When I think about what could have happened to me, if I had rejected the Gospel in 1979, I get teary eyed. Perhaps I would have succumbed to some sinful behaviour. Looking back, I, myself, was chief among sinners.
I am still exceedingly sinful. After I play the piano, the thought “wow, that was good,” comes to my mind. So much pride. Thank God for His mercy, His Blood, His Justice. His Truth!
Yes, I am a great sinner, covered by the Blood of a Great Saviour!
sage
We must strive to avoid self pity and “why me” attitudes. If we remember that this world is not our true home, and keep our eyes on the Saviour, we will glide over the bumps, like walking on smooth water…🙏
The Lord has showered me with many “talents.” For decades, I exalted in the attention I received. Glory to God in the highest, for breaking down my pride with arthritis. It has caused me to grow closer to Him in every way! 🎹🎶🎼🎵
Joy, joy, joy…do we live joyfully? We should, because every breath we draw is a gift from God.
It is a fact that we will be tempted during our earthly sojourn. It is also a fact that the Lord always leaves us a way out. Always.
There is no excuse for perversion in the pulpits.
Total submission to His Word is our goal.
The Lord can even save a wretched sinner like me….
Proverbs 31:28-30 KJV
[28] Her children arise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her.
[29] Many daughters have done virtuously, But thou excellest them all.
[30] Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: But a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
It is extremely prideful to harbor the thought that we are purer and more holy than other Christians because this one verse exposes our true nature.
How do we bring every thought captive?
It is a daily offering to the Lord. Devotion. Repentance. Confession. Praise.
I have met people who tell me they “just keep the Ten Commandments.” What a prideful and delusional statement that is! No one, except for our Lord Jesus Christ, could keep ALL the laws. Even thinking that you are a good person, at any time, is blasphemous, because only God is good, and you would be putting yourself on His level.
Colossians 1:16 King James Bible
Genesis 2:8 KJB
And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
There is a reason we are drawn to green spaces. It is our natural abode. Any place of work, even a factory, will benefit from greenery.
My indoor hibiscus, underplanted with petunias I grew from seed two years ago. Thank You Lord Jesus, our blessed Creator.
Proverbs 28:15-16 KJV
[15] As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; So is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
[16] The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
Proverbs 24:30-34 KJV
[30] I went by the field of the slothful, And by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
[31] And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, And nettles had covered the face thereof, And the stone wall thereof was broken down.
[32] Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
[33] Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep:
[34] So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; And thy want as an armed man.
Two observations:
If we could just follow this command, we would be walking closer to the Lord than ever before. With overflowing peace. It applies in marriages, friendships, work relationships, church family…it goes on. Yes, even when we are driving!
Without compassion, we will be blinded by pride and our emotions. A humble spirit helps us, to treat others in a Godly fashion.
The childhood mantra, “Jesus first, others second, me last,” is not a bad thing for us mature Christians to take to heart.
James 1:5 KJV [5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Beginnings of backyard pumpkin patch. I use cardboard to suppress weeds… expectations are low, concerning actual pumpkins this year. We just moved in two months ago, and garden has been low priority. But, any time a garden bed gets established, it is cause for rejoicing in our family. God is good.
Having flowers. Especially zinneas, growing in your garden, will attract pollinators.
More garden scenes coming…
sage
Our opinions don’t count.
Proverbs 8:1-8 KJV [1] Doth not wisdom cry? And understanding put forth her voice? [2] She standeth in the top of high places, by the way In the places of the paths. [3] She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, At the coming in at the doors. [4] Unto you, O men, I call; And my voice is to the sons of man. [5] O ye simple, understand wisdom: And, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. [6] Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; And the opening of my lips shall be right things. [7] For my mouth shall speak truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips. [8] All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing froward or perverse in them.
Talents in the Bible, are not always gold. Sometimes it is strength, faithfulness, good listening ear, music, etc… The talents given to us by our Creator, must be given back to Him, ten-fold!
It is by faith alone. We can contribute nothing to our salvation. Sincere belief in His finished work is our only hope.
There are far too many people on social media, that devote their lives to destroying sound doctrine. Hacking away at the triune nature of the Godhead is one of their pet projects. The Godhead Himself spoke of His nature in the very beginning of Creation.
It seems to me, and I am open to polite discussion, that these individuals fail to grasp just Who God is, and the scope of His awesomeness. They try to bring Him down to their level, debasing His Wonder and Power. Yet, they can understand the tangible nature of water, which can exist in three forms at once. Solid, liquid, and water can appear at the same time. Anyone experienced with a winter storm has been an eyewitness! Christ even used Living Water as an analagy of His nature!
When liars and cheats are cornered, they will deny and/or try to escape. So much better to be forthright, and truthful in all things.
The Vine Vigil 