He Speaks to Me

Value of Friends

2008-07-15T13:48:00.006-05:00

Ecclesiastes 4:7-13

7 I observed yet another example of meaninglessness in our world. 8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing.
9 Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. 11 And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

We depend too much on self. We believe we're the only one who can do a certain job and then we refuse to ask for help. We're afraid to allow others to take over task. We believe they are incapable of doing things to our standards. Why?

I see this as Satan's way of robbing us from the happiness and contentment God desires for us. We are so busy in the details that we don't look at the big picture. We need the support of others. Having this support allows us to see life in a different and proper perspective. Our values are different. We are able to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Otherwise, we work in vain, for nothing. God wants us to focus on the important things, not the details.

My prayer for you today is you will see the value of friends.

Get Rich Quick

2008-07-14T07:42:00.002-05:00

Ecclesiastes 4: 1-6

Again I observed all the oppression that takes place in our world. I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors have great power, and the victims are helpless. 2 So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living. 3 And most fortunate of all are those who were never born. For they have never seen all the evil that is done in our world.
4 Then I observed that most people are motivated to success by their envy of their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless, like chasing the wind.
5 Foolish people refuse to work and almost starve. 6 They feel it is better to be lazy and barely survive than to work hard, especially when in the long run everything is so futile.

Boy, things are still the same. Even in Solomon's time the people were trying to get rich quick, and expend as litt effort as possible. Just goes to show that nothing ever changes. We always seem to want what we can't have. The brass ring is always just our of our grasp. When someone does grab that brass ring, we wonder, why couldn't it have been me? or it should have been me. We tend to be so caught up in 'me' we forget this world is nothing compared to the riches God stores in heaven for us. So why are we chasing the brass ring instead of relying on God's promises? Why do we insist on "chasing the wind?"

My prayer for you today is you will look to God to supply all your needs.

2008-06-02T21:49:00.002-05:00

Ecclesiastes 3:16-22

16 I also noticed that throughout the world there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! 17 I said to myself, "In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds."
18 Then I realized that God allows people to continue in their sinful ways so he can test them. That way, they can see for themselves that they are no better than animals. 19 For humans and animals both breathe the same air, and both die. So people have no real advantage over the animals. How meaningless! 20 Both go to the same place-the dust from which they came and to which they must return. 21 For who can prove that the human spirit goes upward and the spirit of animals goes downward into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why they are here! No one will bring them back from death to enjoy life in the future.

These verses gave me a sarcastic smile. I thought of all the corruption that is everywhere in the legal system. From politicians on down. Nothing in thousands of years has changed. People will be rebellious and evil, it's our nature. Also, it's in our nature for us to die, but where we spend eternity is our choice. I choose heaven, and I also choose to be happy with my station in life. God has a plan for me.

I pray you will choose to be happy and have peace in God.

2008-05-21T11:17:00.002-05:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

1
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
2
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
4
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
8
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. 11 God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. 12 So I concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they can. 13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
14 And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose in this is that people should fear him. 15 Whatever exists today and whatever will exist in the future has already existed in the past. For God calls each event back in its turn.

These verses give me such comfort. It list all the emotions every human feels at some point in their lives and tells us it's okay to feel that way, but only for a time. I have a little saying that my friends have heard often, "don't wallow." In other words, don't deny the emotions you feel, just don't hang onto them. God has given his stamp of approval to feel the way you feel, but then you must get up and move on.

One thing God doesn't list are the emotions of anger and happiness. Why? I'm thinking it's because there is no place for unrighteous anger in our lives and happiness is it's antonym. A righteous anger is a fleeting anger. It's justified for correction, but then the anger is gone. Unrighteous anger engulfs and causes us to sin. It also tends to hang around forever.

Today, I pray you will find comfort in this season of your life.

Satisfaction Comes From God

2008-05-20T12:51:00.002-05:00

Ecclesiasties 2:17-27

17 So now I hate life because everything done here under the sun is so irrational. Everything is meaningless, like chasing the wind. 18 I am disgusted that I must leave the fruits of my hard work to others. 19 And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? And yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work. How meaningless!
20 So I turned in despair from hard work. It was not the answer to my search for satisfaction in this life. 21 For though I do my work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, I must leave everything I gain to people who haven't worked to earn it. This is not only foolish but highly unfair. 22 So what do people get for all their hard work? 23 Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night they cannot rest. It is all utterly meaningless.
24 So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that this pleasure is from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? 26 God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. Even this, however, is meaningless, like chasing the wind.

The first part of this passage is filled with selfishness. Taking what we earn with us to the afterlife instead of leaving it to others seems like a great idea. It doesn't work, and Solomon knew it. Therefore he saw no need in working hard for someone else's interest. His realization that working to earn an inheritance for descendants wasn't the important thing. It was the work. The work itself is the satisfaction, and the satisfaction in work comes from God. He is the one who truly fills our life with sweetness. If we have God, we are satisfied.

