  All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.   33  He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are bl...

 10.31- There is something that has been around for 2,000 years.  It's name may seem strange to some who read this.  It is the ekklesia Ron Rose wrote On set occasions,” she continued, “men would leave their cities, villages, and families. They would gather here in this large open field and talk about their needs, their concerns, their dreams, ideas, and philosophies. In these gatherings they would share stories, argue, rant, reason and persuade. They would set new directions and form common goals--they learned from each other.” Ummmmm. They were 'Better Together' as my friend Israel Lewis says. She added, “Imagine people from all over the country, coming together here to understand each other and learn from each other. Imagine the common good that was born here.” “So, preacher man," she looked straight at me, "do you know what this gathering was called?” "I have no idea," I replied . “It was Ecclesia. It’s where your word for church comes from. You shou...

10.30- In the last couple of days I have had conversations with people who are extremely thankful people.  They have many problems.  Health problems.  Family problems. Job and money issues.  Disappointments abound.  In spite of that they are extremely thankful people. When they  have family members they are grateful for they tell them so.  When they see people at work that deserve to be encouraged they encourage them.  They build them up. Colossians 1. 3  We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,   4  because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—   5  the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel   6  that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the wh...

 10.29- Jews and Christians believe that humans move to another realm after they leave the earth.  They move to a place of comfort if they are children of God.  The place of God's kids in heaven is a place where there is no pain and mourning and no death. Anything that give people pain here will not be there. Revelation 21. 21  Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” [ b ]  for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.   2  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.   3  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.   4  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ [ c ]  or mou...

 10.28- If there is a God and there is.  And if He is love and justice and righteousness then there must be justice to delivered to those who oppress and abuse and injure and kill others.  How we treat people is every more important as we realize we leave this earth and must face a Holy God.  Without His mercy there was be no hope for any of us imperfect humans.  He sent His son to rescue all humanity from their predicament.  On the cross He said.  "It is finished."  Father forgive them for they don't know what they are doing." When the end comes we want to have treated people right in our family, work and community.  To help them and provide for them is our work on this earth. Matthew 24. 42  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.   43  But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have le...

 10.27- The reason that love in a family grows cold is due to the involvement of people in wicked activities and thoughts. Matthew 24. 12  Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,   13  but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.   14  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. 1 Corinthians 13 13  If I speak in the tongues [ a ]  of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.   2  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.   3  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, [ b ]  but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4  Love is patient, love is kin...

 10.26- Everything passes away, except the word of God that says everything passes away.  God and His word remain Matthew 24. 34  Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.   35  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 2 Corinthians 4. 16  Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.   17  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.   18  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

 10.25- Treating people with respect is a good habit to get and keep. Ephesians 4. 25  Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.   26  “In your anger do not sin” [ d ] : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,   27  and do not give the devil a foothold.   28  Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.   30  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.   31  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of ...

 10.24- Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. If you put butter on the top of a hot baked potato it might help the taste a little bit. If you cut it open and put butter it in it it will taste a lot better. If you cut it deeply and stir in butter deeply and thoroughly you have a transformed piece of joy. Sprinkle some cheese, sour cream and fresh ground pepper. Wow. Life is like that. A life that is mixed with people associating in a friendly way is good. When you are cut and these friends stay close it is delightful. When you are deeply cut and terrible changes are stirred into your life. Then a deep, loving man comes to saying i'm here just to be with you and comfort you. He says i have a little someting for you. He hands you a gift bag. Inside is a glass with your wife's name, special dates and a verse inscribed on it. You can fill it with water and a floating candle is there to light on special days. When he sits and watches her celebration of life wi...