¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be  strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 ¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 ¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 ¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 ¹⁵And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

 ¹⁶Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

 ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

 ¹⁸Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV

———————————————————-

“Finally, my brethren, be  strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Ephesians 6:10 KJV

Oh boy, where on earth do I begin? I guess I will pose a few questions. Who is the author of these words? The Apostle Paul. To whom is he writing? His brethren. Which brethren? All of his brethren, which include all who are faithful in Christ in his age, our age and in ages to come:

¹Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:  ²Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:1-2.

But there is a phrase that makes me a little nervous and at times can undermine my confidence. Here it is:

“the faithful”

I think I will take a break for a minute and pray…

…Okay, I’m back. Whenever I see the the word “faithful” words like “loyal”, “devoted”, and “obedient” come to my mind, and those words tend to make me uneasy, because even after I received Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord many many years ago I could never claim those titles as my own. There have been times when I walked more loyally, devotedly, and obediently than at other times…but have I ever made it through a day where I was 100% loyal, devoted, and obedient? No, I haven’t.

How about Paul? What did he have to say about himself both before and after he became a Christian?  I am not remembering everything Paul ever said, but a few things do come to my mind. If anything comes to your mind (anything Paul ever said that you remember) that would have bearing… please feel free to share your thoughts. Here are some things that come to my mind:

^“1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

 ²Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

 ³For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

 ⁴Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

 ⁵Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

 ⁶Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

 ⁷But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

 ⁸Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

 ⁹And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

 ¹⁰That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

 ¹¹If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

 ¹²Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

 ¹³Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

 ¹⁴I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:1-14KJV

Here is the same passage in another version:

“¹FOR THE rest, my brethren, delight yourselves in the Lord and continue to rejoice that you are in Him. To keep writing to you [over and over] of the same things is not irksome to me, and it is [a precaution] for your safety.

    ²Look out for those dogs [Judaizers, legalists], look out for those mischief-makers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.

    ³For we [Christians] are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances–

    ⁴Though for myself I have [at least grounds] to rely on the flesh. If any other man considers that he has or seems to have reason to rely on the flesh and his physical and outward advantages, I have still more!

    ⁵Circumcised when I was eight days old, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew [and the son] of Hebrews; as to the observance of the Law I was of [the party of] the Pharisees,

    ⁶As to my zeal, I was a persecutor of the church, and by the Law’s standard of righteousness (supposed justice, uprightness, and right standing with God) I was proven to be blameless and no fault was found with me.

    ⁷But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [^[a]one combined] loss for Christ’s sake.

    ⁸Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),

    ⁹And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.

    ¹⁰[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [^[b]which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

    ¹¹That if possible I may attain to the [^[c]spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].

    ¹²Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.

    ¹³I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

    ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.” Philippians 3:1-14 Amplified Bible

Now let’s look at this passage:

 ¹⁸For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

 ¹⁹For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

 ²⁰Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

 ²¹I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

 ²²For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

 ²³But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

 ²⁴O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

 ²⁵I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:18-25 KJV

…and here it is again in another version of the Bible:

   ¹⁵For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [^[b]which my moral instinct condemns].

    ¹⁶Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it.

    ¹⁷However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me.

    ¹⁸For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.]

    ¹⁹For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing.

    ²⁰Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [^[c]fixed and operating in my soul].

    ²¹So I find it to be a law (rule of action of my being) that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands.

    ²²For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature].

    ²³But I discern in my bodily members [^[d]in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [^[e]in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh].

    ²⁴O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?

    ²⁵O thank God! [He will!] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:15-25 Amplified Bible

So was the Apostle Paul 100%  loyal, devoted, and obedient? Based on the above passages of scripture, my answer must be “No”.

Now that I have established “to whom” Paul was writing…is writing, I would like to look at Ephesians 6:10 again, and think about “Being strong in the Lord”. I have run out of time today, but I think it will be a nice starting place for my next post.

—————————————————————–

Yikes! In Part One of this series I made a statement. Here it is:

” I will not be attempting to “teach” anyone how to interpret or apply the passage. As usual, I will be just sharing “glimpses”…Lord willing.”

