Z is for Zeal...

Z is for Zeal

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines zeal as:

: eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something 

What a way to end the A to Z Challenge.  I feel like I have approached this challenge with much zeal.  I pray that we, as Christians approach our relationship with Jesus Christ with a zealous attitude.  I hope and pray that each one of us is eager and passionate about the Word and our eternal home in Heaven.

‘Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.’    Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Our children and even the world need to see our love for God not only in church related events but also in our everyday walk.

‘And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.’     Acts 8:36-38

                   

‘Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.’     Romans 10:1-2

‘Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;’     Romans 12:11

‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.’     Ephesians 2:10

‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’     Ephesians 6:10-13

Each of us needs to have the zeal or eagerness to walk close enough to Jesus Christ that we can withstand the devil, we will be ready for him.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.  My hope and prayer is you have been blessed along the way and perhaps it has given you more to think about as it did me.

until next time…nel

Y is for Yielding or Yield...

Y is for Yielding or Yield

The online definition from Merriam-Webster for yielding is:

1: productive yielding wheat>

2: lacking rigidity or stiffness: flexible

3: disposed to submit or comply  yielding temperament>

The Webster’s Desk dictionary defines yielding as:

1: inclined to surrender or submit

2: flexible or compliant

The desk dictionary is what we will look at.  I think we, as Christians need to be yielding to the Holy Spirit.  We need to be more surrendering to the Word of God.  He has given us the instructions or manual to have eternal life if we only yield ourselves to Him and not temptations of this world.

‘And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.’    Genesis 3:6

‘When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.’    Joshua 7:21

Yielding to temptation started way back in the Garden of Eden when the serpent tempted Eve.  Throughout the Bible we can see different situations where the people yielded to temptation.  We need to be careful or we will yield to temptation in our world today.

‘But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.’    Isaiah 64:8

We need to yield to our Lord and not to temptation.

until next time…nel

X is for Xenophobia...

X is for Xenophobia

The online definition is:

 fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign

I can think of several people who may have Xenophobia.  Unfortunately we hear of it every day in the world.  We tend to call it racism or hate.  Xenophobia was also prevalent in biblical times.

‘And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.  And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.  Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.’    Genesis 21:8-10

‘Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?’    Ruth 2:10

Foreigners were not always welcomed in Israel but Boaz welcomed Ruth because of her reputation of being kind and generous with others.

‘And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws; therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.  If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed; and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.  And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jew’s enemy.  And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.’    Esther 3:8-11

‘Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.’    Jeremiah 22:3

We need more than good works to save us; we have to live obediently to God.

‘And I will bring you out of the midst thereof, and deliver you into the hands of strangers, and deliver you into the hands of strangers, and will execute judgments among you.  Ye shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.’    Ezekiel 11:9-10

‘And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests.  And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?  There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.’     Luke 17:11-19

These scriptures show us even in Biblical times there were people that were hated and treated badly, but we need to remember Jesus loves everyone.  And He alone provides a way for us to deal with those who despise us or mistreat us.

until next time…nel

W is for Witness...

W is for Witness

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines witness as:

1: attestation of a fact or event : testimony

2: one that gives evidence; specifically : one who testifies in a cause or before a judicial tribunal

3: one asked to be present at a transaction so as to be able to testify to its having taken place

4: one who has personal knowledge of something

5a : something serving as evidence or proof : sign

  b : public affirmation by word or example of usually religious faith or conviction  witness to divine life — Pilot>

If you are a Christian you should be witnessing everyday.  There are many ways that you can witness:  sharing Scripture with people is a witness, telling them how to live for Christ and accept Him in their heart is witnessing.  I believe the theme I have chosen for this A to Z Challenge is form of witnessing.  Praying in public can be a witness to people; even going to church every time the doors are open is a witness. There are so many ways to witness.

