Looking Good On The Inside

"...and have put on the new man, who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..." (Colossians 3:10) 
We are concerned a lot about what we look like on the outside. A multitude of television commercials suggest new ideas in hair style, body development, and fashion. But as we look at our society today, what we need is a change on the inside. As Christians, we are new people, with the goal of being renewed in knowledge of all God wants us to be, and to do, according to His Word.
It is the "inner self" that is to be renewed everyday, as we seek guidance and direction from the Word of God. The Apostle Paul teaches us that: "We are not to be conformed to this world, but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.."(Romans 12:2) Just as we must protect our body from incoming bacteria that can make us sick, and possibly kill us, we must protect and maintain the health of our inner self. We do that by studying and applying God's Word to our lives. Taking in the right spiritual food, so we can live lives that our right before God. We can look good on the outside, and be dying on the inside. Let's take care of that which will live forever! GP Photo by stockimages. Published on 14 October 2013 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Two Mother's Day Songs

I Heard My Mother Praying For Me
By Audry Williams 

Last night as I lay down to sleep
I heard someone began to weep
Then I got up just to see
I heard my mother praying for me

She was kneeling by her bed
And tears of pain were being shed
She said, "Dear God, please hear my plea"
I heard my mother praying for me

I got my Bible and sat down
And in the Holy Book I found
The way to end this misery
Thank God, my mother prayed for me

I read it on into the night
And soon began to see the light
And now at last my soul is free
Thank God, my mother prayed for me


Flowers For Mama
Writers: Eddie Noack, Cindy Walker, Al Rumley
Recorded By George Jones

Papa brought flowers for mama today
And all the grown children, but it's not mother's day
I don't have no money, not even a dime
But I brought mama flowers like I have all the time.
Everyday I pick flowers from this pretty hill
A small box of Daisies and a few Daffodils
I bring them to mama at the end of the day
And say flowers for mama, here's mama's bouquet.
They brighten her face and she holds me close
She'd say they are more precious than a beautiful rose
And she wore a smile sweeter than millions of flowers
A smile that I'll carry through life's darkest hours.
Spoken:
Now mama was lying there, yes, they tell me she passed away
And she was surrounded by flowers that out-shined my bouquet
I know mine aren't fancy but still all the while
They were placed in her hand and I know I saw mama smile.
Sang:
Flowers for mama I picked them today
Not very much, just a simple bouquet
Mom wasn't so fancy but up there above
She's the prettiest flower in God's garden of love.

Caring For Our New Life

"Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4) 
The comparison of a seed coming to life, and a soul going through the process of salvation, is very close. A seed when it is buried in the ground, dies, and then sprouts to new life. The flower or the leafage is evidence of the new life. And the evidence of one who has gone through the salvation process, is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This is evidence of new life in Jesus Christ. In our text the Apostle Paul makes a comparison of the dramatic change that Jesus went through, in His death burial and resurrection, to what the change should be for us in the salvation process. In baptism we died, we were buried, and then we were raised up out of the water to (symbolically) show the process of putting to death the old sinful life, and entering a new life in Jesus Christ. But it doesn't stop there. Every gardener knows, that plants need cultivation and care. And that relates to the responsibility we have as Christians, to cultivate our lives, with the spiritual tools of the Word of God, prayer, and Christian fellowship. New life is a wonderful gift, one that must be valued and cared for, with all the resources from the Lord, and all effort and discipline on our part. GP Photo Copied.

A Lesson Needing To Be Grasped

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality." (Acts 10:34) This week I have been watching the news of the rioting, looting, and destruction, going on in Baltimore, Maryland. I don't know all the facts of the Freddie Gray incident to comment on that. But what has led to to this frightening sequence of events since his death, is not anything new. It is an old problem that keeps showing up time after time. The problem of prejudice, partiality, and discrimination. The protests keep coming, and along with that, the violence and destruction. When Peter spoke to Cornelius (A Roman military leader) and his household, he made it clear that the gentiles were just as entitled to the blessings of God concerning salvation, and of what comes from being apart of the family of God. And Peter makes a statement of truth concerning God's attitude towards man-kind: "...that God shows no partiality." (Acts 10:34b)
So if God shows no partiality, and treats everyone the same, what does this say to us in our treatment of other people of color and ethnic background? Or of other educational, or material status? It is a lesson our nation is not grasping. Will there come a day, when we will come under attack by forces outside our national walls, when we will have to fight side by side, no matter what our differences are, and fight for a common cause? Will we have learned out lesson by then?
GP Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 09 October 2013 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Walk In Love

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.(Ephesians 4:31-5:2) We need to be careful that in the midst of our disagreements that our love doesn't get trampled in the uproar of frustration. Love must be in the forefront of our confrontations, not lagging behind, or lost in the heat of the struggle. Little children truly set the example in this, as they can have a confrontation, but a short time later, forget and let go of the issue, and begin playing with their playmates again. Adults will hold on to the anger, the bitterness, the hurt, and vow to never speak again to the ones that they had a disagreement with for a lifetime. No we don't, and never will, agree on everything. But the one thing we need to always agree on, is that no matter what the disagreements are, we are going to act like Jesus Christ, and demonstrate love at all times. That is the answer to a peaceful society. Have we learned the lesson? I think not! GP Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 08 October 2013
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The Teacher And The Tongue