I pray that you will find sweetness and satisfaction through our Heavenly Father.

2008-05-15T13:51:00.002-05:00

Eccelisates 2:12-15

12 So I decided to compare wisdom and folly, and anyone else would come to the same conclusions I did. 13 Wisdom is of more value than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. 14 For the wise person sees, while the fool is blind. Yet I saw that wise and foolish people share the same fate. 15 Both of them die. Just as the fool will die, so will I. So of what value is all my wisdom? Then I said to myself, "This is all so meaningless!" 16 For the wise person and the fool both die, and in the days to come, both will be forgotten.

Getting this look inside Solomon's mind is so refreshing. Even with all the despair, I feel great affirmation. The problems and concerns I have in this world, are the same feelings the wisest man felt.

One things that stands out to me, the observation that wisdom is worth it. Although the wise and foolish "share the same fate." It's better to be wise. Therefore, it's better to have knowledge than wallow in ignorance.

Today I pray you will find soloace in these wise words.

In Search of Meaning

2008-05-12T10:55:00.003-05:00

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

I said to myself, "Come now, let's give pleasure a try. Let's look for the `good things' in life." But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 "It is silly to be laughing all the time," I said. "What good does it do to seek only pleasure?" 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. While still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I hoped to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.
4 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 7 I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned great herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who lived in Jerusalem before me. 8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!
9 So I became greater than any of the kings who ruled in Jerusalem before me. And with it all, I remained clear-eyed so that I could evaluate all these things. 10 Anything I wanted, I took. I did not restrain myself from any joy. I even found great pleasure in hard work, an additional reward for all my labors. 11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless. It was like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.

Everytime I read this passage, I see so many people I know--including myself. We spend our lives searching for happiness in all the wrong places. The nicest and finest life can offer leaves us discontented and restless. Once we accomplish our goals, we find ourselves hungry for something new. Instead of taking our longings to the Lord, we try to fill that hunger ourselves according to the world's standards. We must remember this world will never be able to satisfy a hunger that is for God. It's like eating candy bars instead of healthy food. They may satisfy your physical hunger for a moment, but the empiness your body feels never goes away. It craves nourishment and cleansing, not a quick fix.

Our souls crave this same kind of nourishment. The kind only God can supply.

I pray you will look for your contentment in God, not in the world.

Chasing the Wind

2008-05-10T11:30:00.002-05:00

Ecclesiastes 1:12-19

12 I, the Teacher, was king of Israel, and I lived in Jerusalem. 13 I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done in the world. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. 14 Everything under the sun is meaningless, like chasing the wind. 15 What is wrong cannot be righted. What is missing cannot be recovered.
16 I said to myself, "Look, I am wiser than any of the kings who ruled in Jerusalem before me. I have greater wisdom and knowledge than any of them." 17 So I worked hard to distinguish wisdom from foolishness. But now I realize that even this was like chasing the wind. 18 For the greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.

I so know how Solomon feels. There are so many times that I feel like I'm doing nothing more than 'chasing the wind.' I run in circles to find myself back where I started with nothing to show for my effort. In those times, I must stop and ask God what He wants me to do. I find when I slow down and do His will, I'm no longer 'chasing the wind,' but being productive.

I pray that you will stop 'chasing the wind' and start looking to God for direction.

Rest on God

2008-05-09T10:39:00.002-05:00

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 (NLT)

These are the words of the Teacher, King David's son, who ruled in Jerusalem.
Everything Is Meaningless
2 "Everything is meaningless," says the Teacher (or modern man), "utterly meaningless!"
3 What do people get for all their hard work? 4 Generations come and go, but nothing really changes. 5 The sun rises and sets and hurries around to rise again. 6 The wind blows south and north, here and there, twisting back and forth, getting nowhere. 7 The rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows again to the sea. 8 Everything is so weary and tiresome! No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.
9 History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. 10 What can you point to that is new? How do you know it didn't already exist long ago? 11 We don't remember what happened in those former times. And in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.

These words could have been written today instead of King Solomon. I can see a morning commuter trapped in snarled traffic reciting these words. I don't think I've ever felt modern day man represented so well in Scripture.

So many feel trapped by life. It's as if they are running on a hamster wheel. They have worked so hard to make that wheel spin, and when they jump off, thereis nothing to show for their effort. The wheel simply stops.

Many times, I have felt like I'm running on the hamster wheel. I wonder if what I'm doing is actually worth anything at all. In my heart, I know what I'm doing is making an impact even if I don't see the results.

I pray that you will join me as I look at Eccelsiastes to discover how we should rest in God instead of on our own laurels.

God's will

2008-05-06T11:32:00.003-05:00

3 John 9-14

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.

11 Beloved (me), do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He(me) who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

12 Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face.

Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

Even the early church had it's problems. Today, we still those who insist on running things according to their will, not God's. I like how we're reminded to not follow after these individuals. We should follow the truth even if it's not popular. What matters is God's will, not man's.

