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Romans 1 and Homosexuality
Friday Proverb – The Wicked Will Always Counter Attack
Did you ever feel that every time something good happens – something bad follows? There is a reason behind that – and his name is Satan. Since the beginning, he has mustered a response for every movement the Lord has made. A close examination of the church ages, shows Satan made a counter attack at each significant uprising of the church. The same thing happens in individual lives, and in the national and international arena.
Proverbs 11:11
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted:
In every instance, even following the 1st and 2nd Great Awakenings – Satan has launched a counter attack almost immediately. What was the evil one’s response to the Age of Missions, Great Awakenings, and the Philadelphia Church Age? False philosophies, and cults. Higher “criticism,” Darwinism, progressive education, and Freudian psychology. On top of those four philosophies, which have infiltrated the education system – the major cults also rose during this time. Mormonism, 7th Day Adventism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, Unitarianism, and Armstrongism. Every single one – still active and growing in this time.
but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
We should not be disheartened or discouraged when the president vetoes the bill we want passed, or a judge overturns a pro-life, or pro-traditional marriage bill. A close study of the Bible and secular history reveals that the tide of evil will always thwart the upright, and will continue to do so until the Lord Jesus Christ returns to set things right. This is why beloveds – the evil one is working so hard, because he knows his time is short! Liberals and progressives may be riding high now – but I would not want to be in their shoes for anything in the world. Their victory is only temporary. Very temporary.
Revelation 20:11-15
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
sage
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from The Vine Vigil!
Sunday Scripture
Saturday Bake – Rustic Italian Bread
In an effort to restore this blog to what it was before my blogging partner lost his mind, I will begin posting the Saturday Bake again.
Today’s Bake is rustic Italian bread, made in the bread machine. It is excellent spread with butter and garlic bread topping, then broiled or toasted.
1 & 1/4 c. warm water
2 T. Powdered milk or Nido
2 T. Olive oil
2 T. Sugar
1 t. Sea salt
3 & 1/3 c. Bread flour
1 t. Dried Marjoram
1 t. Dried basil
1 t. Dried thyme
1 & 3/4 t. Yeast for rapid Bake (or)
3/4 t. Yeast for regular Bake.
My bread in the picture is on a crumb saving breadboard. This simple yet ingenious contraption is a cutting board that catches the crumbs from the bread. Once finished, the crumbs can be saved and used in cooking, in meatloaf, or as a topping for Mac & cheese etc. I just tip the crumbs into a large glass jar and put it in the freezer. There are many recipes that call for bread crumbs…
I got this crumb saving bread board from Amazon over 10 years ago and it is still in great condition. I wipe it clean with a damp cloth and that’s it. It is made from bamboo!
Sage
Persecuted, But Not Forsaken – SWRC
Friday Proverb – Hold Your Tongue!
Gossiping, backstabbing, and lying – are all traits that should never be named in the Body of Christ – but they are there all the same. Hidden jealousy, covetousness, and bitterness don’t really stay buried – they ooze out of our mouths with the greatest of ease – but leave a sticky coating that is hard to escape from. Words once spoken can never be taken back.
Proverbs 10:18-19
18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
Wow! Hiding hatred with lying lips. . . how awful. But it’s all too true. We comfort ourselves by sugar coating what we are doing, thinking we are not hurting anyone, but it puts us in the category of fool no matter what the reason. Cutting up someone’s appearance, children, marriage – whatever – is nothing more than slander. If it’s not something you can say directly to the person – then do not say it! This includes tearing apart the pastor’s sermon in the car on the way home from church. Repeating something you’ve heard is a dangerous and shameful practice. So is embellishing and exaggerating something that may be true in order to make it more interesting to your listeners.
slander, lying, and gossiping are all acts of self centeredness. they are the hallmark of the baby christian. this sin is one of the greatest detriments to the furtherance of the gospel to a lost and dying world. it is a demonstration of the opposite of love – which is hate.
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin:
Did you realize that the more you talk, there is more chance of you saying something wrong? The odds are against you. Those who run-off at the mouth, are notorious for putting their foot in that same mouth. Even when you are not talking about yourself (which most talkers do) you are still feeding your ego, by holding your listener(s) hostage. Parents – this includes lecturing of your children or spouse. Less is more in this case, and in every case. The longer your spiel – the greater chance you will sin, and sin big, during the overflow.
20but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
There is a reason why God gave us two ears, and only one mouth!
sage
Friday Proverb – In One Ear And Out The Other?
Any parent knows, that part of training a child is continual reminding. This is called “instruction.” Once the child “retains” the instruction, he will apply it to his actions and decision making.
