CONTEMPLATIONS

PEARLY WHITES TO PEARLY GATES

I once worked for a dentist. His wife was his assistant. The dentist was also an elder in a church I once attended. I wrote this for them just for fun.

PEARLY WHITES TO PEARLY GATES

(or The Truth From a Tooth)

What can be worse than a rotten tooth?

You may learn if others you are bashing.

Besides the toothache, you may land in hell,

Where there's wailing, and teeth are gnashing.

Do not trade a tooth for a tooth,

Or you won't walk on streets of gold,

For we'll enter heaven by the skin of our teeth,

And you won’t have your teeth to take hold.

Persecution will thicken the skin of your teeth;

Thin-skinned people will never get in.

You can flash your pearly whites all around,

Smiles are nice, but they must have some skin

A doctor of sorts whose only crown,

Was not a tooth but a wreath,

Can give each of you great wisdom,

But not in your very back teeth.

So visit with Christ regularly.

So in sin you are not impacted.

If you become like a rotten tooth,

You, too, may be extracted.

Let your pearly whites face the pearly gates,

Where there is no pain or decay.

The path is narrow and few will enter,

Through Jesus, the only way.

Becky Wall

Job 19:20 - I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped (death) only by the skin of my teeth.

Matthew 13:50 - and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 5:38 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

Proverbs 25:19 - Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.

Exodus 21:27 - And an owner who knocks out the tooth of a male or female slave must let the slave go free to compensate for the tooth. (This verse shows how important teeth are.)

beckyowall.blogspot.com

THE MYSTERY OF WHO IS KILLING THE CHURCH

Don't let the first few lines throw you. The killer is telling the story.

THE MYSTERY OF WHO IS KILLING THE CHURCH

People are killing Christ's church. Their so-called righteous teachings and actions have caused it to decay. Never fear, the case has been solved, thanks to me, Will Hinder. Just help me restrain the preacher. The man has such nerve. His out-of-touch sermons against abortion, homosexuality, and gambling are never politically or socially correct, and he doesn't even care. He must be silenced. He speaks for the Mastermind, Who I have yet to accept. His words are a double-edged sword, and they strike at the heart. Yes, the preacher has the church's demise on his mind. Nothing short of our sacrifice will shut him up. Is it any wonder the church is dying?!

His accomplice is Earnest Elder. He's always after my wallet. He spouts off scriptures on tithing knowing I can't afford to give until I get my new boat paid off. I guess I'll slap my money down on the offering plate. Give! Give! Give! Who else would be willing to make such a sacrifice?

Then there is Ima Babylover. I am so tired of her pathetic pro-life leaflets and gory brochures. People should be protected from seeing graphic pictures of bloody and dismembered babies. And her letters to the editor make me so irate and ashamed. Doesn't she know God gives us the right of "choice." You'd think she was fighting a war but, in fact, it is she who is killing us.

And what about Tru Lee Kare. He's so judgmental. He thinks the gay lifestyle could hurt the church or his family or even gays themselves. They deserve the right to adopt kids. Where in heaven did that old-fashioned definition of family come from, anyway? Children should be taught to accept homosexuality as an alternative lifestyle. If the church won't teach it, then the schools should. Gays can't help themselves; they were born with their weaknesses, just like abusers, alcoholics, and pedophiles. A lot of gays are dying with AIDS, but is True Lee concerned? Does True Lee have compassion? Noooooo! He just keeps talking about repentance, mercy, and some big, long word called "sanctification." He's destroying us!

Bea Callin must be stopped, also. She tries to get people to do church work when they don't have time, or that they don't want to do. Just let me get ready to walk out the door to go to a sports event, and she phones. By the time I explain to her the reasons why I can't help with VBS or visit the sick or whatever, I'm running late. She turns me off. How can she get any help that way; it's overkill!

This concludes my investigation; I know who is killing Christ's church. It's those pushy, intolerant, self-righteous, politically and socially incorrect bigots and homophobes sitting in their pews Sunday after Sunday praying for our country, arrogantly thinking they have the answer. Well, I, for one, am doing my part to save the church. Not only will I withhold my tithes, but I plan to shut these people down. I'll make sure everyone knows to avoid them. What's that you say--Destroyer? Save your praise. I know they will seek to ruin me, but somebody's got to do it. Will Hinder

Epilogue: Will himself seeks to hinder or even destroy the church while promoting his own worldly views. He thinks everyone should think like him. Never mind what the Bible says.