I pray today you will be able to discern between God's will and your own.

Finding Your Place in God's Kingdom

2008-05-05T11:28:00.003-05:00

3 John 5-8

5 Beloved (Gaius), you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, 6 who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, 7 because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we (I) may become fellow workers for the truth.

This passage tells the good works of Gaius. I'm sure he was a modest man and thought his work wasn't that important, and he was only doing what was necessary. One thing we must remember here is that all work in God's kingdom is important. If it weren't for Gaius's work, those going out to tell others wouldn't have been equipped. John goes further to say that we should all be Gaiuses. We should all do our job in God's kingdom, whether it be witnessing, or mopping floors.

Today I pray you will see what your job in God's kingdom is, and preform it to the best of your ability.

We Effect Others

2008-04-29T10:41:00.003-05:00

3 John 1-3

The Elder,
To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

What an awesome affirmation for Gaius. I wonder if he was feeling a bit discouraged or questioning his ability. Maybe Gaius wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing. In any event, this letter from John clarified Gaius's calling--he was doing God's will.

Every now and then, all of God's servants question their calling. Satan worms his way in and points out all our flaws, errors in judgement, and mistakes. Our Heavenly Father refuses to give Satan this power, and He gives us earthly affirmations of His direction in our lives. It's not that His servants are looking for pats on the back, but it helps to know that God is using you for His will.

Today I encourage you to jot a note of thanks, or phone one of those who have positively affected your life for Christ. They just may need that encouragement.

I pray you will touch someones life for Christ.

Waiting for Jesus

2008-04-25T11:36:00.003-05:00

2 John 12-13

12 Having many things to write to you (that also means me), I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our (mine to) joy may be full.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

I get excited when I read these verses. I think how the church must felt when they received this encouraging letter, and to read at the end that John wanted to visit. He wanted to rejoice and worship with them. I like to think the church began to prepare for his arrival as soon as the words were read. Arrangements put into place for his lodging and food. The sweet ladies that made sure everything was clean and in order. The prayers that went up for his safe journey and quick feet for a hasty arrival. How the members would glance down the roads to see if today was the day of his arrival.

This is the way we are to wait for Christ. We are to be prepared, excited, longing, and always watching for the exact moment. Just as John's joy would be made full when he visited the church, ours will be complete upon Christ's return.

I pray you will begin preparing yourself for His return.

Guard Your Heart

2008-04-24T06:29:00.003-05:00

2 John 7-11

7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves (myself), that we (I) do not lose those things we (I) worked for, but that we (I) may receive a full reward.
9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He (me) who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you (me) and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your (my) house nor greet him; 11 for he (me) who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

As I ponder these verses, my mind recalls many men who have started movements based on their twisted and warped personal belief they themselves are Christ Incarnate.

Unfortunately, many of these movements grown into modern day religions.

John's words are clear and unmistakable. We are not to even socialize with these nay sayers. We are to protect ourselves at all cost from being dragged into their world. Verse 8 addresses this,

"do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward."

In other words, don't throw away Heaven for Hell.

I pray you will see Christ for who He is, and guard your heart.

Mend Fences

2008-04-23T10:54:00.003-05:00

2 John 4-6

4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children (the church body) walking in truth, as we (I) received commandment from the Father. 5 And now I plead with you, lady (the church), not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we (I) have had from the beginning: that we (I) love one another. 6 This is love, that we (I) walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you (I) have heard from the beginning, you (I) should walk in it.

Here John is pointing out that some of the church body is living a true Christian life, but not all. He pleads with them to love each other and reminds them this is the way God intended a church to be. God wants the church to love each other so they may be able to show love to those outside the church.

I pray today you will be able to mend fences so that others will see Christ in you.

God Loves His Church

2008-04-22T11:06:00.002-05:00

To my dedicated readers: please forgive my recent absence. Battles with Satan have been wearing me down. I can say that I have missed this time in God's Word. Thank you for your prayers and patience.

2 John 1-3

The Elder,
To the elect lady (church) and her children (church body), whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those (other Christians) who have known the truth (Christ), 2 because of the truth which abides in us (me) and will be with us (me) forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you (me) from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

When first reading this passage, it may appear to modern man that a special lady and her children have been elevated to a special status and is being blessed. This is not so. The 'elect lady' John is referring to is the church. 'The Elder' is the leader of the church, while 'the elect lady' is the church itself and 'her children' are the church body--and us.

He goes on to express his personal love for the church and how much God and His Son love the church. Just reading these words fill my heart with warmth.

I pray that you experience this same warmth and comfort when you read His Word.

Where There Is Danger

2008-04-18T10:36:00.002-05:00

I John 5:18-21

18 We (I) know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he (I) who has been born of God keeps himself (myself), and the wicked one (Satan) does not touch him.
19 We (I) know that we (I am) are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
20 And we (I) know that the Son of God has come and has given us (me) an understanding, that we (I) may know Him who is true; and we (I am) are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
21 Little children (me), keep yourselves (myself) from idols. Amen.