"My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment." (James 3:1) I believe we lose the meaning of this statement by James, because we don't hold it to the subject of the whole chapter. James chapter 3 deals with the use of tongue, and how the tongue, when it is not used in the right way, can cause a lot of damage. Teachers have a greater responsibility, because they use their tongues in their vocation. They have a greater opportunity to influence a lot of people. And it's not just by what they say, but how they live. Teachers are in the public eye, and as it has been illustrated: "They live in glass houses." James begins this section of his letter, by  emphasizing the seriousness of the use of the tongue. It can be used to bring about positive results in it's affect, or negative results. The choice is ours. In essence, as Christians, we are all teachers. We are all to exhibit, by what we say and do, a Christ-like mind, and Christ-like character. If we are going to teach by our lives, than we better have control over our tongues, and weigh every word that we say. That is an awesome task, but one that can be accomplished, if we choose first of all to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, right at the start! GP Photo by stockimages. Published on 18 November 2013 www.freedigitalphotos.net

A Battle We Can Win

"For the good that I will to do, I do not do, but the evil I will not do, that I practice." (Romans 7:19) How many of us as Christians win the battle of self will? To know what is immoral, evil, bad for us in many ways, and yet we go ahead and do it, because we do not have self-control. Self-control is one of the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) There is a constant battle that goes on, between our inner self, and the work of the Holy Spirit. And because we have freedom of choice, we tend to choose that which our inner self wants to experience, or accomplish. With me, more times than I can count, I have felt bad after I had done something that I knew was not the leading of the Holy Spirit. I believe that the Holy Spirit convicted me of the thought, and the act. It is a strong battle, but it is a battle that we can win. The key is totally allowing the Holy Spirit to have control. In our submitting to the Holy Spirit, we need to begin each day, or take time each day, to be in prayer, and in the Word of God. If you don't allow time for the Holy Spirit to teach, and to empower, we will not develop the strength to withstand the temptations to sin against God. With the Holy Spirit's help we can win this battle. I remember that Joseph in Genesis, had such a desire and strength to not sin against God. (Genesis 39: 11-12) May we have the same! GP Photo by Witthaya Phonsawat. Published on 02 January 2014 www.freedigitalphotos.net

While We Wait

"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:4) In my life, it seems that the work of patience is not a perfect work. The reason it is not perfect, is because I am not very cooperative when it comes to exercising patience. I am like the lady that came into a grocery store and asked: "if they had anything faster than instant." It is hard to wait, especially when the trials are severe, and you wonder if you can take another step, or stand anymore pain. But there is a wonderful opportunity while we wait for our deliverance. That opportunity is the fellowship we can have with the Lord Jesus Christ, while we wait. Jesus tells us to "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”(Matthew 11:28-30) While we wait for a resolution, we can take advantage of a precious time of prayer, sharing with the Lord the burdens we are bearing, and embracing the peace that comes from allowing Him to help us carry the load. Through prayer, and Bible study, we can find the encouragement to endure the time of waiting for things to work out in our lives. The Lord is not just our deliverer, He is our sustainer as well. GP Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 14 February 2014
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Two Are Better Than One

"Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) I have always felt that these three activities are main contributors to Christian maturity and growth. Bible Study, Prayer, and Fellowship. I want to touch on the third contributor, Fellowship. The Greek word "koinonos" means "partners" in the New Testament. In Luke 5:10, Luke describes James and John as "partners" with Simon in the fishing business. As Christians we are partners in Christ. Although Bible study and prayer, are essential in the process of Christian maturity, we cannot minimize the importance of our partnership, and even a more intimate word "brotherhood", in the Kingdom of God. We need to encourage each other, and be there for each other. In standing up to Satan, and the world, two minds are better than one. Two souls working together to be the best Christians they can be, is a powerful threat to Satan's influence. That encouragement and support are powerful tools in the battle we are involved in today. Let's be someone that someone can count on. Let's be a balcony person, lifting others up, so they can grow and stand tall in the Kingdom of God! GP
 Photo by photostock. Published on 07 March 2011

Speaking The Truth In Love

"...But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--" (Ephesians 4:15) The same way a Christian grows, is the same way the church grows. We are planted in Christ, and from our roots in Him, we spring forth in humility, sincerity, and stability. We grow up having the mind and character of Jesus Christ. And being like Christ, we become like our Heavenly Father. In Ephesians 4 we are instructed concerning how the church is to grow and mature, and function in a healthy manner. We are not a group of people "(children) that are tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive.."(vv.13,14) But we are a group of people who know who we belong to, who we are to be like, and who we are to be built up in. We are to live, breathe, and walk in the truth of Jesus Christ. There are times that we must speak the truth, in order to keep each other in line with the will of God. But in speaking the truth, we must always have it contained in love. The support of each member of the body of Christ is extended in the virtue of love. Should we welcome criticism? Yes! We are to welcome it in love. Should we give criticism? Yes! When it is necessary, and it too should be given in love. We must remember that in all that we say in do, it must be displayed in the truth and sincerity of Christ. If not, it will not build anything but deception, selfishness, and disunity. GP      
Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 21 June 2013 www.freedigitalphotos.net