ANGER

There were times when Jesus got angry, angry enough to use descriptive words to humble his enemies, the and elders, the ones who were out to kill him. As a matter of fact, he called them a "brood of vipers," vipers being snakes, of course. Who's the first one you think of when you hear the word snake or serpent? , of course. The description was appropriate. Jesus was both God and man while here on earth. He felt all the same feelings we feel in a given situation. He was tempted and tested. He had the same choices to make that we have to make. He was angry when he found the in the temple taking advantage of travelers who came there to worship. He was so angry that he turned over the tables and drove the moneychangers out of the building.

Another one of the things that aroused God's anger was the worship of idols. He wasn't just a little bit angry, he was furious and warned the people they would be punished if they worshiped anyone other than Him. God is a jealous God -- very jealous. Why wouldn't He be. He created this world, this universe, for us and saw to every detail. At that time He had already made plans to send His Son to die a cruel death for us so that we could live with the in heaven. God doesn't change, so he would still feel the same anger today if he saw mankind worshiping or seeking answers from anything or anyone other than Him.

I wonder what He would have done if He had been in the church that allowed to disrespect , the President, and the USA. Using the church to spout hatred is as bad or worse than what the moneychangers were doing. She misrepresented the things Charlie said in love and is trying to mislead others into believing her lies? Where's the love like Erika showed in forgiving the shooter? Charlie was such an exceptional Christian that it makes me wonder if he wasn't a modern-day prophet. Should our response be anger both at the shooter and what Ilhan Omar said and continues to say? Maybe the following verses can give us some insight as to how we should react.

- The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished...

- Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Psalm 106:29 - they aroused the Lord’s anger by their wicked deeds, and a plague broke out among them. (God is a loving God but He does not tolerate unrepentant wicked deeds. He gets angry -- big time.)

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 22:24 - Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered...

Proverbs 27:4 - Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?

- Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.

Proverbs 29:11 - Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Proverbs 29:22 - An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.

Proverbs 30:32b-33 - clap your hand over your mouth! For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”

Ecclesiastes 7:9 - Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

- “In your anger do not sin”; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry...

Ecclesiastes 10:4 - If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest. (This can apply to many situations, such as employer/employee, Sargent/private, Warden/prisoner, father/son, mother/daughter, Police/suspect, etc.)

Mark 3:5 - He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. (Jesus gave the unbelievers "the stink eye.") His anger wasn't limited.

I Corinthians 13:5 - (about love) It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

- But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. (The verse above this one says love is not easily angered. It's not that you shouldn't get angry but that your anger needs to be controlled or within reason, no harm done to people.)

- ...human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Intro written and verses compiled by Becky Wall

SING!

SING!

I used to tell people I could carry a tune except for the high notes, the low notes, and the ones in-between. So, if you can sing, sing loud and proud. If you don't use it, you may lose it. The Bible has a lot to say about singing, especially when to sing and has examples as to when God's people sang.

Bless His Name, Show His Salvation, Declare His Glory Among Heathen and His Wonders Among All People

Psalm 96:1-4
O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. 4 For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! Psalm 147:1

"Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel." Judges 5:3

I Chr. 15:16 - "David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals."

I Chr. 16:9 - "Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."

I Chr. 16:23 - "Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day."

I Chr. 16:32-33 - "Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth."

Ps. 5:11 - "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."

Ps. 9:2 - "I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."

Ps. 13:6 - "I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me."

Ps. 21:13 - "Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might."

Ps. 30:4 - "Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name."

Ps. 32:11-33:3 - "Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Ps. 33:1-3 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Ps. 33:2-3 - "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy."

Ps. 47:6-7 - "Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.

Ps. 51:14 - "Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness."

Ps. 57:7-9 - "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.

Ps. 59:16-17 - "But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God."

Ps. 63:7 - "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings."

Ps. 65:13 - 66:1 - The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing. For the director of music. A song. A psalm. Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name."

Ps. 67:1 - "For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us..."

