LONG BEFORE THE INTERNET

Long before the internet, God provided a means of communication with Himself that anyone of any age can use. You don't need any training to use it; even a child can talk to God - AND HE LISTENS AND ANSWERS.

He doesn't send you a text. Most never hear an audible voice (though some have). He uses many ways of speaking to us, for example, Baalim, an Old Testament prophet, had an experience where his donkey spoke to him with a warning from God and saved his life in the exchange. Another time, Peter, an apostle (in training) of Jesus, got a clear message from a timely rooster. 

Most often, He just gives us a strong 'leading' or a spiritual nudge in the right direction. Often this is accompanied by a tingling sensation giving us a greater assurance that it is Him speaking or leading.

The greatest way He speaks to us is through His Word, the Bible. He does this by impressing us strongly with a passage of scripture that makes sense to us of His direction for or against a decision we are about to make and about which we have asked Him for guidance about.

Prayer, the world's greatest wireless connection. You can connect with Him anywhere, anytime (He never sleeps), in any situation. There is one thing you have to do to hear from Him - LISTEN for His voice and don't be surprised if He speaks in an unusual way. Just be sure of this - You will know it is Him when you hear it.

HOW WILL I KNOW IT IS GOD SPEAKING?

Several points to consider:

He will NEVER lead you to do evil

Everything He directs will agree with the Bible

He doesn't shout; He speaks in a 'still, small voice'

What He says brings peace

What He says makes sense (though sometimes we have to think carefully about it)

The direction He sends you in will always be evidenced with His love for you and others

The advice will settle the question

These are just a few of the things that help us know it is God speaking. As someone once said, "You will know in your 'knower'." I can't always explain how I know it is God, I just know it.

When you test the 'spirit' or the feeling or the direction given, whether it makes sense in our normal way of thinking, it makes sense as we apply it to the situation.

SOME EXAMPLES

"A soft answer turns away wrath". Most try hollering louder than their opponent - How's that working for you?

"Laughter is the best medicine". Doctors, experts in human behavior, and psychologists Tell us this is true. Laughter releases endorphins which aid in healing. So, laugh a little or a lot and get healthier. 

When you're down, lift someone else up and you'll feel better in the process. Doesn't seem to make sense when you're the one with the deficit and need help, that by helping someone else, it helps you, but it really works.

FINAL NOTE

Though we understand that radio waves carry the sounds and messages we type, speak and send visuals by, we still really don't know why or how it works. It's like electricity, we say it is the movement of electrons but really don't understand it. We use it and it works, but how and why?

It takes faith to turn on a light switch and expect a light to come on. It takes faith for me to type this post and expect it to reach millions or billions around the world, but that's the facts, ma'am. I have faith in this natural phenomenon, but I have more faith in God. I speak to Him, and He speaks to me. We've been doing this for over 60 years, and it works every time.

And you know what? It's fun! He is fun to talk with and sometimes I don't even have to verbalize it, I just think it and He responds, because He knows our thoughts (the Bible says so).

So, if the internet works, and it does, then prayer, which proceeded it works also and predates it.

Isn't that marvelous?

FAITH AND FUN GETS IT DONE!

Warren 

WE PROCLAIM HIM

Colossians 1:28 - We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. (CSB)

 THE BOOK ABOVE

is one of my efforts to accomplish this scripture. 

Resentment is a horrible taskmaster. It cripple's our thinking whenever the subject of our resentment shows up. The pain of its possession is evident in our facial expression, body language, speech and attitude.

What needs to be understood, is we are in control of this problem. We continue it or we can eliminate it.

How? By forgiving the person(s) involved or turning the limitation into learning and rising above its power over us.

Easier said than done? Yes, until you make up your mind that it will not win - you will - with God's help and strength. 

Remember, He forgave us so we can, if we will, forgive others. He certainly had good reason to resent the way people treated him, but he chose to forgive and "...love your (His) enemies...". You can do the same with His guidance, love and strength.

WARNING

if you DON'T, your unforgiveness will destroy YOU, not the one(s) who wronged you or the thing that limits you. So, FORGIVE. It will set you FREE.

NOW

help someone else and this will enable you to do 2 things:

1. Be free yourself
2. Fulfill His Word and present them matured (grown up) before Christ

WISDOM OF GOD

is provided to those doing the will of God. We use His wisdom to help others overcome issues similar to what we have been dealing with. They too, can be free and we can walk rejoicing through this life and into eternity.