Once again, we are reminded that we are God's children. God protects us and keeps us from harm, but we are still vulnerable to sin. Verse 21 reaffirms this. It states, "keep yourself," not 'try to keep yourself.' It's sort of like telling your kids to be careful as they are heading out the door. It's just one last warning of where the danger lies.

Today I pray you have strength to stay in the center of God's will and away from the hands of Satan.

Prayer and God's Will

2008-04-17T10:16:00.006-05:00

I John 5:14-17 (NKJV)

14 Now this is the confidence that we (I) have in Him, that if we (I) ask anything according to His will, He hears us (me). 15 And if we (I) know that He hears us (me), whatever we (I) ask, we (I) know that we (I) have the petitions that we (I) have asked of Him.
16 If anyone sees his (my) brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he (I) will ask, and He will give him (my friend) life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he (you) should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

Prayer is an awesome tool. It helps us to see His will, and gives us the opportunity to converse and commune with God. One thing it isn't, a magic spell for us to conjure anything we want.

In this passage, it specifically states, "ask anything according to His will." That doesn't mean you'll get anything and everything you ask for, if that were the case, we'd all look 23 and chocolate wouldn't be fattening. It means when you pray, your desires should line up with God's desires. Not the other way around. He knows what's best for you, He knows your needs.

My prayer for you today is that you come to understand God's will for your life and pray in accordance.

The Witnesses

2008-04-16T10:24:00.003-05:00

I John 5:6-13

6 This is He who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.
9 If we (I) receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He (Me) who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself (me); he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us (me) eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He (me) who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you (me) who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you (I) may know that you (I) have eternal life, and that you (I) may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

What's interesting in this passage is the naming of witnesses. These are the ones who can, will and do testify that Jesus is God's son. The heavenly ones I expected. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I like how John refers to Jesus here as "the Word." It's the same reference he used in his gospel. Jesus came to earth as God's Word to us.

Next, he names the eartly witnesses. "The Spirit, the water and the blood." This is the evidence He left here on earth for us to know the truth. Jesus Christ was baptized of water, He spilled His blood for us, and later the Holy Spirit was sent to comfort and guide us.

Interesting how the Spirit is listed as a witness to heavenly events as well as earthly. It's our connection to heaven; to the Father and Son.

I'm so thankful God gave us His Spirit. I'm not sure if I could get through my days without it.

I pray you will feel God's Spirit in your presence today.

Faith In God

2008-04-11T10:26:00.003-05:00

I John 5:1-5

Whoever (me) believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we (I) know that we (I) love the children of God, when we (I) love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we (I) keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our (my) faith. 5 Who is he (I) who overcomes the world, but he (I) who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This passage has such a simple message. If you have faith in Jesus, who is God's son, you will overcome the world. The world, which is Satan, can't defeat you, or take you from God's hands. Sure, the world at times can be depressing, devastating, miserable, and intolerable, but you must remember, this is not your final destination. It's just a stop on your journey to eternity.

I pray you know God's faith.

You Must Love

2008-04-10T09:09:00.004-05:00

I John 4:20-21

20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we (me) have from Him: that he (me) who loves God must love his (my) brother also.

Chapter 4 ends with a commandment from God: if you love God, you "must love" your brother. That doesn't mean only your blood relations, rather all mankind. We must have compassion, and empathy for everyone.

I pray today you will set your heart straight with God and your fellow man.

God is Love

2008-04-09T09:06:00.004-05:00

I John 4:17-19

17 Love has been perfected among us (in me) in this: that we (I) may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we (am I) in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We (I) love Him because He first loved us (me).

As I've worked my way through I John, I've found the major theme to be love. It appears 21 times in the book of I John, five in this passage. That doesn't include varients of the word. Makes me think John was trying to convey a message here--God is love.

That is a very simple and basic Bible truth that many of us either take for granted or forget. Most of us have heard this from childhood, so why don't we believe it? Why do we question God's motives? All because of sin. It's our nature to ask why. If Eve hadn't questioned what she believed, she would never have tasted that one piece of fruit.

We must cling to the promise that God loves us. Then on judgement day, we won't worry about where we're about to spend eternity.

I pray you understand God's love for you.

Filled With Love

2008-04-08T09:16:00.003-05:00

I John 4:12-16

12 No one has seen God at any time. If we (I) love one another, God abides in us (me), and His love has been perfected in us (me). 13 By this we (I) know that we (I) abide in Him, and He in us (me), because He has given us (me) of His Spirit. 14 And we (I) have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever (that's me) confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him (me), and he (I) in God. 16 And we (I) have known and believed the love that God has for us (me). God is love, and he (me) who abides in love abides in God, and God in him (me).