Ps. 67:4 - "May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth."

Ps. 68:4 - "Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds -- his name is the LORD-- and rejoice before him."

Ps. 71:22-23 - "I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you-- I, whom you have redeemed.

Ps. 81:2 - "Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre."

Ps. 92:1-4 - "A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day. It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp." For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

Ps. 95:1-2 - "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."

Ps. 96:1-2 - "Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

Ps. 96:12-13 - "let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.

Ps. 98:1 - "A psalm. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

Ps. 98:4-9 - "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn-- shout for joy before the LORD, the King. Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.

Ps. 98:8-9 - "Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.

Ps. 101:1 - "Of David. A psalm. I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.

Ps. 104:33 - "I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."

Ps. 105:2 - "Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."

Ps. 108:1-3 - "A song. A psalm of David. My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples."

Ps. 119:172 - "May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous."

Ps. 135:3 - "Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.

Ps. 138:4-5 - "May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth. May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.

Ps. 144:9 - "I will sing a new song to you, O God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you..."

Ps. 145:7 - "They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness."

Ps. 146:2 - "I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."

Ps. 147:1 - "Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!"

Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp. Psalm 147:7

Isaiah 38:20 - The Lord will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord.

Ps. 149:1 - "Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints."

Ps. 149:3 - "Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp."

Ps. 149:5 - "Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds."

Ps. 150:1-6 - "Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD."

Prov. 29:6 - "An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad."

Isa. 12:5-6 - "Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

Isa. 38:18-20 - "For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. The living, the living--they praise you, as I am doing today; fathers tell their children about your faithfulness. The LORD will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the LORD.

Isa. 42:10 - "Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them."

Isa 44:23 - "Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel."

Jer. 20:13 - "Sing to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked."

Lk 15:25 - ""Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing."

Rom. 15:9-11 - "so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name." Again, it says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people." And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples."

Eph. 5:19 - "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord..."

Col. 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

James 5:13 - "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise."

When Not to Sing

Exodus 32:17-20
17 And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp. And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear. And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.

There are a few verses that show that God will not listen to songs if the people had more or less turned against Him. The prophet, Jeremiah, lamented for 70 years begging the people to return to God, but they refused. They ended up in captivity. The prophet, Ezekiel, was one of those taken into captivity. Jerusalem fell during the time of the prophet Amos. Those verses are as follows:

Lamentations 5:14-15 - "The elders are gone from the city gate; the young men have stopped their music. Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.

Ezekiel 26:13 - "I will put an end to your noisy songs, and the music of your harps will be heard no more.

Amos 5:23 - "Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps."

When A New Well Was Built and the People Had Water

Numbers 21:16b-17

...that is the well whereof the Lord spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water. Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it:

Give Thanks Among the Heathen and Sing Praises

2 Samuel 22:50

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name. (Notice the people weren't just to praise God at home; they were to praise him among the heathen, which for us would be over food at restaurants and other public places.)

MY "NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY" JOURNAL

New Testament Survey Journal (partial)
Dr. Baker
by Becky Wall

Galatians 1 - 9/1/98
I was educated to things I had never been taught before because I was compelled to focus on the evidence Paul was trying to present instead of on the point Paul was trying to make. I had passed over this evidence while reading on my own. I concluded that Paul should be accepted as an apostle, not merely because he says he is one, but because he has presented overwhelming evidence to prove his case.

The verse which meant the most to me was verse 18: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned.” That’s pretty harsh. I must be careful to research and fully understand what I teach.

Galatians 2 - 9/1/98
I couldn’t help but put the key figures in a modern-day setting. I can think of several occasions where others tried to force their ideas on me, not because I am a Gentile, but because I was of a lower class, a female, have a limited education, a different political party, a different religion, etc. But in Jesus’ eyes, I am equal. In His eyes, I am somebody. I need to obey Him before any other, and if anyone tries to teach me anything contrary to what the scriptures teach, then I will continue to ignore that person’s teachings.

My favorite verse was 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The bad and ugly part of me is dead, buried, and forgotten, but the good that comes from the Holy Spirit gives me a pure heart and a new life that will never end.