‘I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.  Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.’    Psalm 40:1-4

‘Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.’   Psalm 51:10-13

‘I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.’   Psalm 119:46

‘My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever’   Psalm 145:21

‘And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’   Matthew 4:19

‘Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.  But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.’   Luke 12:8-9

‘But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:  And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.’   John 15:26-27

There are many more scriptures in the Bible that refers to being a witness.  From these we can see to be a witness for Jesus Christ we need to have Him in our heart and live for Him, obeying His word.  What we say, the way we act, the way we live, the way we treat people are a witness for our Lord.  What kind of witness are you?

until next time…nel

V is for Victory...

V is for Victory

The online dictionary’s definition for victory is:

1:  the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist

2:  achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties

The Webster’s desk dictionary also includes:  conquest or triumph.

If we have victory in Jesus, we have overcome our enemy, which would be Satan or the devil. That can definitely be a struggle but what a conquest or triumph it is! 

I love the old song, Victory in Jesus.  Here are the three verses, then the chorus.

I heard an old, old story
How a Savior came from glory
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me
I heard about His groaning
Of His precious blood's atoning
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory

I heard about His healing
Of His cleansing pow'r revealing
How He made the lame to walk again
And caused the blind to see
And then I cried, "Dear Jesus
Come and heal my broken spirit,"
And somehow Jesus came and brought
To me the victory

I heard about a mansion
He has built for me in glory
And I heard about the streets of gold
Beyond the crystal sea
About the angels singing
And the old redemption story
And some sweet day I'll sing up there
The song of victory

CHORUS:

O victory in Jesus
My Savior, forever
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him
He plunged me to victory

Beneath the cleansing flood

Nothing like the old gospel hymn, it pretty well says it all!  We can sing Victory in Jesus now, but it is nothing compared to singing in Heaven.  That will be true victory!

‘Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by the strength.’   Psalm 54:1

‘The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.’   Psalm 118:14

‘Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.  Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’   Psalm 60:11-12

‘Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.’   Psalm 119:133

‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’   Romans 8:37-39

‘For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.   1 John 5:4

We can have victory in Jesus Christ, He never said it would be easy, but He did say He would be by our side.  All we need to do is Believe in Him and ask Him to forgive us of our sins, and sin no more.  Serving Christ is not a burden to those who love Him, and when our load becomes heavy, we can trust Him to help us.

until next time…nel

U is for Unity...

U is for Unity

For the definition of unity, I am using the Webster’s Desk Dictionary:

1:  the state or quality of being one.

2:  the state of being combined with others to form a greater whole.

3:  harmony or agreement.

4:  complete accord among persons regarding attitudes, opinions, intentions, etc.

There are two other entries, however these are the ones that apply to my post.  Looking at this definition I think it is safe to say that unity can apply to a church or group that are in agreement regarding beliefs, attitudes, opinions and intentions.  There are often times when problems or disagreements arise, but Jesus loves it when His people are in harmony or unity.

‘And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.’   1 Samuel 14:7

It is a good thing to know that He is with us in unity when our hearts are right with Him and He has first place in our lives.

‘When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.’   Proverbs 16:7

Our energy should go into pleasing the Lord and living for him and those around us will take notice.

‘Can two walk together, except they be agreed?’   Amos 3:3

We need to make sure there are no sins or conflict between others and us.  If there is we need to ask them for forgiveness so we can again be where we need to be with Jesus.

‘Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.’   Mark 9:50

Salt changes the flavor of food, likewise we can change the flavor of those around us if we are in unity with Jesus.

‘Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.’   1 Corinthians 1:10

We as Christians have different viewpoints, we may not all worship the same way but it is okay as long as we work together harmoniously agreeing that Jesus Christ is what matters.

‘Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:’   1 Peter3:8

At times there are differences and problems in churches and the Christian community that end up splitting the church or the people because things are blown out of proportion or not dealt with.  The Bible gives us specific instructions how to deal with these problems so we can find unity amongst the brethren, unfortunately things are ignored and before we know it something small turns in to something big and causes divisions in the church.

We need to pray for our fellow Christians and get into His word more.

until next time…nel

Hodgepodging Again...

It is Hodgepodge time again, we would love to have you join in.  It is a lot of fun, and Joyce stimulates are thinking and brain power.  