This passage explains how God's love flows through us and onto others. It proves His love is unconatainable. When you're filled with God's love, you can't help but to let others see it. You want to do for others, you want to help the down trodden, you want others to see God in you. That's how God's power is.

I think of the children's song, 'This Little Light of Mine. I loved singing this song. It was so fun to blow on your finger and shout, "NO," at the appropriate time. That simple song walks hand in hand with this passage. If you have God's love in you, then you want to show the world.

There are a couple of things I want to point out. In the song, one verses says you "won't let Satan blow it out." It's impossible to extinguish God from our lives. Once He comes into our lives, He's there forever, but we do control how much we allow Satan in our lives to interfere with God's plans. The part about "hide it under a bushel," well, I just feel that's impossible. If you put God under a bush, He's going to set it on fire and the burn will be never consuming.

Think about it.

My prayer for you is that you will let God's shine for all to see.

Jesus Is Our Payment For Sin

2008-04-07T09:41:00.003-05:00

I John 4:7-11

7 Beloved (me), let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us (me), that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we (I) might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we(I) loved God, but that He loved us (me) and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our (my) sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us (me), we (I) also ought to love one another.

This passge caused me to run to dictionary.com. The word, propitiation, puzzled me. I was pretty sure I knew what it meant, but I wanted to be completely sure.

Propitiation took me to propitiate and on to conciliate. When I boiled it all down, propitiation in this context means appease. Christ died for us in order to appease God for our sins, or wrongdoing. This was the only payement God would receive in lieu of our own death.

Today I pray that you know Christ as your Savior. If you don't, please contact me. We can talk.

Proof Jesus Was God's Son

2008-04-05T14:03:00.005-05:00

I John 4:1-6

Beloved (me), do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you (I) know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you (I) have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
4 You (I am) are of God, little children (me and you), and have overcome them, because He who is in you (me) is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They (false prophets) are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We (I am) are of God. He (that's me and you) who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we (I) know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

It's amazing how God points things out as you read His word. I don't think verse 3 has ever been so clear to me. When I read it, my eyes stopped for a moment, then I read it again. In fact, I read that verse more than any other. I immediately thought about all the religions around the world that only see Him as just a good person, or as nothing more than a prophet. They believe their leader is the 'true son of God.' It breaks my heart to think of all those growing cults here in the United States that preach this untruth as gospel. I drive by one of these so called churches on the way to my own church. Most often it's parking lot is so full that some must park on a busy street. I pray for them as I pass.

I guess verse 3 is one of those verses they ignore or twist into their own wicked version. They should be seeing this as proof Christ was God's son. If anyone should know, John should, he was, after all, Jesus' first cousin on his mother's side. He grew up with Jesus, played with with Him as a child. Even at a tender age it must have been evident that Jesus was different, or special. Everyone who knew him had to see this. I just wish people could today.

I pray that you see Jesus as you should. He is God's one and only Son.

Evidence of the Holy Spirit

2008-04-04T09:40:00.004-05:00

I John 3:24

24 Now he (me) who keeps His (God) commandments abides (lives with) in Him, and He in him (me). And by this we (I) know that He abides in us (me), by the Spirit whom He has given us (me).

This simple little scripture gives evidence of the Holy Spirit. God lives in His children via the Holy Spirit. It also tells us that we must want Him to live in us. In order to keep God's commandments, we must want to. Living in the world and going with the flow is easy, but living for God isn't. It's a choice that we make.

I pray you make the choice to abide in Him.

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2008-04-03T12:29:00.002-05:00

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Christ's Ultimate Sacrifice

2008-04-03T09:56:00.007-05:00

I John 3 :16-23

16 By this we (I) know love, because He laid down His life for us (me). And we (I) also ought to lay down our (my) lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever (that's me) has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
18 My little children (me), let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we (me) know that we (me) are of the truth, and shall assure our (my) hearts before Him. 20 For if our (my) heart condemns us (me), God is greater than our (my) heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our (my) heart does not condemn us (me), we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we(I) ask we (I) receive from Him, because we (I) keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we (I) should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us (me) commandment.

Love--a wonderful emotion that supersedes anger and hatred, and moves us to action. It you love another, you're motivated to serve that person's every need. Christ expressed His love for us by laying "down His life." Nothing can top that sacrifice. He didn't do this on the spur of the moment, he knew it was coming. He chose to go through with the Father's plan even when the human side didn't want to. I'm so grateful for this sacrifice.

Since Christ expressed His love with such a huge sacrifice, we should be willing to do the same. We should be so filled with gratitude for Him, that we have to express it to others. This kind of gratitude can't be held inside. We should want to help others, and serve them. This is the way we express our appreciation to Christ for His sacrifice. In turn, it opens the door to tell others about what Christ has done for all of mankind.

My prayer for you is that you may show Christ's compassion to others.