The act of training is not the province of parents alone – for our Heavenly Father is forever about the business of instructing us – and we – like recalcitrant children – do not always “retain” the teachings.
Since even the very ground we walk on, instructs us and reveals to us His glory and majesty – it behooves us to take notice of the lessons being offered, and to “keep” them within our hearts that they may be applied to our daily walk. The things that we need to learn, are not always obvious!
Proverbs 10:17
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
There is a famous song, dedicated to stopping and smelling the roses, and counting your many blessings along the way. Nice, but superficial. In the image of the great tree above, we can see that underground, the tree is even bigger than what is obvious. Could the tree survive without that massive root system? No. Nor can we flourish with out going deep, and holding onto the Word of God with tenacity, in the same way that the roots of the tree takes up water and nutrients from the soil. The Bible has so much to teach us, that if we put it aside for worldly pursuits and concerns – our plans will topple like a tree with no root system – and we will be nothing more than drift wood.
sage
A Life of Faith vs. A Life of Feeling
St. Pat – a true Christian
Friday Proverb – Where Do You Put Your Trust?
The most miserable sin of self justification, is a sin we all contend with. Continually attempting to explain why we do the things we do (even alone in our minds) does not “sit well” with our Sovereign Creator. Oh – to be free of this flesh and with the Lord for ever . . .
Proverbs 11:28
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall;
At right you see the Parable of the Rich Fool aptly portrayed.
Luke 12:19-21
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
The Lord in no way states that material possessions and riches are wrong. The issue at hand, is where we put our trust. Many Christians have fallen into the general hype of “hoarding.” It is interesting to note, that some of the super-stars of television’s “Extreme Couponing,” are professing Christians, one even a youth pastor! There are dozens of conservative news sites which have their own brand of food storage systems, and right leaning financial advisers beat the drum of buying gold and silver – from them – of course.
There is NOTHING wrong with stockpiling. Nothing. Joseph wisely stored food against the prophetically revealed famine. But we must never, never trust in food stores or caches of precious metals to save us. Our faith is not ever to be in anything of this world. If we are walking closely to Jesus – all of these things will grow dimmer and dimmer as we mature in Christ. We will not fear anything that “might” happen in the future – simply because we already know our future…
Together with the LORD in eternity.
but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
Looks good! That is how we appear (metaphorically speaking) when we allow the righteousness of Christ to rule in our hearts. Every truly born-again believer possesses the righteousness of Christ – and is completely capable of bearing much fruit. The child of God may require a great deal of pruning in order to bear prolifically. This is chastening from a Father to a son. Praise Him for it. Take it and learn of Him. Is your trust in your IRA, or a basement full of freeze-dried food stores? Or is your trust in Him alone?
Jeremiah 17:7-8
7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Keeping our hearts and minds on the Lord becomes easier the more we read the Word, fellowship with other believers, and turn from the world. In a sense, we need to repent of the world every moment of every day – because we are living in it while being housed in very weak flesh. To put it in perspective, we are not unlike sailors long at sea – being lured to their deaths by the call imaginary sirens among jagged rocks. Or a thirsty soul in the desert – seeing a mirage and swallowing mouthfuls of sand instead of water. What the world presents to us – is a trick of the devil. It has the appearance of something we are convinced that we need – but will in reality – only destroy us. It is of utmost importance to spread the Gospel. It is of very small importance to stockpile food and gold.
sage
Scripture for Today
Sunday Blessing
For the Lord’s Day – What Wondrous Love is This – Vine Vigil Valentine
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.
When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb Who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.
“What Wondrous Love Is This” is a Christian folk hymn, sometimes described as a “white spiritual“, from the American South.[1] Its text was first published in 1811, during the Second Great Awakening, and its melody derived that of from an English popular ballad. Today it is a widely known hymn included in hymnals of many Christian denominations.[2]
The hymn’s lyrics were first published in Lynchburg, Virginia in the c. 1811 camp meeting songbook A General Selection of the Newest and Most Admired Hymns and Spiritual Songs Now in Use.[3] The lyrics may also have been printed, in a slightly different form, in the 1811 book Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Original and Selected published in Lexington, Kentucky.[4] (It was included in the third edition of this text published in 1818, but all copies of the first edition have been lost.[4]) In most early printings, the hymn’s text was attributed to an anonymous author, though the 1848 hymnal The Hesperian Harp attributes the text to a Methodist pastor from Oxford, Georgia named Alexander Means.[5]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_Wondrous_Love_Is_This
John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
The Vine Vigil wishes all of our followers to know the greatest gift and love that can be had at any price. The free gift of eternal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. No greater love hath man than this – and He did lay down His life for His friends.