Well, the whole tone of this entire post…Part 2 is…opinionated…preachy/teachy…I’m sorry. I guess I just am what I am….sigh.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord?  Please clickhere:http://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here:www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!

¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

 ¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 ¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 ¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 ¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 ¹⁵And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

 ¹⁶Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

 ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

 ¹⁸Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV

I have a dear friend named Michelle who I have known since I was seven years old. I have only seen her on a few occasions since I grew up and got married, but like many other people nowadays, we have begun visiting over the past year or two through Facebook. The other day I was feeling discouraged about some things and she reminded me of the importance of  ”The Armor of God”. Then I was over at Debbie Feller’s Blog http://iftodaywehear.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/being-made-great/  and saw this:

“You have also given me the shield of your salvation.
And Your gentleness has made me great.”  2 Samuel 22:36

I had already told my other friend that I was going to look at the Ephesians passage, but I felt a prompting when I was at Debbie’s blog that I should not put it off. 

The subject of  ”The Armor of God” is one that most Christians are familiar with. From the time we are little we learn songs, color, cut and paste paper soldiers, and listen to stories while the Sunday School teacher refers us to the flannel board. But how familiar are we really? Can you recite the above passage of scripture? I can’t. Can you name each piece of equipment that the Lord provides for each and every believer? Not me. I can name a few, but not all of them. If you can recite the passage and list all of those items, do you know how to use them? In what type of situations are you supposed to use them? Do you use them?…regularly?

Here I am with an interesting subject on my mind, and instead of spouting off all I know which frankly, isn’t much, I am asking you, the reader, all of those questions.     I am looking forward to digging into the word, and sharing anything I learn. I am going to try to avoid peeking at commentaries. There is so much out there on this topic. I will not be attempting to “teach” anyone how to interpret or apply the passage. As usual, I will be just sharing “glimpses”…Lord willing.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord?  Please clickhere:http://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here:www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!

Scripture References;

⁶Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:  ⁷Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7 KJV

¹¹For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. ¹²How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? ¹³And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. ¹⁴Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:11-14 KJV

<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

Hide and Seek:  A Portrait of Mercy by Theresa Anne Moore

Out among the shadows,

Crouched low behind a tree,

I hoped no one would find me.

I hoped no one could see

The frightened little child

Who happened to be me.

————————————————————————-

I really was ashamed

And just a little scared

That the things I had been up to

Might suddenly be aired,

And it would be quite obvious

That I had grossly erred.

—————————————————————–

Idle thoughts and fancies,

Dark musings in my head,

The unkind words that weren’t restrained,

The list of vices that stained,

I knew they couldn’t be explained.

“They couldn’t be explained”,

The mournful chorus refrained.

———————————————————–

I wanted to run to my house

To my favorite place to hide,

But I knew that I would be spied,

So I gave up hope and cried.

I felt helpless and small like a mouse.

There was no one on my side.

———————————————————

Then I heard a whimper.

I looked up in surprise.

Not far from where I was crouching

Was someone just my size.

That someone also was crouching,

Tears falling from her eyes.

————————————————————–

She drew her breath in sharply

As soon as she saw me.

Then we both nodded knowingly.

It was plain to her and me,

We shared the same dilemma.

Then we both were so relieved…

To hear “Olly olly oxen free”!

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord?  Please clickhere:http://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here:www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,100 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 4 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Scripture References;

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew11:28-30 HCSB

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  According to His great mercy,He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable,  uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven  for you, who are being protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  1Peter 1:3-5KJV

²⁸And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.²⁹For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.³⁰Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30 KJV

⁴But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,⁵Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)⁶And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:⁷That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.⁸For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  ⁹Not of works, lest any man should boast.¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:4-10 KJV

⁶But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)⁷Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)⁸But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;⁹That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.¹⁰For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.¹¹For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:6-11KJV

I have noticed that it is our tendency to focus on subtractions when we really should be focusing on additions. We rob ourselves of so much.