Murder Is Not Of God

2008-04-02T13:13:00.005-05:00

I John 3:10-15

10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we (Rhonda) should love one another, 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous.
13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you (me). 14 We (I) know that we (I) have passed from death to life, because we (I) love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

The verse that stand out to me the most is 15. I can't take my eyes from it. In fact, I sat here arguing with God because I really didn't want to address this topic, but I feel I must. He is leading me to do so.

I've always wondered how a Christian could murder someone in cold blood. This passage says that's impossible. Christ can't reside in a heart that takes another life. This passage is not talking about accidental death due to circumstances within and beyond our control. It refers to contrived murder. God is not a murderer, Satan is. He's the one who put Christ on the cross. Only God used that act as part of His glorious plan.

Some readers may be disagreeing with me. They may point out all the battles in the Old Testament where the Isrealites slaughtered entire nations. That wasn't murder, that was God's judgement on the nations being carried out. He always gave those people a chance somewhere down the line to repent. It was their option not to take it.

My prayer for you is that you will make your heart right with God.

Experiencing God's Grace

2008-04-01T10:06:00.004-05:00

I John 3:4-9

4 Whoever commits sin (that's all of us) also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He (God) was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever (that's me) abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.
7 Little children (Rhonda), let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God (Jesus Christ) was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever(me) has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him (I); and he (I) cannot sin, because he (I) has been born of God.

At first these verses appear a contridictory. How can you sin, but not sin? The answer is grace.

This is the eample that comes to my mind. Say your child breaks a lamp, confesses and apologizes. That doesn't suddenly cause the lamp to repair itself--it's still broken, nor does your child's apology automatically make it all right that he broke the lamp. What makes everything right is your grace. You forgive him and act as if what he did never happened. That still does not repair the lamp. Forever, it will be broken. Without your grace your child's error covers him like a wet blanket that he must tote around forever. His only redemption is grace. This is your willingness to forget the incident ever took place, (here comes the philosophical point) therefore, your child never broke the lamp.

Some of you are probably going, "huh?" Think about it this way. God's grace is His willingness to forget the sins we've done. He puts them on the ocean floor, He seperates us from them farther than we can imagine, He puts them out of his memory.

I am so thankful I have a Father who willingly forgets all my mistakes.

Do you know this God? If not, you don't have His grace. I pray you will get to know Him and experience His grace.

I Have This Hope

2008-03-30T13:59:00.003-05:00

I John 3:1-3
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us (me), that we (I) should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us (me), because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we (I) shall be, but we (I) know that when He is revealed, we (I) shall be like Him, for we (I) shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Everyday that I've pondered the words of I John, I have been amazed. Every passage I've personalized has reinforced my salvation. Over and over, I see how much He loves me. Little, nothing me who struggles day by day to get by. I've started to see how Satan is able to belittle me and the hope I have in Christ. Everyday Scripture is what reassures me, and bolsters my confidence that even though I am imperfect, God sees me worthy to spend eternity with Him. That is an humbling, but wonderful thought. I am worth His time and sacrifice.

Thank you Lord, for seeing me worthy.

The Holy Father sees you as worthy, too. I pray that you know this and allow him to work in your life.

Are You This Confident?

2008-03-26T12:14:00.003-05:00

I John 2:28-29

28 And now, little children (me and you who are Christians), abide in Him, that when He appears, we (all Christians) may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you (I) know that He is righteous, you (I) know that everyone who practices righteousness (true Christians) is born of Him.

I love these verses. They are filled with so much hope and encouragement. At least, if you abide in Him you do.

I'm sure when I stand before Him in that day, I will feel unworthy, but my heart swells as I think of the hope I have. That hope rests on the shoulders of my savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, I am filled with God's peace and joy.

I pray you are filled with that same hope, peace and joy.

God bless and have a great day.

My Salvation is Confirmed

2008-03-25T13:35:00.003-05:00

24 Therefore let that abide in you (me) which you (I) heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you (me), you (I) also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us (not just me, but everyone)--eternal life.
26 These things I have written to you (me) concerning those who try to deceive you (me). 27 But the anointing (Holy Spirit) which you (I) have received from Him abides in you (me), and you (I) do not need that anyone teach you (me); but as the same anointing teaches you (me) concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you (me), you (I) will abide in Him.

I John 2:24-27 is a great message of encouragement. To me, it confirms my salvation. I know some of you may disagree, but I believe once saved--always saved. these verses reinforce that for me. Because I have been 'anointed.' The Spirit abides in me and I abide in Him.

Life can't get any better than that.

Have a blessed day!

Spiritual Condition

2008-03-24T09:47:00.002-05:00

Do you know anyone who is a good person? We all know law abiding, highly moralistic people whose standards are uncompromising and they seek justice for everyone.

But, of these, how many can you say for certain are Christians? These are the ones who hold God's standards above human standards, actively participate in a relationship with Him, and they rest in His mercy instead of counting on earthly justice.

Odds are, there is a big discrepancy between the amount of good people you know, and the ones you are certain are Christians.