Galations 3 - 9/1/98
In reading this chapter I gained a better perspective in knowing that the law is no longer our master, but that doesn’t make it null and void. It still serves the same purpose: it convicts us of sin. But the beauty of it all is that Christ has redeemed us. We don’t have to be born into just the right family, or be a particular gender, or be in a certain income level. I am free to be me, and I am loved just the way I am.

My favorite verses were 23-26, which include a promise against prejudice and a promise of the rights of an heir.

Galatians 4 - 9/2/98
I would certainly rather be an heir with the rights of an heir than to be a slave. As long as I remain in Christ, I will have the rights of an heir, but if I should fall into sin, I will become a slave to sin. Those are my choices. So why is it so hard to choose sometimes? Like the Galatians, I would also lose my joy along with my freedom if I turn away from Christ’s teachings.

It is a paradox that it is when we are disciplined, we are the most free, but when we become “carefree,” we become a slave to our sins. I know that this principle is true because I have seen it too many times to doubt it. To be free in Christ is to be free indeed!

Galatians 5 - 9/2/98
I have never taken even a sip of an alcoholic beverage and I have never participated in an orgy, but I have to be really careful about honestly answering that I have never committed any of the other sins listed, at least in some form or the other. I thought, at first, that I had never participated in witchcraft, but I remember playing with a Ouija board at least once when I was young.

Galatians 6 - 9/2/98
It is hard to bear in mind at all times that I reap what I sow. Sometimes I quickly reap the consequences of my actions, but sometimes the consequences appear over a long period of time. It is so important for me to look at “the big picture,” and not just the inviting temptations for pleasure that face me in the present. That few minutes of pleasure could not only bring dire consequences that are long-lasting, but could injure my reputation, my witness, my usefulness and potential as one of Christ’s disciples, and my own self-respect. It would also rob me of my peace and ongoing happiness.

I Thessalonians 1 - 9/3/98
These words would be music to my ears if someone were to say them to me. I hope that at the end of my life someone will be prompted to say them.

I Thessalonians 2 - 9/3/98
Paul never wanted to be a burden to anyone so that his witness would be more well received, and he was gentle with the Thessalonians in his presentation of spiritual truths. His approach is one to exemplify when I present spiritual truths, and I never know when that opportunity will arise. The key, then, is to never be a burden to anyone, and always be gentle in my approach.

I Thessalonians 3 - 9/3/98
Paul continues to encourage the Thessalonians. I think encouragement is almost a lost art in our churches. It is one of my pet peeves. I do encourage, but I always feel I could encourage more if I would just take the time and overcome my own weaknesses that prevent me from doing so, like shyness and fear of saying the wrong thing. I am really trusting God to help me overcome those fears so that I can increase my usefulness in the church and as an overall witness.

I Thessalonians 4 - 9/3/98
Paul gets a little more serious in his writings to the Thessalonians in that he reminds and warns them not to fall into sin. I, too, should stay in God’s Word to get those constant reminders and warnings so that I do not fall into sin.

I Thessalonians 5 - 9/7/98
Paul continues to admonish the Thessalonians. In the beginning of the chapter he warns them not to worry about when Christ will come again, but warms them to just be ready. Am I ready? Sometimes I think “Yes,” but other times I think “No.” I will continue to prepare for His coming in a spiritual way, but I won’t give up my Dorm Mom job and my college studies in order to sit outside in a lawn chair waiting for Christ’s arrival, similar to what some of the Thessalonians were evidently doing. Paul put much emphasis on encouraging and admonishing one another, love, peace, and continuing to work. These charges apply to me, as well.

II Thessalonians 1 - 9/8/98
Paul encourages the Thessalonians not to lose heart over their sufferings, for the Lord would repay the trouble the troublers had brought to His people.

II Thessalonians 2 - 9/8/98
Paul further warns the Thessalonians against false prophets saying the end has come or who come with false teachings. That is why I should know the scriptures. There are so many out there who think they know the truth, but never bother to study the scriptures in search of the real truth. I know they can be very convincing and appear very confident because I have been approached by them before. It is my hope that I can prevent others from falling into this trap by convincing them with scriptures. I had this opportunity one time when one of my friends was approached by Jehovah’s Witnesses and was soaking up everything they said. I knew my scripture well enough to combat the false teachings they were presenting, and even the Jehovah’s Witness trainee was shaking her head “Yes” at what I was saying, as if it made sense to her, too. It was a fulfilling experience. The friend began to go to the Church of Christ and is still a regular goer today. Several of her family members also go. This was about 25 years ago.