1. April showers bring May flowers...what have you been showered with this month?
Honestly, I would say tiredness.  This weather is killing me going from 75 one day to 37 the next.  It just makes me want to crawl under the covers and not come out till Spring is really here.  lol.

2. What is the nature of compassion?  Is it learned or innate?  Can compassion be learned?  If you're a parent is this something you've purposely sought to instill in your children, and if so how?
This one is a hard one for me.  I have to really work on it.  I have a problem when someone is wallowing in self pity.  I have always been one with the belief you need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again.  If it is something that there is a means to improve the situation and they are not doing it, I have no compassion.  But if it is someone who is genuinely sick and cannot do anything to improve then yes I have compassion sometimes to much to a fault.  I think I try to distance myself from people because I get to emotionally involved.   

3. Do you prefer to watch romantic comedy or romantic drama...or are you rolling your eyes saying bring on the action flicks?
I am a chick flick person, I love romantic comedy and drama.

4.  It's April which means baseball season is officially upon us here in the US of A. Humphrey Bogart is quoted as saying "A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz." Agree or Disagree?
Ohhhh give me a Chicago style Vienna hot dog anywhere!  I soooo miss them.And Sonic's just doesn't do anything for me in my book.

5. What's something in your community or city that needs fixing or improving?
I cannot think of anything off the top of my head.  We have a pretty good community!

6. Share a song you enjoy that mentions flowers or a specific flower in its title.

My brain must be asleep the only think that comes to mind is:  Daisy Daisy give me your answer do...

7. April 22nd is Earth Day...do you believe there's life on other planets?  That wasn't the question you were expecting was it? 
Not so much... on both questions.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
It is hard to believe that April is almost over.  This month I have been posting for the A to Z challenge also.  I have really enjoyed it.  I have had to do some reading and researching for mine, but I really feel like I have learned quite a bit from it.  Gee just don't know what I will do next month. lolol

until next time...nel

T is for Testimony...

T is for Testimony

Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines testimony as:

1a : the tablets inscribed with the Mosaic law (2) : the ark containing the tablets

  b : a divine decree attested in the Scriptures

2a : firsthand authentication of a fact : evidence

  b : an outward sign

  c : a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official

3a : an open acknowledgment

  b : a public profession of religious experience

As we can see testimony covers a broad area, I want to look at the latter part of the definition.  To me testimony is an outward sign or openly acknowledging what Jesus Christ means to you.  There is something about standing in church and publicly claiming what Jesus has done in your life, what He has done for you, or how much you love Him.  It will bless you along with others.

‘Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.’   Psalm 66:16

‘And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.  Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.  And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.’   Mark 5:18-19

Do we gladly share what Jesus Christ has done in our lives, whether it is physically or spiritually?  We should gladly give testimony to our Jesus Christ!

‘For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.’  Acts 22:15

‘But sanctify Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:’   1 Peter 3:15

Faith is a personal matter, but we should always be ready to testify for our Lord Jesus Christ if asked or if the Holy Spirit is nudging you.  When people look and talk to you do they see the “world” or do they see kindness and meekness that comes with knowing the Lord as your personal Saviour?

until next time…nel

S is for Sacrifice...

S is for Sacrifice

The online definition of sacrifice is:

1: an act of offering to a deity something precious; especially :the killing of a victim on an altar

2: something offered in sacrifice

3a : destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else

  b : something given up or lost  sacrifices made by parents>

4: loss  sacrifice>

We have all made sacrifices at one time or another, perhaps in war, or financially, or as a parent.  There are a lot of ways sacrifices can be made.  For this blog challenge I am looking at the Biblical side of definitions.

During Biblical times there were 5 types of sacrifice and offerings.  These sacrifices were to express their inward devotion. 

The burnt offering was an animal that was pure and perfect, without blemish.  This could be a young bull, lamb, goat, turtledove or young pigeon.  This offering or sacrifice was usually made to restore the relationship with God and to atone for a sin.

The grain offering was made from the finest flour mixed with oil and frankincense.  At times it was cooked into cakes, some of them were burnt at the altar, while the rest of them were given to the priests.  This was an outward expression of devotion.