Before I go any farther, I must say that a person's spiritual condition is between them and God. I would never tell a person they are not saved, but only point out they are not acting like a Christian. By all means, I do not hold the keys to heaven.

The above thoughts are what popped into my mind this morning as I read I John 2:18-23. John is addressing the false prophets.

18 Little children (this includes me and you), it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
20 But you (that means me) have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

John warns us that Satan will use whoever he can to lead us astray. John even says that "many antichrists have come." This was written not long after Christ's resurrection, and there were already those who pretended to be Christ. I'm sure John is referring to Judas, but he was just one person, there were also others.

Some of these false prophets will be less conspicuous than others. That is why we have to ground ourselves in God's word and know the Truth. If you know the Truth, you will be able to defend yourself against the lies. You must be acutely aware of your spiritual condition. If you aren't, a disease known as lies will gnaw at you from the inside out. You don't want to discover you have this disease when you reach the judgement seat. Eternity is at stake here. Make your spiritual condition right with God today.

God bless & have a great day.

Dust and Diamonds

2008-03-21T12:03:00.002-05:00

Everything is temporary.

That sums up the verses in I John 2:15-17. As a Christian this verse gives me the hope of eternal life, but this morning, God revealed more meaning in this passage.

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone (me) loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he (me) who does the will of God abides forever.
Everything in life is fleeting, including temptation.

I thought of my kids as I read this. They see something on television and immediately say, "I want that." My automatic response is, "No," because I know that the next set of commercials will bring something else that is better. The insatiable cycle of wants never ends and is always a heavier burden than needs. But kids aren't the only ones who face these temptations. Adults face them too.

These temptations is adults have a higher price tag than with kids. We may go buy that big new television, or computer system because the commercials say we should. That begins to spin a web of debt and distrust to which many Americans have found themselves tightly bound. When the fleshly lust is left to it's own device, unwanted children end up caught in a crossfire of hatred and manipulation. Life altering health problems can arise, also. That one cookie suddenly turns into an entire bag, or that attractive person across the room becomes the objective of a physical conquest.

Society tells us to do whatever we want, whenever we want. Every moment should be pleasant and satisfying. That is contrary to God's word. Scripture preaches control. We should put our mind on more lofty things than a moment of pleasure. We shouldn't settle for dust to keep our hands full when we have diamonds waiting to fill them in heaven. We must keep on guard and keep our minds sharp and focus on what's to come. Because what's to come will never sift through our fingers like dust, but will fill our hands forever.

Have a great day.

A Simple Message

2008-03-20T12:21:00.002-05:00

I John 2:12-14 (NKJV)
12 I write to you, little children,
Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake.
13 I write to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men,
Because you have overcome the wicked one.
I write to you, little children,
Because you have known the Father.
14 I have written to you, fathers,
Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men,
Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,
And you have overcome the wicked one.

When I first read I John 2:12-14, the Scriptures appeared a bit cryptic. While they explained why John was writing the letter, it seemed unnecessary for the repetitive nature. So, I went to other translations for more insight. I found only more of the same. Finally, I asked myself, "God, what are you trying to say to me?"

All of a sudden, a light bulb went on inside my head. This passage is for encouragement. It not only explains why John is writing, but it reassures his audience. These people were believers in a world who thought they were nuts. Sort of like our world today. What I hear God saying to me is the Bible is my gift from God for being His child. I am worthy of His time because:
1. I asked my sins to be forgiven in Christ name.
2. I believed He would forgive me.
3. I overcame Satan when I let God take control of my life.
4. I know Him as my Savior.
5. I have always believed Him to be my Savior.
6. I allow Him to be the center of my life.

Thank for being my Savior.

Are You Walking In Light?

2008-03-19T10:42:00.002-05:00

Vacations are great times. Everyone is excited. The hotel has fluffy, feather beds and pillows, a coffee maker and microwave is within reach, even the rowdy kids next aren't bothering you. Relaxation is wrapped tightly around you forcing daily worries from your mind as you settle into bed for the night.

Several hours later, you awaken to choking smoke. The sirens in the hallway are blaring as your nose and eyes tingle. Panic sets in and your heart races. You fall to your knees and begin a frantic search for the door. The roaring fire in the next room makes the cries in the hallway seem like distant moans. You crawl towards the voices, but slam into a wall. You change direction and encounter what you believe to be the dresser. Heading another way, you smack into a chair. At this point, you wonder if you'll ever get out, and wish you had noted the escape route on your way up.

I know this is a tough illustration. It was difficult for me to write. This is what came to mind when I read I John 2:3-11.

3 Now by this we (I) know that we (I) know Him, if we (I) keep His commandments. 4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever (me) keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him (me). By this we know that we (I am) are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He (She) who loves his (her) brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him (her). 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Many think, or say, they are walking in the light of Christ, but their actions don't show it. Their actions and deeds say otherwise. Sometimes, not even their deeds can expose the truth they are not walking in the light. Do you have the confidence to say you are walking in the light of Christ? Can you be assured that your eternity will be spent in the Light? Please, search your heart today and discuss this with God. You don't want to wake up in the pits of hell to discover it's too late to reconcile with Christ.