II Thessalonians 3 - 9/8/98
Paul again warns the people to work--to not be idle busybodies. This reminds me of something my mother used to say: “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” In this case, it seems that Paul is trying to say, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” I would do well to heed the warnings of my mother and Paul, for I have seen and experienced that their points are well taken.

I Corinthians 1 - 9/13/98
These scriptures reminded me of God’s displeasure with the grumbling of the Israelites while on their trek from Egypt to the Holy Land. Paul, too, calls for the Corinthians to give up their quarrels. I do a lot of grumbling myself. Grumbling and quarreling causes division, and God hates division. He hates it in the home, and He hates it in the church. Therefore, I should avoid grumbling. Paul deviates from the subject by encouraging the people to take heart in that God uses the “weak” and “foolish” to accomplish His purposes. I feel weak and foolish, but it is comforting to know that these are the type of people through whom God worked. This is one time that I am proud to be weak and foolish.

I Corinthians 2 - 9/13/98
These scriptures confirm what I had concluded on my own. Spiritually speaking, I am subject to God’s judgment--not man’s. The Holy Spirit has led me on a path unknown to others, and it is the Holy Spirit I should listen to--not the judgment of man. The spiritual truths the Holy Spirit teaches me are not always consistent with what I am told by other Christians and nonChristians. It is God to whom I must ultimately answer, so it is He, through the Holy Spirit, that I should listen. He has promised to reveal to me the truths I need to know, as long as I am willing to listen.

I Corinthians 3 - 9/13/98
It was sobering to me to discover that my jealousy and quarreling puts me in the same category with the worldly ones. I became more aware of the emphasis God puts on my body being his temple. And if I do anything to destroy someone else’s temple, God will destroy me. I would never murder, but would I display, or am I already displaying, a behavior that another might copy to an excessive and destructive degree? I hope not, but it is something I need to constantly consider.

I Corinthians 4 - 9/13/98
The church must take advantage of every opportunity, for it is the foolishness of the church’s teaching that makes Christ’s message strong. And I am a member of that church. I still have a measure of respectability because I have not been persecuted by Satan’s forces to the point that Paul was, in that people looked down upon him. But if I were persecuted to the point that I was in rags, physically tortured, and downtrodden, as Paul was, I would pray that it were because God considered me a worthy advocate.

I Corinthians 5 - 9/14/98
My charge in these scriptures is not to even associate with the unrepentant sinner. We are told in other passages to love the sinner, to witness to them, to help them in whatever way we can, but when they continue their behavior, we are to avoid them. I am to avoid them. I could be brought down by their behavior if I remain in their company for very long. I should never date or marry an unrepentant sinner; that would be a terrible failure to God on my part.

I Corinthians 6 - 9/14/98
I learned that my body provides housing for my soul and Spirit. It is God’s temple, and like the architectural structure, it is not to be defiled or desecrated. If I put this together with other scriptural teachings, my body, like the temple, is to be constantly cleansed. My body and soul should first be cleansed through baptism, then through the forgiveness that comes with prayer and confession. I should never do anything that would possibly or ultimately destroy my temple. It is the shell that God wishes for me to use in order to complete His work in me. When that day comes, my shell will no longer needed, but I will live on for eternity, according to His promise.

I Corinthians 7 - 9/14/98
Because I am a divorcee, I battle with these scriptures sometimes. On the other hand, I am at peace with God over my situation. I know that Paul is speaking to Christians, and that some of them were wanting to divorce a mate, rebel against their slavery, be circumcised, etc. But Paul admonishes them to stay in their present situation. (He does tell the slaves to get their freedom if they can.) He is not addressing abusive marriages, adultery, fornication, an addicted spouse, etc. He does say that God has called us to live in peace. Divorce may be a sin, but so are anger, disharmony, bitterness, quarreling, abuse, etc. The Lord came to save us from our sins, because for some of us, there seems to be no escape from sin no matter how hard we try. For that I will be eternally grateful--literally.