Warren

faith-and-fun.com

 HAPPY IS AS HAPPY DOES

"I am so happy, tell me why you're happy, I am so happy, won't you tell me why? So I can be happy too."
This old hymn sets the stage for the way I feel today. I am so happy!

LET ME TELL YOU WHY I'M HAPPY

I just finished my first blog in a week. Got side tracked by emergencies and stuff. BUT now I'm back and rolling! I am happy because not only could I add pictures, but I was, and am, able to monetize my blog here at Wealthy Affiliate.

I am also happy because I was able to listen to Kyle's blog on "Alphabet Soup". Simple lesson on getting more key words.

 

 

Alphabet Soup X - Cracking the Research Code 

This has been a GREAT day! And I'm not finished yet. Still writing this blog.

 

 

I LIKE HAVING FUN, DO YOU?

When I chose my first niche, Faith and Fun Get's it Done, I wanted to do these two major things - help people increase their faith and have fun doing that.

There are many ways to have fun: 

• jokes
• something we enjoy doing
• people we like to be with
• having a favorite food or beverage
• traveling where we have desired to go
• accomplishing a project successfully

and so on. I am sure you could add to this list.

There are many ways to have faith:

• religious belief
• faith to accomplish a task, a feat or reach a destination
• growing in faith by overcoming a difficult situation
• believing you can when others say you cannot
• growing your faith when you have failed but by learning from your failure, turn it into a victory

Whenever you increase your faith, it has a direct connection with having fun as you win.

A COUPLE OF BASIC IDEAS

You choose to win or lose. Circumstances only cause you to make the decision. Your perceived ability to meet the requirements of the challenge, results in the choice you make and therefore the outcome.

Winning is more fun than losing. Want to argue the point? Didn't think so.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?

Lose or Win?

Notice I changed the natural order of the question. People quite often place the negative end as the final thought and, without realizing it, pre-destine the out come. Ergo: What you say is what you get.

The more you say, "I can." The more you can. That IS a fact!

Though the opposite of that is also true, pick your own ending. You can and will win when you choose "I can".

Then you'll be singing too!

Sing and have a cream puff. Enjoy your joy!

Warren

Wealthy Affiliate

 

 

 GREEN CLUTTER MAKES ME MUTTER

My wife likes green plants. To be exact, she likes green TROPICAL plants. Big ones. Small ones. Big leaves or small leaves. Spiky or not spiky. She just loves green tropical plants. Plain or fancy leaves. Small and skinny. Tall and fat. Tropical plants is where she's at.

Some may flower. Some may not. Tropical plants is what she's got. Just about every room in the house has plants. (Our air is really fresh, even with 4 boxer dogs at home).

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

If you are a "plant person", you know that every plant has its favorite amount and type of sunlight. If placed in its least favorite spot, it will just give up and die. In its favorite - it thrives.

PROBLEM. There are only so many windows in a house. We also have exterior French doors and exterior sliding doors which provide a larger area of sunlight. The next challenge is making sure each one gets the PROPER amount and kind of sunlight. Some like it hot. Some like it cold. (Some like it in the pot, 3 days old! Sorry. Couldn't resist.) Also, there are the complications of 4 directions: NSEW. Different times and strengths of sunlight.

The result of these varying conditions is that "there's a whole lot of moving going on". Guess WHO moves the big ones? By big I mean like a Peace Lilly we had for years that reached 6 feet high and 7 feet wide (almost no room left in the "Living room"!?)

With over 30 plants, clutter is inevitable. (see picture above)

ORDER IN CHAOS

What do you do to bring some semblance of order? Plant stands. As you can see, most anything will be called into service to accommodate the needs of the "green kids". (If you don't think they're family, try killing one or moving it without permission.)

We have utilized stools, buckets turned upside down, window sills, floor space and PLANT STANDS. If you want to see the one main stand we use click the blue link. [I do receive remuneration from Amazon if anyone chooses to purchase an item.]

My wife loves this and finds it easy to move her plants from spot to spot finding a plant's favorite. We have other stands such as a coffee table; 3 foot long by 20 inches high chest made by my youngest son and another 2-layer 4 foot high by 4 foot long by 24 inches wide specially made stand for my wife's medium-sized plants. Of course, we still find other 'helpers' to place the rest, but the one I got her for Christmas is her favorite.