God bless and may you have the peace of God in your heart, and His light guiding your path.

Jesus Is My Lawyer

2008-03-17T13:25:00.003-05:00

I John 2:1-2 (NKJ)

My little children (that includes me and you), these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we (I) have an Advocate (lawyer) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation (payment) for our (my) sins, and not for ours (mine) only but also for the whole world (that means you).

I love how this translation refers to Jesus as my "Advocate." Advocate is another term for lawyer. Someone who will defend you to the end. He stands before the Heavenly Father and pleads my case, even though He and I know I'm not worthy. God even handed down a punishment for my sins. That includes a jail cell in hell. Jesus felt me worthy to pay my penalty so that I could spend eternity with Him. That's why He went to the cross.

I challenge you to find an earthly lawyer who would do that for you.

I'm sure glad Jesus is on my side. :)

He was willing to do anything necessary to keep me out of the prison cell known as hell, that he died on the cross for me.

How To Have Fellowship With God

2008-03-09T21:33:00.003-05:00

These scriptures in 1 John give doctrinal proof that we are all born with sin and must ask God's forgiveness before we fellowship with Him. This is the basis of true Christian faith. This also flies in the face of those who believe we all have good in us, we just have to find it. As I read these Scriptures, goodness doesn't automatically reside in us, but we must invite it in.

1 John 1:5-10(NLT)

5 This is the message he (Christ) has given us to announce to you (that includes me): God is light and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we (me/us) are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness. We are not living in the truth. 7 But if we are living in the light of God's presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our
hearts.

This reminds me of the A-B-C song my kids have learned at church.

A-Admit you're a sinner

B-Believe on Christ

C-Confess your sins

My heart becomes overjoyed when I think that I have fellowship with God. Me, with all my faults, can approach God whenever I want, because I asked for God's forgiveness and cleansing power to take over my life. I pray today you will do the same. Feel free to contact me if you need more help in accepting Jesus as your Savior.

Being Obedient Brings Joy

2008-03-08T22:01:00.002-06:00

Today I started reading I John. One thing I learned is that he was a first cousin of Jesus. I didn't realize his mother and Mary were sisters. He knew Jesus his entire life. He played with Jesus as a child. I just think that is awesome.

Here are the verses I want to focus on today: I John 1:1-4 (NLT)
The one (Jesus) who existed from the beginning is the one (Jesus) we have
heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own
hands. He is Jesus Christ, the Word of life. 2 This one who is life from God was shown to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and announce to you (that also means me) that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father,
and then he was shown to us. 3 We are telling you (Rhonda) about
what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you (Rhonda) may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
4 We are writing these things so that our joy will be complete.

Can't you feel their joy radiating from these words? I can. What's better is their joy is complete. They fulfilled one of God's purposes for their lives, and they can rest easy knowing this. Obedience always bring joy. Now if I could only convince my kids of this. :)

I pray now that all those who read this will find God's purpose for their lives and complete the task He has selected you to do.

God Truly Does Speak To Us

2008-03-05T23:11:00.004-06:00

Believe it or not, He does. God wants to commune with His people--His children. He loves us and adores us. Just imagine what a day would be like if you didn't get that special hug or kiss from your child. That's how God feels when we distance ourselves from Him. He wants us to share laughter, tears, hurts & triumphs with us. That is why He made us.

Sometimes, I have trouble communing with God. Since He's not physically here to give me those hugs and kisses my children give me, it's easy to put Him aside for the here and now. God isn't one of those 'in your face' God's either. He waits for me to seek Him out--no matter how painful it is for Him to not get that attention. That is why I started this blog. I want to physically send time with God. I to hear what He has to say. I want Him to speak to me.

The best way I know for Him to speak to me is by studying God word, the Bible, but I am going to take that one step further. I want to personalize the Bible. What I'm going to do in this blog is to take God's Holy Scripture and insert my name when God is speaking to me. I'll use my favorite verse as an example:

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This is how I take ownership of this verse:
For I (God) know the plans I (God) have for you (Rhonda)," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you (Rhonda) and not to harm you (Rhonda), plans to give you (Rhonda) hope and a future.

Wow, what a promise. He's telling me that He has made plans for me. They are good plans and that I have a future in Heaven. I get excited just thinking how wonderful that is.

Eventually, I'll work my way through the entire Bible. I'm not going to rush it, and I don't know how long it will take. That's okay. Just spending time in God's word will be such a blessing.

I'm so excited about this project and I hope many of you will join me. If anything, take the verses I've personalized and add your own name.

I'm not sure where to start in the Bible, but I will do an entire book before moving on. If you have any suggestions of where I should go next, let me know. Of course, God's guidance in this study will override your suggestions, but I would love to hear what you think.

C-ya,
R