Can you remember ever getting a very special gift when you were little?  Maybe your parents understood how valuable it was, and knew that if you were allowed to play with it you would either break it or lose it, so they put it up for a day when you were older. Our salvation is like that. It is protected by God’s power…not our own. If it depended even in the tiniest part on our power, through the daily exercising of our own free will, no one would be able to keep from losing it. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Psalm 3

 ¹Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

 ²Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

 ³But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of  head.mine

 ⁴I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

 ⁵I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

 ⁶I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

 ⁷Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

 ⁸Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. Psalm 3 KJV

Lately I have been living on fumes…so to speak…and my heart has somewhat cooled, but there has still been that prompting little whisper that says,  ”Theresa, you need to go pray and read the Bible.”  Today it spoke a little more loudly. Then this afternoon I called up an old friend. We had a really nice visit. She mentioned that the very same thing had happened to her, so she was reading a book by A.W. Tozer. She brought the subject up. When I got home I read a friends blog, and guess what? It addressed this same issue. Click here and see:  http://tonirand.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/why-do-you-cry/. It really is a great post. Then I went into the living room with a Bible and a hymn book and I lay down and read a couple sentences from Luke…and fell asleep, and woke, and prayed just a little and fell asleep, and repeated that process a few times, and finally got up. I then remembered the psalm above, and decided to look at it and share what it means to me.

¹Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.²Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

David had his share of adversaries; both visible and invisible ones. Mine are more often the invisible ones. Recently my biggest adversaries have been fatigue, and distractions. I am so easily distracted. Then there is Satan and his agenda:

 ¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

 Satan stays very busy using every trick and scheme he can to try to cheat God’s children out of precious time alone with the Lord. I am so thankful that the Lord is faithful and devoted to calling us, to drawing us to Himself:

 ⁴⁴No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44 KJV 

³But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

See what I mean?

⁴I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

The Lord hears everything; our cries, our groans, our murmurs, our complaints, but He also can hear our praises and the pondering of our minds as we take moments here and there to think about Him. He sees the bad and the good; the past, present and future. But He doesn’t merely see. He acts on our behalf:

⁵I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

Even our sleeping and waking would not be possible without the Lord.

⁶I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

There actually were many times in David’s life when he was afraid, but the Lord continually restored his courage, and it’s the same with all of the Lord’s children.

⁷Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Isn’t that a great response? Each day has it share of troubles, and some days seem to have many. The answer has, is, and will continually be the same:

Do Not Be Anxious

 ²⁵ ”Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?^[g] 28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, ²⁹yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³²For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

 ³⁴ ”Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34 ESV

Below is the last verse in this psalm, and what a wonderful verse it is!

⁸Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

The Lord can save, and He does save:

²⁰But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

 ²¹And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Matthew 1:20-21KJV

And who are “His People”? All who call on Him:

¹³For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 KJV 

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord?  Please click here:http://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here:www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22KJV
 ¹¹A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. Proverbs 29:11 KJV

 ¹⁰And David arose and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.

 ¹¹And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

 ¹²And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.

 ¹³And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.

 ¹⁴Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?

 ¹⁵Have I need of mad men, that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house? 1Samuel 21:10:15 KJV

 ¹To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

 ²A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

 ³A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

 ⁴A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 KJV
—————————————————————————————————————

I had to write a definition essay for my composition class.  I enjoyed it so much that I decided to add some scriptures and post it here, as well.

A Sense of Humor:  A Laughing Matter?

“She had…the glimmerings of a sense of humor – which is simply another name for a sense of the fitness of things.”– L.M. Montgomery.

A sense of humor is the trait of appreciating (and being able to express) the humorous. It can be endearing or despicable. A good sense of humor is an attribute that people prize in each other and also like to claim as an inherent characteristic when they describe themselves. A sense of humor is often the underlying cause of countless antics in school, on the job, and in many other stations that people are obligated to occupy that would otherwise be dreary, tedious, and wearisome. It is versatile; can be both enabling and disabling at the same time. It might serve as the tool selected by a craftsman builder, or the weapon wielded by a fierce warrior, able to humiliate and annihilate even the most formidable foe.  In any case, it must be handled with the utmost care. A sense of humor cannot be overestimated.