Sage Brush
Friday Proverb – You Will Always Find What You Are Looking For
I told my Bible teacher that I spend far too much time being astonished at what people do – rather than praying for them. Our LORD tells us that we are like dogs, and repeat the same offenses over and over again – eagerly swallowing sin as a dog does his own vomit. The underlying question is – why? Why do sheeple persist in making the same (and quite obvious) mistakes over and over again?
The answer to that question is contained within our hearts. If my own heart were truly righteous, I wouldn’t spend so much time in a state of incredulity, and instead, would be delving into the Word of God and praying for those who continually fall into sin (myself included.)
THE FACT IS – IF WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ROTTEN – WE WILL FIND IT
Proverbs 11:27
He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
Applying logic to this Proverb, it becomes quite obvious what we should be seeking after (that is, if we desire to reflect the righteousness of Christ to the world.) Seeking good, is the same as seeking God, because only God is good. Jesus and only Jesus should be the mantra of the righteous believers of God.
The Lord says that if we are seeking after mischief, we will find it. Haman sought mischief, when he machinated the hanging of Mordecai. Yet – it was Haman who was the receiver of all the mischief he had devised in his own heart. In the same vein of thought, does this mean that others are contemplating my behavior and sinfulness? Very likely. This is a deep thing of God for us to take in. While we are to earnestly contend for the faith and rebuke sin, we must be ever vigilant to avoid hypocrisy. If, I, myself, have a besetting sin which I continually fall back into, how can I righteously judge a fellow believer who does the same? Herein is the patience of the saints. We must strive daily to die to ourselves, and let the righteousness of Christ shine forth to a dark and dying world. It is a struggle we must all partake in, until the LORD calls us home.
sage
Happy Valentine’s Day from The Vine Vigil
Friday Proverb – Sowing and Reaping in Righteousness
Television is replete with “ministers of prosperity.” They generally preach that sowing money to their individual ministries, will result in prosperity for those who give. Some, even refer to such funds as “seed money.” With a casual reference to this passage of Scripture, as well as others, they manage to convince even those who have very little, to give what little they have. But if we look at this Scripture closely, we can see, that it is not directed at the poor.
Proverbs 11:24-26
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
Though progressives speak long and loud on matters of “social justice,” and caring for “the less fortunate,” reality says that those same people are rather stingy with their personal assets.
The godless in our government have impoverished many families in this country, through their pseudo-compassionate practices. Their kind of “withholding” leads to poverty. One only needs to study the staggering wealth of the Roman Catholic church, and be amazed that there are any poor Catholics. Yet – the majority of Catholics in Central and South America, as well as in India and other parts of Asia, are desperately poor. Why is that? Because, oligarchical entities like these, do not actually sow, they withhold. And what they withhold even more than money – is the Truth. The truth about abortion, about sodomy, and more importantly, the truth about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
Liberal in the above verse is not a political category, but rather a personality. It deals with those who give generously of themselves without expecting anything in return. I stress – giving of themselves – not to be confused with the notion of social justice and redistribution of wealth.
What this verse is describing is the abundant life that truly born-again Christians can experience. We know from His Holy Word, that whatever we sow, we will reap. How wonderful our Lord is, to add unto that with fountains of spiritual riches that no tongue can tell . . .
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
One need only think of Joseph, and the God given wisdom he displayed. He sold the corn generously to the famine stricken populace. (he did not give it away) Now, try taking out the word corn, and replace it with – crude oil. Think how you feel when there is a contrived “gas shortage.” Now think how you feel when there is a nice drop in price at the pump! The life application is clear. What we sell, produce, perform, sow, should be done with a spirit of genuine generosity. It doesn’t matter if you are a home maker, or a garbage collector. What you have is what God has given to you. He allows you to determine how you will dispose of it. Do you “hold back?” Be honest. Is there somewhere you need to sow what you have, and you have been resisting? The Bible says, that kind of thinking and behavior will lead to poverty. And there is more than one kind of poverty. There is the material kind of poverty, which is very uncomfortable, but there is also spiritual poverty, which can be devastating.