Dealing With Disagreements

"Then the contention became so sharp that they departed from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus." (Acts 15:39) The argument between Paul and Barnabas was over taking John Mark with them on the second missionary journey. Paul had a problem with it, because John Mark had left them midway, and headed home. Barnabas, who was John Mark's uncle, and a man of encouragement, was willing to give John Mark another chance. Paul and Barnabas couldn't agree, which led them to separate, and pursue the work in two different teams. There are times when Christians don't agree, and it is better to separate, than to go on in constant conflict, and disunity. But even if we disagree, we must remember that our Lord Jesus Christ, want us to love each other, and minister to one another, when the opportunities come. I don't know of a family where there are not disagreements. And the church is the family of God. We know that in the different faith groups, there are different beliefs and practices. And there is a separation. But even so, there needs to be a love and respect shown, because that is what The Lord would have us to do. It was later that Paul changed his mind about John Mark, and told Timothy to bring him with him, when he came to him, because "he is useful to me for ministry." (2 Timothy 4:11) People can change, can mature, and we need to always give them that chance. Disagreements will come, but may they never lead us down a path of being resentful and unforgiving. For that is a path that is not pleasing to the Lord! GP Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 09 October 2013
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God's Intent For Sexual Activity

"Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due." (Romans 1:27) In Romans chapter one, the Apostle Paul shares what God thinks of the immorality of the Gentile world. Today in our society we are dealing with the same forms of immorality that existed then. The big issue today is homosexuality. We deal with it in our nation, our communities, our homes, and yes in the church. We can make all kinds of excuses, such as being born with such tendencies, there is nothing that can be done to change it. Because of low self-esteem brought about by abuse, and social rejection, we were forced to participate in this activity. I agree with counselors that say, homosexuality is being sexually out of control. The Bible is clear, that we were made in the image of God. Both male and female were created in His image. (Genesis 1:27) And we are to follow God's design for sexual activity. And that sexual activity is for those who
are married,(a man and a woman)(Hebrews 13:4) Homosexuality is not an alternate lifestyle, it is sin. But this must be remembered, that God hates the sin, but loves the sinner. He sent His Son to die for the sin of the world, homosexuality included. (GP) Photo by marcolm. Published on 21 October 2012
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Breakfast With Jesus

"Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast," Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are you?" --knowing that it was the Lord." (John 21:12) How do you wrap your brain around a miracle such as this? To see our risen Lord on the shore, and to have Him invite you to have breakfast with Him. To the disciples, who had witnessed Jesus' suffering and death on the cross, words could not express how amazing His resurrection was. It would have been great to be there, and to witness this event ourselves. But today, we can see evidence of the presence and work of our risen Lord. Jesus is working in our lives today. And the more we strive to have a strong relationship with Him, the more we will see the reality of His presence in our lives. As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ this Sunday, may we always be mindful, that no matter what comes our way as far as trouble and trials, we have our risen Lord by our side. When you begin your day, have breakfast with Jesus, just like the disciples did. Before you eat the physical food, take time to read some verses from the Gospels, and then take time to pray, and give thanks for the hope that Jesus brought to you through His death, burial, and resurrection. Make each morning a wonderful spiritual experience. It is amazing what Jesus did through the power of God in conquering death. But more amazing is that He did it out of love for you and me.GP Photo by hyena reality. Published on 01 May 2013
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When The Rooster Crows

"Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." (Luke 22:61c) Roosters have had a reputation of being nature's alarm clock. In the morning hours, you will hear them crow. Actually all through the day you will hear them crow, letting everyone know, that this is their territory. If there was ever a time when one did not want to hear a rooster crow, it was after Peter did what Jesus predicted he would do, and that is deny Him three times. But before we get upset with Peter, what about us? Haven't there been times, when we should have spoken on behalf of our Lord Jesus, and didn't. How many times, have we just gone along with the ways of the world, instead of living our lives for Jesus? A father had told his little boy, what it meant to be a Christian. One night as the father was tucking his little boy in bed, the little boy asked his father: "Daddy, have I ever seen one?" I am sure that we could have placed ourselves in Peter's shoes, and said the same thing, "I do not know Him" (v.57) We say the same thing today, when we choose to live our lives in disobedience to the Word of God. We live as if we don't know Jesus, and that He is totally absent from our lives. The rooster crowing was a big wake-up call for Peter. May it be a wake-up call for us as well! GP Photo by dan. Published on 20 May 2011 www.freedigitalphotos.net