To me, this picture is the proper place for tropical plants. (Don't tell my wife I said so!)

Well, I've stuck my neck out far enough for this blog. Hope my wife doesn't learn computer or I might have some explaining to do.

Warren

Wealthy Affiliate

faith-and-fun.com 

 

LIFE IS FUN – ESPECIALLY WITH $$$

May 4, 2022 by Warren Blaisure

POINT 1 – IF YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS FOR

Human beings need money to pay for all the things that make your life possible, such as shelter, food, healthcare bills, and a good education. You don’t necessarily need to be Bill Gates or have a lot of money to pay for these things, but you will need some money until the day you die. Jan 15, 2021

Why Money Is Important: Benefits & Downsides | LendEDU

https://lendedu.com › blog › why-money-is-important
This is a succinct, easily understood statement, so I’m quoting it here. The rest of the article is also noteworthy.

Unless you were born a robot, this should apply to you.

POINT 2 – BEING THAT THIS IS TRUE:

It would follow that a way should be found to obtain at least a sufficient amount of money to make life simple and adequate.

Many, if not most, people come equipped able to learn, do or find a way to earn, gain or in some fashion, find this adequate amount. If an excess is found available, things beyond necessity may be accumulated also. This sometimes takes one from a ‘humdrum’ life into a more exciting and entertaining existence.

For many, this extension of life is most desirable and causes them to engage in things that require more effort and involvement in extra ways of obtaining money.

This means more is to be learned so more can be earned.

POINT 3 – DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS

Creator (GOD to some) made each of us different. That is wonderful, because that way many things with variety can be accomplished. If everyone was and did the same, life would not only be very limited, but not everyone would be able to make a living. However, we have been made different so the needs, and the supplying of all these needs could be realized.

I’m not going to the negative side of this equation or this blog would be a never ending story. Neither am I going to engage in the impossible task of trying to enumerate all the positive side of things.

POINT 4 – WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH THIS SUBJECT?

I’m going to point (pun intended) to a possible way to earn a more than sufficient way to obtain a ‘more than enough’ position in life. This should also provide some of the “FUN” mentioned in the title.

I want to introduce you to a powerful and fun new online business. It is called Wealthy Affiliate. ( If you want to know more, click here)

This is my plan to succeed and why I chose WA as my new career:

1. I don’t have to work physically as hard as my other careers, mentally it’s a different story.

2. This is the most fun of any career to date.

3. I get to communicate with people around the world.

4. There is no limit to my earning capacity. Except me.

5. I have access to multiple coaches at many levels.

6. I’m working with people who want to succeed and who want to help ME succeed.

7. I’m NOT old, just well seasoned.

8. Finally, for now, I’m more determined now than ever before. Mine is not a loud declaration of purpose, rather a quiet, firm statement of commitment with a no quitting stance forward.

Trust you agree and hope someone else makes this their purpose also.

POINT 5 – SOME FACTS ABOUT WA

• over 2,000,000 members worldwide
• free introductory week
• free website
• free lessons
• conversations directly with creators/owners Kyle and Carson
• 17 years in business
• rating 4.99 customer satisfaction
• affiliate marketing at its best
• huge amounts of information on sources of affiliate products

I could go on, but it is best to check it out for yourself.

Personal story: I contacted WA 6 years ago, decided it was too hard for me and quit. Kyle didn’t give up on me, even though I just deleted his contacts. Six years! Then in February 2022 I decided to check them out again. Result- I’m here and happy to be. Besides, blogging is fun!

Warren G. Blaisure

faith-and-fun.com

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CORRECTIONS FROM DIRECTIONS

SPRING THINGS WE GET TO DO

 

SPRING THINGS WE GET TO DO

May 8, 2022 by Warren Blaisure

SPRING THINGS WE GET TO DO IN PREPARATION FOR SUMMER AND FALL THINGS.

First and foremost, we get to smell the flowers of spring. Ummm! The fragrance of blossoming trees is almost indescribable! The beauty smacks us flagrantly after the barrenness of winter. The smells are wonderful and the colors breathtaking. Vibrant and filled with fresh life, promising fruitfulness to come.

Perfect pinks, wonderful whites, powerful purples, riotous reds, varieties of greens, from delicate yellow greens to deep emeralds, yelling yellows, and too many more to mention here. Tulips, Daffodils, Crocus, Dandelions, and a riot of flowers just dedicated to spring.