When people are asked what qualities they like best in a person, a good sense of humor is almost always at the forefront of their lists.  Conversely, if they are asked what bothers them the most about a person they dislike, they will often complain that the person either lacks a sense of humor or possesses a type of sense of humor that is somehow unappealing; that it is dry, morbid, juvenile, corny, or perverse. Granted, these terms used to describe various kinds of sense of humor are relative, and therein lies the challenge in employing one’s sense of humor with any degree of success when the audience is made up of strangers.  If a person is told that they lack a good sense of humor he or she might become defensive. This is by and large, due to the fact that lacking a sense of humor often equates with poor sportsmanship, and even deficient coping skills.

In order to demonstrate the significance of a good sense of humor one might pose the following question at a gathering of family or friends:  “Who are Lucille Ball, Bill Cosby, and Robin Williams?”.  It is their appeal to the sense of humor of a multitude of viewers that has made them household names. If it were not for that characteristic referred to as “A Good Sense of Humor” those names would be forever lost in obscurity.  Each of those stars has appeared in television situation comedies and in movies where they often portrayed ordinary people. Although they occupied settings that were for the most part run-of-the-mill, such as at home, in school or the workplace, their outrageous antics had such a striking impact that those scenes are forever etched in the memories of all. Who can forget that famous scene from “I Love Lucy” where Lucy and Ethel were wrapping chocolates in a candy factory? People who have seen that episode will most likely be able to recall the humor it contained whenever they, too, find themselves in peculiar situations in which things run amok, and as a result, they find the humor needed to alleviate some of the stress that plagued those situations.

A bad sense of humor can be detrimental to a person’s reputation.  Crude, unkind, and ill-timed remarks are almost impossible to live down, and can change that person’s standing from famous to infamous.  Take Rosie O’Donnell, Joan Rivers, and David Letterman for examples. All three of them are bright and often generally amusing, but their wit has gotten them in trouble on number of occasions, and they have had to either make apologies or repeatedly explain what they meant when they originally made certain remarks. Their poorly chosen words were costly. In fact, many years ago there was a phrase coined by Joan Rivers that was her trademark:  “Can We talk?”.

Just like those tools and appliances sold on infomercials, a sense of humor can serve many purposes.  When someone wants to cheer up a crestfallen friend who has suffered some form of humiliation,  a kind and light-hearted sense of humor can be used to comfort, soothe, and even to restore  much needed dignity so well that it might be called “The Quicker Picker Upper”. Then there are those times when the task at hand seems daunting. Like those wall hooks that are made for hanging the heaviest wall shelves, a good sense of humor will provide the support needed to bear up and get the job done no matter how weighty it may seem. Finally, there are those crucial moments when a weapon is the tool that is required to deal with a situation.  The battle of words can be one of the most exhausting battles that one will ever wage. An adversary will often pull out his or her weapon of choice, that self-guided missile, that seeks out every little thing a person has regretted and blows them way out of proportion.  When that happens, the targeted person can become immobilized, as they reel from its force. However, a healthy sense of humor can create a buffer zone that will ensure survival.

A good sense of humor is not merely functional; it is a resourceful, adaptable, and indispensable trait that is both appreciated and coveted by many. It is often used to alleviate the stress and boredom that is prone to accompany our routines.  It is also capable of diffusing many precarious situations.  If we can learn to use it with discretion and skill, it will serve us for a lifetime. A good sense of humor is no laughing matter.

<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

Works Cited

Dictionary.com  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sense+of+humor

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord?  Please click here:http://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here:www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!

I was reading at one a little while ago and was a little convicted, but so thankful for the conviction. Conviction can be a really good thing. 
Here is a link to the post I was reading:  http://onmysoapbox2.wordpress.com/2011/10/19/im-offended/

As I read there I was reminded of some things I wrote…some things that I am prone to forget, so once again I am re-posting both of them below. I think I will take both her words and mine to heart this evening and pray for renewal of my mind. I know that some of you have already read them, because I re-post them every once in awhile, but who knows…maybe someone who has never read my blog before might stop by and benefit from them.

Defining Moments

But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah,  the Son  of God,  and by believing you may have life in His name.  John 20:31 HCSB

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  Psalm 51:10-12 KJV

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Romans 12:2 KJV

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Philippians 2:13  KJV

I am thinking about moments.

We do like to capture moments; both good and bad…

We can be having a happy, quiet, thoughtful, God glorifying moment, where our focus is on everything that is lovely, and in an instant it is invaded by the memory of another moment.