The peace offering was either a bull, cow, lamb, or goat that had no defect.  The person who brought it killed the animal, and then the priests took turns sprinkling the blood around the altar.  Only certain organs were burned, most of the meat was used in a meal of celebration by the one who brought it.  This usually took place at dedication ceremonies or spiritual renewal.

A sin offering dealt with sins that were committed unintentionally.  What was sacrificed depended on who committed the sin.  And depending on who you were made the difference on how the sacrifice was dispersed.

The guilt offering was a lot like the sin offering.  The biggest difference was it included restitution.  Not only was it used when something was taken, but it was also used for the cleansing of a leper, sexual relations with someone else’s slave, or for the renewing of a Nazirite vow that had been broken.

This was the basic sacrificial system of Israel.  This system taught the importance of dealing with sin and showed how God provided the way to deal with such.

‘And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.’    Leviticus 23:18

‘ Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves. And when these days are expired, it shall be, that upon the eighth day, and so forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings upon the altar, and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, saith the LORD GOD.’    Ezekiel 43:26-27

I am so glad we do not have to make sacrifices like they did before Jesus came.  Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and he took on the sins of the world including yours and mine.  Not everyone believes this, and in order to receive God’s forgiveness and have eternal life you have to believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised on the third day from his grave.  When you have accepted Jesus in your life and heart and have asked for forgiveness, He will remember them no more and this is why Jesus is considered the ultimate Sacrifice.

‘So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.’  Hebrews 9:28

‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.’   Hebrews 10:16-18

God is so Good!

until next time…nel

R is for Rapture...

R is for Rapture

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary the definition of rapture is:

1: an expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion

2a : a state or experience of being carried away by overwhelming emotion

  b : a mystical experience in which the spirit is exalted to a knowledge of divine things

3: often capitalized : the final assumption of Christians into heaven during the end-time according to Christian theology

I feel like this definition covers what we, as Christians believe.  There is much emotion involved in the Rapture even just discussing it.  It is a knowledge of divine things – being raised to join Jesus in the sky, pretty divine if you ask me.  The actual word rapture does not appear in the King James Version of the Bible, but it is referred to as Jesus’ Second Coming or when Christ returns.

‘Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.’   Mark 13:31-33

No one knows when Jesus is returning.  We need to be prepared.

‘Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.’    Luke 12:40

He is giving us plenty of time to be ready.

‘Behold, I shew you a mystery, We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?’   1 Corinthians 15:51-55

No better victory than eternal life in Heaven with Jesus, Our Lord & Saviour.

‘For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.’     Titus 2:11-14

Are you looking forward to His return?

until next time…nel

Q is for Quarrel...

Q is for Quarrel

I have previously been using the online dictionary but I am going to use my Webster’s Desk dictionary to define quarrel.

1. an angry dispute or fight with words.
2. a cause of dispute.
3. to disagree angrily.
4. to dispute angrily.
5. to make a complaint

I think all of us at one time or another have been involved in a quarrel.  A quarrel is usually a little more heated than a disagreement.  It usually involves anger and hurt feelings.  Unfortunately it also happens in churches, which can cause a split between the members.  Sometimes misunderstandings are at the root of a quarrel. 

‘Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.  Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.’  Matthew 5:25-26

I think Jesus is trying to tell us to take care of our differences quickly before it causes more trouble for us.  We need to get things right with our fellow man before we stand before God.

‘Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.  But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.’   Matthew 18:15-17

There are proper ways to handle disagreements in church and we have a guidebook to follow.

until next time…nel

P is for Persecution...

P is for Persecution

Persecution is defined online as:

1: the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook

2: the condition of being persecuted, harassed, or annoyed

The definition of persecute is:

1: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief

2: to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, or importunities) : pester

I think at one time or another all of us have faced a form of persecution during our lives, just not as serious as others.  Unfortunately, it goes on in this world more that we like to think about.  We as Americans take so much for granted.  There are people in the world who are persecuted for attending worship services or even reading their Bible. I cannot imagine not being able to attend the church of my choice or read my Bible when I want too. 