We get to see, smell and touch these awesome visions of new life.

In addition, we get to see all the animal new born and watch their exuberant explosions of living joy!

Walking together without cumbersome winter clothing makes the new journeys delightful as the solicitous sun beams through the thickening leaf cover, speckling the moist and verdant ground. Yes, the fresh breeze brings some chill, so some clothing adaptable to the changing conditions spring always brings in variant ways, is advisable.

And then, GARDENING! This awesome privilege of spring, is the answer to the hours spent pouring over plant nursery magazines, envisioning beauteous blooms of almost infinite variety, decorating our lush landscapes. Turning the soil and preparing it for these, soon to be delights to nose and eyes. The anticipation will soon become reality!

SO MANY CHOICES PROCESSES

Along with the beauty and fragrances comes WORK! If you want the look you have to cook! That is, prepare the ground to receive the botanical wonders and fruit bearing plants, bushes and trees. For some it requires digging proper sized holes to assure proper setting of the roots with plant food and moisture sufficient to cause the tender shoots to grasp a firm hold and adequate soil to cover to a proper depth.

For others, it requires a tilling of the ground to loosen the earth for easy insertion and good aeration. This will usually require a tilling machine if there is a fairly sizable area to be planted.

My favorite tiller is made by Troy built. There are a variety of sizes and power, from electric to the more standard gas powered. The way they till the ground is superior to many other brands and the balance makes use easier. However, there are many brands and prices, so take a look and pick the one that fits you and your needs. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

OTHER THINGS WE GET TO DO IN SPRING

• FISHING
• FISHING
• FISHING (I’m not an ice fisherman, I like dry ground or a boat to fish from and warm weather for comfort.)
• SWIMMING
• HIKEING
• BIKEING
• SUNBATHING
• OUTDOOR SPORTS
• TRAVEL

Obviously this is not an exhaustive list, just some suggestions.

FAITH AND FUN ARE PART AND PARCEL OF SPRING THINGS

1. Believe it, spring does come EVERY year. Sometimes sooner, sometimes later, sometimes shorter and sometimes longer. BUT it does come. So believe it. Then get ready for the things I have mentioned above and HAVE FUN!
2. When you realize that God’s promise of the seasons and that seed time and harvest will continue on the Earth, and we see it in action, it should grow your faith.
3. As you experience the good weather, you will naturally look for ways to have fun in it.
4. Surely when you see the circle of life beginning again, you will have your faith renewed.
5. So ENJOY!!!

BE HAPPY!!!

Warren G. Blaisure

Wealthy Affiliate

faith-and-fun.com

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LIFE IS FUN – ESPECIALLY WITH $$$

AWESOME HEATED MATTRESS PAD BY BEAUTY REST – UMM! REVIEW

HELPING OTHERS TO ENJOY THEIR FAITH 

One of the most important parts of growing in faith is helping others to enjoy their faith. Faith that is alive, is active and helping. It is NEVER static. You are either feeding faith or starving it. Be aware that faith and persistence are inseparable, and you will only be persistent if you believe in what you are doing. If you don't believe in it, you will stop.

HELPING OTHERS TO HELP THEMSELVES

For those who are looking for a way to improve their life, while learning to believe that this IS possible, I have a suggestion. If you have desired to live in a very positive fashion while enjoying what you are doing and making a good living in the process, you should do what I have done - check out and try a FREE introductory trial membership to Wealthy Affiliate, an online entrepreneurial opportunity that connects you with over 2 million members who are happy and successful at what they are doing. Of course, they aren't all at the top, some are just starting, some have been on the way for a while and some have been successful for years. BUT ALL ARE WILLING TO HELP YOU MAKE IT ALSO!

As you continue to explore this blog, I want you to know I want to help. I desire to grow your faith to not only believe you can do it, but to help you get there. I will do what I can and connect you with others who can take you further, willingly.

I enjoy DAILY communication not only from the 'rank and file', but from the owners/operators of the business. You can too! Try them. You'll like them.
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(Note: I receive remuneration if you should decide to acquire this affiliate program.)

HELPING OTHERS TO SUCCEED IS WHAT I DO

I have been a minister for almost 60 years and have dedicated my life to helping others, especially in growing their faith. Part of dealing with life is making a living adequate to care for you and yours. I had to, still do, provide for my wife of 57 years. She has never gone hungry or been without shelter during these years, mainly because our faith that God will provide is firm and functional.