Sometimes a painful moment can be branded into our memory, and the one who caused the pain can be “defined” by that moment, and as a result, the memories of the happy moments are misplaced. They might turn up for a little while only to be misplaced again.

I have experienced this on numerous occasions. Then one day I thought to myself, “How would I feel if someone witnessed me at an inconvenient moment, and then defined me by that moment?”

And one more thing…When you catch yourself in a moment defining someone by a moment, don’t beat yourself up. Confess it to the Lord and ask Him to renew your mind. We might be saved in one moment but we need to be transformed daily, moment by moment. This is something that He does for us as we call on Him. (Psalms 51:10-12, Romans12:2, and Philippians 2:13)

Shifting Gears-New Habits

Scripture References;

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,  holy and pleasing to God;  this is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed  to this age,  but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.  Romans 12:1-2  HCSB

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.  Psalm 37:23-24  KJV

The 10 Lepers

¹¹ While traveling to Jerusalem,  He passed between Samaria and Galilee.  ¹² As He entered a village, 10 men with serious skin diseases  met Him. They stood at a distance ¹³ and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master,  have mercy on us!”

¹⁴ When He saw them, He told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And while they were going, they were healed.

¹⁵ But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God.  ¹⁶ He fell facedown  at His feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan.

¹⁷ Then Jesus said, “Were not 10 cleansed? Where are the nine? ¹⁸ Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ And He told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19

I was thinking about habits and realized something.

I have had 6 different cars so far in my life, and they all had automatic transmissions. Some of them had bucket seats, and the shifter was between them. Others had the shifter that was up by the steering wheel. Every time I would get a new car that shifted differently I would find myself automatically making the motion that I was used to making when I had the car with the different shifter. It was a habit I had learned so well that it was automatic.  Then after awhile I would get used to the new car and learn the new habit, and it would soon become “automatic”.

In life we learn so many habits, both good and bad, that soon become automatic responses to all kinds of situations. Many of our habits are ways that we think. We automatically follow certain paths of logic when considering things. But sometimes our logic is faulty, negative and unfair to ourselves and others, and even worse- to the Lord.

One terrible habit is thinking that we cannot change. We CAN change our thinking, and our habits!  The Bible teaches this. Proverbs 3:5-7 sums it all up:

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”

Jesus CAN guide our paths which include our habits! Does this mean that Christians may reach some level of perfection this side of heaven where they will never again catch themselves in a wrong thought, word, or action?  No, what it does mean, is that as we make it our habit to go to the Lord from time to time each day in prayer seeking his guidance and strength (acknowledging Him in all our ways), we will in time experience a degree of transformation that will be noticeable by both ourselves and even others, and when we do realize that we have sinned we will as a result, be more apt to run to Jesus than to try run from Him.

I am on a roll today and have one more thing to add. You know, in the day that Jesus had his earthly ministry there were those who were afflicted with leprosy, a devastating disease. They were considered “unclean” and had to cry out “Unclean!” whenever someone approached them, and they had to live away from others, quarantined. I’m sure it soon became a habit for them to cry out those words. I wonder if the lepers who had been healed ever found themselves beginning to speak that phrase for awhile until they became accustomed to their new condition?

We, too, can often forget that we have been cleansed, forgiven…”changed” in the Lord’s eyes, and behave in a way that just isn’t necessary or even desirable. We can even have memories of sins committed many years ago that we confessed and repented from and find ourselves once again “feeling” guilt and shame. Then consequently, we might  “feel” like we need to confess them again as if we were never forgiven.  But Praise the Lord! if we will go to Jesus in prayer and study,  He really will renew our minds, and as a result, our self image and our habits (which might even included seeing “canceled” sin and doubting that we have been forgiven). He can help us exchange the habits of the flesh that bring guilt and shame with habits of the Spirit which bring peace, contentment, and joy! We can and should do this daily, and even throughout the day.  Would I call this a duty?  No, I call it a privilege!<3<3<3<3Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord?  Please click here:http://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.<3<3<3<3

Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here:www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!