‘And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself, and come down from the cross.  Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.  Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.  And they that were crucified with him reviled him.’    Mark 15:29-32

Can you imagine not only the crucifixion, but the persecution that our Lord Jesus Christ endured?  He did that for us.

‘Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.  Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.’    Luke 6:22-23

We may face persecution for our beliefs, but if we stand true, heaven will be our reward.

‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’   Revelation 21:4

No matter what we face here on this earth, heaven will be worth it all!

until next time…nel

O is for Omniscience

O is for Omniscience

Merriam Webster online dictionary defines it as:

: the quality or state of being omniscient

Omniscient is defined as:

1: having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight

2: possessed of universal or complete knowledge

I would come to the conclusion that a good definition of omniscience would be the quality of having unlimited, immeasurable or infinite awareness, understanding or knowledge or in simpler terms all-knowing.  There is only One who comes to mind and that would be Lord God, our Heavenly Father.  He knows all, from what is on our mind, to that sin we try to keep under the rug.  He knows and understands when we are shouting for joy or crying our eyes out.  He knows if we are weekend Christians or if He is first in our lives.  He knows!

‘Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.’    Matthew 11:29-30

It amazes me to think He knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, or how many hairs are on my head.  His love for us is beyond comprehension.

‘But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.’   Matthew 24:36

It is pretty obvious we cannot hide from God; He will find us, because He already knows where we are.  We cannot hide our doubts or fears He knows what they are.  Only He can give us the peace we desire and that home in Heaven.

until next time…nel

Hodgepodge Time...

It is Hodgepodge time...

1. April 15th is the deadline for Americans to file their state and federal income tax returns.  What's a job you do on a regular basis that could be described as 'taxing'? 
I really do not have any taxing jobs anymore. Stan's niece Patt does the cleaning and cooking in exchange for a place to stay.  I do clean our bedroom and office.  I guess I would have to say maybe our bathroom.  Bathroom cleaning can always be taxing!

2. I'm participating in the April A-Z blog challenge, and the Hodgepodge happens to fall on Day O this week. In keeping with that theme...olives, onions, oysters, okra...of the foods mentioned, what's your favorite O food?
I would have to say onions.  A little onion added to a dish can add so much flavor.  Not to fond of olives or oysters and I am picky about my okra, so yep I would say onions.  Speaking of onions, I had the best order of onion rings from Arby's the other day.  We do not do fast food a lot, but those were good.  ...just sayin'

3.  What is something memorable you experienced as a child that your own children (or future children/nieces/nephews) will not get to experience? 
Our world has changed so much, things are just so different now.  I think the one thing that really bothers me is the ability for your kids to feel safe, sure they feel safe with their family, and somewhat at school.  But they will never experience the feeling of roaming the neighborhood freely and talking to anyone and everyone.  Staying out till the street lights come on, playing jump rope, Hide & Seek, Ghost, ghost come out to night or Sardines.  To me that is a memorable part of childhood, just being a kid!

4. Term limits for our elected officials...your thoughts? 
No more than two terms, and no privileged benefits.  

5. On April 18th, 1775, Paul Revere made his famous 'midnight ride'...when did you last make a midnight ride?  Perhaps the fate of a nation wasn't hanging in the balance, but tell us where you were headed anyway.
It has been many moons ago.  Stan and I have been married 6 1/2 years and we have never been out at midnight driving or riding.

6.  What would freak you out more...a mouse running across your floor or a big fat hairy spider? 
I hate mice with a passion, but I don't freak out. I just make sure I have plenty of traps out if I see one.  I would have to say probably the spider.  They usually do not bother me but a big fat hairy one would probably do it.   That gives me cold chills just thinking about it.

7. I love it when people ask me________________________?
...about Jesus, or my grandchildren.  Don't get me started, we will be here awhile.  :)

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
My heart is breaking for all those affected by the Boston bombings.  This is so cruel and so wrong!  People, we need to be praying and we need to pray hard!
'The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.  The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.  The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.  The LORD is night unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of  a contrite spirit.'   Psalms 34:15-18

until next time... nel