No where in Scripture does it say we need to be someone’s doormat, or personal punching bag. What it does say is clear in the above Proverb. Everything we do as believers, must be done in the right spirit. Never for personal gain, yet even if we are doing it for a salary – it should be to His glory. Joseph did not sell the corn for personal gain – he did it in obedience to the Lord. Like Joseph, within His will and righteousness, we may be showered with such blessings that will only bring us closer to Him every day. What bliss!
sage
Friday Proverb – The Desire of the Righteous
As believers, our natural inborn tendency leans towards works of self-indulgence, rather than works of righteousness. The struggle within us, mirrors the twins (Esau and Jacob) wrestling within their mother, Rebekah. It is a continuous battle between our flesh, and God’s Holy Spirit. The strength of one over the other, depends entirely on what we feed them. If we indulge our flesh with worldly fare, the Spirit will become weaker. These Proverb studies, and other such materials, are intended to feed the Spirit of true believers.
Proverbs 11:23
The desire of the righteous is only good:
As born-again Christians, we have the Righteousness of Christ within us. We Have no righteousness of our own. The holy righteousness living inside you, desires only good. If the Holy Spirit is your dominant “twin” you will desire only good. On the other-hand, if the flesh is the dominant twin, you will desire the opposite of what is good.
For example, when pondering the evil antics of worldly politicians and other leaders, do you sometimes fantasize that a lightening bolt, or some other act of God, would strike them down, and put them out of your misery? If someone has wronged you – do you long for them to “get what’s coming to them”?
Beloveds – that kind of attitude is your flesh talking. The best thing to do is rebuke it, and turn to the Lord in prayer. Rather than wishing for revenge, or “inexorable justice” on the workers of iniquity, why not pray for them? Pray for the most evil of them. Yes, it is true, that some individuals are beyond redemption, but that is not for us to determine. It is for us to pray, and pray, and pray.
but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
The lost have a truly bleak future in eternity. As the children of God, we should not desire that for anyone. Though your prayers for the wicked may seem like they go unanswered, it is a fact, that if your heart is right with the Lord, He hears all your prayers, even if you are praying for the worst miscreant in the world. We should desire their good, and the only good for them, is salvation in Jesus Christ. It is a terrible, awful, thing – when someone dies in their sins. And when you pray for that lost soul – make sure you mean it.
1 Timothy 2:1-3
2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour
Please reread verse 2 again – do you see what that says? It is conditional. If we don’t pray for those in authority over us – we will have persecution! Obviously, the Body of Christ has dropped the ball on this one.
sage
Growing Radishes At Home: Step-by-Step Guide to Grow It Yourself
Find out how to successfully grow radishes at home and discover the essential tips that will ensure a thriving garden.
Growing Radishes At Home: Step-by-Step Guide to Grow It Yourself
Friday Proverb – Causing Calamity to Your Children
While it is one hundred percent certain, that each member of the human race is responsible to the Creator for their own sins, there are things sheeple do, which can adversely affect their offspring – or seed. The obvious things are consuming drugs and alcohol during pregnancy – but there are the more subtle – and equally devastating things mankind does which seeps down to their kids. Global leaders, politicians, business owners, school boards, churches leaders, voters, and every other sort of human interaction that you could imagine – regularly compromises in agreement with the Devil. It is tossed off as a “necessary evil,” “choosing the lesser evil,” or “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know.” We sinners may make light of such agreements, but our Heavenly Father takes serious note.
Proverbs 11:21
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished:
These compromises, treaties, contracts, and agreements may give us a temporary feeling of success, but in the long run, we and our children will suffer for it. Legal maneuvers are frequently mentioned in the media as “burdens placed on our grandchildren.”
Thankfully, if we are walking closely to the Lord, His Holy Spirit will guide us farther and farther away from the worldly things and into the deep things of God. But the perpetually infantile Christians who continue in the world without spiritual growth, in every way resemble the pagans they contract agreements with. And it doesn’t matter what kind of contract it is. From marriage to global treaties – any contract that omits God is a deal with the devil.
but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Young people are like sponges and mirrors. Whatever they see and hear becomes an integral part of them. When they live with televised politicians who don’t know the difference between right and wrong, hypocritical and ignorant teachers, and parents who are lazy, liars, and compromisers – they will both reflect and absorb such ungodliness in their teenage and adult lives. Additionally, they develop a hardness of the heart against the things of God. Believers have the ability and opportunity to give their offspring a great example to follow. While this is not a guarantee that your children will be saved, in my observation, those parents that are steadfast in their devotion to the Lord (with minimal hypocrisy) are respected by their adult kids. And many, many times, even those children who have walked the Prodigal trail, return and repent. If you live prudently, gently and without avarice – you are doing a wonderful thing for your descendants. Salvation is an individual’s choice. At the same time – we are doing God’s will in helping our children along the path to Godliness. What a kindness you are doing for them, when they see you praying and reading your Bible! And as our children walk closely to the Lord – our families are a wonderful testimony to a lost and dying world.
The Vine Vigil 