I hope this won’t seem irreverent for me to say this, but I was reminded of a few passages of scripture as I hummed along to the song. The Lord is full of warmth and love, and the Spirit has been compared to the wind. When the Lord blows on us it is a beautiful experience. The the things that trouble us are blown away as we are also blown away.

Scripture references;

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7

“5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8

“24And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

25And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

27But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” Matthew 8:24-27 

“19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.

21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” John 20:19-22 22

‘”When Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Passover, came, all the believers were together in one place. 2Suddenly, a sound like a violently blowing wind came from the sky and filled the whole house where they were staying. 3Tongues that looked like fire appeared to them. The tongues arranged themselves so that one came to rest on each believer. 4All the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.” Acts 2:1-4

“Paul stood in the middle of the court and said, “Men of Athens, I see that you are very religious. 23As I was going through your city and looking closely at the objects you worship, I noticed an altar with this written on it: ‘To an unknown god.’ I’m telling you about the unknown god you worship. 24The God who made the universe and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth. He doesn’t live in shrines made by humans, 25and he isn’t served by humans as if he needed anything. He gives everyone life, breath, and everything they have. 26 From one man he has made every nation of humanity to live all over the earth. He has given them the seasons of the year and the boundaries within which to live. 27He has done this so that they would look for God, somehow reach for him, and find him. In fact, he is never far from any one of us. 28Certainly, we live, move, and exist because of him. As some of your poets have said, ‘We are God’s children.’ 29So if we are God’s children, we shouldn’t think that the divine being is like an image made from gold, silver, or stone, an image that is the product of human imagination and skill.” Acts 17:22-29

” 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:2-3

For some reason my mind was just flooded with all of this scripture a few minutes ago and I just had to share it. If that isn’t grace I don’t know what is. He loves it when we are reminded of Him… and when we in turn call out to Him.

” 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

6But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

7Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:4-13

Here below are the words to the song in the above video I hope you will listen…the tune is so sweet:

Day turned black, sky ripped apart
Rained for a year ’til it dampened my heart
Cracks and leaks
The floorboards caught rot
About to go down
I had almost forgot.

All I got to do is to love you
All I got to be is, be happy
All it’s got to take is some warmth to make it
Blow Away, Blow Away, Blow Away

Sky cleared up, day turned to bright
Closing both eyes now the head filled with light
Hard to remember what a state I was in
Instant amnesia
Yang to the Yin

All I got to do is to love you

All I got to be is, be happy
All it’s got to take is some warmth to make it
Blow Away, Blow Away, Blow Away

Wind blew in, cloud was dispersed
Rainbows appearing, the pressures were burst
Breezes a-singing, now feeling good
The moment had passed
Like I knew that it should

All I got to do is to love you
All I got to be is, be happy
All it’s got to take is some warmth to make it
Blow Away, Blow Away, Blow Away

Now go back and slowly read all of the above scripture and be filled with joy…God Bless you today!!!    

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord?  Please click here:http://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here:www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV

About a week ago I got back my very first descriptive essay that I wrote for my “Composition I” class.  I got a “B-”. I am a first semester freshman who still has much to learn. Perhaps my writing will become more beautiful in time, too.

We were taken out behind the library on our campus. It is a lovely campus. It is about 100 years old. The buildings are brick with beautiful columns like so much of the architecture in the South. Even the newer bulidings were constructed in such a way that they would complement them. The grounds are so pretty…green grass and pretty trees…oaks, magnolias, and a few others. Here are some links where you can view some photos:

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=arkansas+tech+university&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1440&bih=791&tbm=isch&tbnid=AeUJzM1_wsIGlM:&imgrefurl=http://www.campusexplorer.com/colleges/A5B08EB8/Arkansas/Russellville/Arkansas-Tech-University/&docid=FaOSZaKxus6euM&w=376&h=262&ei=EsaQTt-jEOWKsQK4r6yoAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=999&vpy=438&dur=321&hovh=187&hovw=269&tx=145&ty=111&page=2&tbnh=114&tbnw=164&start=28&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:28