HERE AM I, SEND SOMEONE ELSE

called and to serve him. Moses resisted the call but eventually relented, sort of. Eli readily said, "Here am I, send me." What if God called you to serve Him in a way that would help 1/3 of every future generation including the current one, for that's how many are being aborted every year. One-third of students are missing in classrooms, 1/3 of workers are missing, 1/3 of our most talented people are missing, 1/3 of the people who would fulfill the necessary supply and demand that fuels our country's economy are missing, 1/3 of the people who would support our social security system are missing and so on. All are missing because of abortion. And they are all human beings, God's children.

HERE AM I, SEND SOMEONE ELSE?

So God called out: (your name)!" And I said, "Here I am." And God said, "I am the God of your mother, and the God of , the mother of all God's children, and the God of , the mother of my Son and your . I have heard the cries of my children from out of the darkness of the abortion clinics and the places in which they were disposed. I have heard the humble prayers of my people who fear for their children who are growing up in a wicked generation, and I am calling you to lead the battle against this evil in your area.”

And I said, "But, Lord, you know I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now. I am slow of speech and thought." And the Lord said, "Who gave man his mouth? Who gives him sight? Is it not I, the Lord? Now, go. I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

And I said, "But I must develop the gift you gave me, and the work around the house is not done, and who will take care of my family's needs?" And the Lord said, "I who give gifts according to my purpose gave you your gift and your gift has served me well, but I am setting a new charge before you, and am calling you to a greater battle. Your gift will still be utilized, but in a different way. You must forsake all others and follow me. You are not my first choice, but you have proven yourself a worthy soldier. Therefore, I AM asking you to lead the spiritual battle in your area. My Spirit will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Yours is only one battle in a war against --the dark forces of evil--being waged across the country and in the heavens. We must win the small battles in order to win the greater war."

I said, "Oh, Lord, please send someone else to do it. What about (your pick)? I know that he/she speaks boldly." Then the Lord's anger burned against me so I relented and said, "Here am I, send me."

WWJS

This is the time of year we celebrate the birth of Christ, and it is an event worth celebrating. Because of Jesus we have the Bible that allows Him to speak to us, fill us with wisdom, and comfort us and is preparing a home for us in heaven. Because of Him, we have the Holy Spirit who helps us understand scriptures, who pricks our consciences, and who serves each of us as our true soulmate.

We celebrate the fact that Jesus, who suffered a cruel death on our behalf, rose from the dead, seizing control of death from Satan. It was for this purpose that Christ was born. In other words, He as born to die. His resurrection saves believers from a sinful death. The victory had been won following 33 years of preparation, the age Jesus was when he died.

But, we all know people who, because of a death in the family, a tragic accident, depression, divorce, etc. do not feel like celebrating this Christmas. We all have the capacity to do or say something to lift the spirits of those people. Sometimes it is difficult to know what to do or say, but we can proceed with confidence knowing we cannot fail if we use Jesus's life and God's Word as the basis for our approach.

Satan may try to convince us that we cannot make a difference. Alone, we cannot make a difference, but with God's help we can. We need to ask ourselves not only "What would Jesus do?" the popular question being asked years ago, but "What would Jesus say?"

The greatest gifts we can give these people cannot be gift-wrapped. A bow cannot be tied around a kind word. And it would be difficult to wrap up words of encouragement. A listening ear is one of the best gifts without glitzy wrap. A Christmas card with a personal note written inside saying "I just want you to know you are still remembered and I am praying for you" may do more than a card with money inside.

Let's be careful not to be so caught up in "things" that we forget about people. Jesus is not as interested in our buying and receiving things as in our ministering to the needs of others in ways money can't buy. He cares more that we light up people's lives than our Christmas trees and decorated houses. Whatever we do unto them, we do unto Him (Matthew 25:40).

I challenge each of you to choose one person that you know is suffering and give that person a gift of time and love. You may not have to look for such a person; God may put one in your path. Either way, if you wonder what to say when you approach that person, ask yourself, "What would Jesus say?" and pray that He will give you remembrance of Bible verses along with the right words to say.