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=arkansas+tech+university&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1440&bih=791&tbm=isch&tbnid=fsD4j4iu0lzdvM:&imgrefurl=http://www.panoramio.com/photo/12515580&docid=HMAdK61oQoLvAM&w=2032&h=1524&ei=EsaQTt-jEOWKsQK4r6yoAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1000&vpy=293&dur=867&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=214&ty=120&page=2&tbnh=137&tbnw=221&start=28&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:28

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=arkansas+tech+university&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1440&bih=791&tbm=isch&tbnid=UO_5MOlDNSp0tM:&imgrefurl=http://www.campusexplorer.com/colleges/A5B08EB8/Arkansas/Russellville/Arkansas-Tech-University/&docid=FaOSZaKxus6euM&w=376&h=262&ei=EsaQTt-jEOWKsQK4r6yoAQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=679&vpy=296&dur=110&hovh=187&hovw=269&tx=133&ty=117&page=2&tbnh=137&tbnw=190&start=28&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:28

And here is a link where you can view a photo of a Crepe Myrtle like Raina Colette:  http://www.leaflimb.com/blog/tree-care/tree-care-for-crape-myrtles/

Our instructor told us to pick our own tree, give it a name, and use personification, and also to appeal to the five senses as much as possible. Below is my essay:

Raina Collette

A short distance from the rear entrance to the ATU Library there stood one of a number of young Crepe Myrtles that had been selected as a foundation planting. Although she looked much like the others when viewed from a distance, she possessed her own unique charm that was cordial, sanguine, and vivacious at closer inspection.  Her graceful, fountain-like shape assumed that of those southern belles one might encounter at a cotillion, while her soft pink plumes were reminiscent of the French lilac, whereas lacking the sweet, heady fragrance of the latter.  As the afternoon breeze sifted through her dark green leaves, she shivered with delight. She was no giant like many oaks, nor ostentatious like a magnolia in full bloom, but she managed to make her presence known in that way many young ladies with proper upbringing usually master by the arrival of summer.  Any thoughtful onlooker would be compelled to call her Raina Collette.

The five strong and sinewy branches that comprised her trunk reached upward and outward with confident anticipation like the graceful arms of a ballerina that had been poised for a pirouette. Each one had its own distinct contours and curves that might be appreciated as a natural piece of sculpture worthy of display. The tawny bark was smooth to the touch, as if it had been sanded to a fine-textured finish. Although Raina’s branches were slender, they were like the limbs of an accomplished dancer. They would never have been considered frail.

Raina’s leaves were shaped like a mouse’s ear, and at that time of the year were an attractive deep green with delicate veins, but they were not her focal point. However, they remained content to keep their humble place while Raina was in bloom, and waited their turn. Their time to show off would come later in autumn when they would make their debut in stunning shades of red and orange.  Still, they did manage to draw a little attention. They cheerfully sang the light notes of a chorus as the wind, their gentle maestro, conducted them.  Their song was a soft serenade that would soothe the minds of its small audience on their afternoon breaks outdoors. It could be heard just outside the door of the building, but took one far away from the stress and agitation that is sometimes found in the workplace.

It is true that Raina had a number of beautiful features, but all summer long her blooms were her glory that she wore like a crown.  Covered with an array of luscious blooms in a light shade of pink that was the color of strawberry frosting, she was a striking vision of loveliness. Each of her plumes was comprised of an abundance of tiny, delicate, and ruffled, blossoms that were crinkled like crepe paper.  Some might say that they had no fragrance, but if one were to inhale deeply at the right time of day, they might detect a light fragrance with just a hint of sweetness, but never overpowering. After all, Raina was a lady.

In my humble estimation, Raina Colette truly was all that her name implied.  From her head down to her toes she held all of those captivating qualities that never fail to entice, yet she still was a young lady of discretion and grace. She carried herself with a warm, gentle, and optimistic air. She had an ability to draw a person out of themselves without failing to share just enough to cause one to linger awhile under her enchanting spell. Time spent with Raina was time well spent. Her hospitality provided a pleasant afternoon respite that would surely re-energize, and even inspire anyone who might have been suffering from fatigue, boredom, or even frazzled nerves. I am, and forever will be both pleased and grateful to have made her acquaintance.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord?  Please click here:http://pronetoponder.wordpress.com/category/about-salvation-very-important-words/ and make sure.

Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here: www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!