Have I ever erred? Oh, yes, life is full of opportunities to fail. However, it is also full of opportunities to succeed. You must believe for this to be a reality and be persistent in pursuing that success. Not without using wisdom, but employing wisdom wisely. The above opportunity is one of the wise ways to succeed AND have fun in the process.

I am doing this, and affirm, as will many other WA members, you can do it and WE will help.

LEARNING IS ESSENTIAL TO EARNING

There are multitudes of ways to make a living. Wealthy Affiliate is only one, but it is a good one with high customer ratings for 17 years.

SOME POINTS TO CONSIDER:

• FREE ACCESS
• Personal connections with founders and members
• Ongoing training
• Q/A and chat lines open always
• Continuing training keeping up to date with latest methods
• Access to achieved training
• Daily interaction and reporting tools

HELPING YOU, HELPS ME

As you win, I win with you. For if I help you and one of my purposes is to help you, that fulfills part of my purpose. I believe I can and am doing this. I also encourage you to do the same. It is so satisfying, to help others succeed and hear their testimonials that it is working and is changing their lives and perspective.

I like doing that. In fact, that is worth more than money. To bring a smile to someone's face is a major accomplishment.

I'd like to help you smile. Check us out.

Warren G. Blaisure

faith-and-fun.com 

King David's Heir, Jesus Christ

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

Luke 1:68-70 NIV

In direct lineage from King David through both His father (earthly, not biological) and His mother, Jesus of Nazareth, called the Christ and Messiah came into the world for one purpose - to seek and to save those who are lost (in sin).

When something is lost but found by someone else, to get the item restored to the original owner, it must be redeemed, or bought back. Man lost his way through sinning (breaking God's specific law) and was claimed by Satan, God's and our arch enemy. The price to redeem us to God was paid by God. He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, as the price for our redemption.

The only substance of sufficient value to pay this price was the blood of Jesus. Because the life is in the blood His unique blood was priceless and therefore would cover the cost of redeeming all of mankind.

This was the fulfillment of God's promise to David and to Israel. But it was not just for them, it was also for the Gentiles (all the rest of the nations of the Earth). He promised and He delivered.  Just believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

FEARLESS FRIDAY

Today is Friday the 15th of December and the word for today is "Fearless".

"Why fearless", you might ask, because this is Sabbath evening. This is the day of preparation for Jewish people all over the world. That is, preparation for worship and keeping the Sabbath holy.

When this is done as Moses taught, then the people had nothing to fear for God would be with them and would provide protection for them. They could anticipate joy and reassurance that their lives were safe in God. No matter what circumstances were to be faced, they could have confidence in God to make a way for them - keeping them through anything.

Did this mean they would never face trouble? No. It only meant God would make a way for them to endure what had to be endured and have faith He would turn it to their good.

But, you might ask, what of the persecutions they faced and the Holocast they went through? Even in these things, God promised to turn it to their good, if not here, then in the hereafter.

When you know you will live for eternity with God in peace and provision, you can be fearless while facing even certain destruction.

Christians have a similar hope and can face anything without fear because of the promises of God. He will keep us through every trial and trouble. He will cause us to stand firm in prosperity. He will enable us to gain through every season because He promised in 

Romans 8:28 (New International Version (NIV))

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

So, if we meet this simple criteria: love Him and follow His purpose, then His promise is to work for our good. This is to be "in all things". No exception. 

So why should we fear? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

Romans 8:31

[ More Than Conquerors ] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Not only should we have fearless Friday's, but we should be fearless EVERY day of the week. 

CHRISTMAS OR XMAS?

In today's world, the traditions of yesteryear are being set aside in favor of "politically correct" forms of expression.

Take, for example, the traditional name for the birthday of Jesus Christ. It originally was a reminder to go to church and celebrate a Christ Mass or service especially dedicated to the birthing day of Jesus who is called the Christ or the Anointed One and the Jewish Messiah.

When our nation was predominately Christian there was no question as to the importance of this time for worship, thankfulness and sharing, but as fewer and fewer real Christians stand up for this ancient truth, more people are rejecting the Christ part and are just celebrating a holiday from work or school while expanding the gift giving part as an excuse to spend lots of money and even go into debt. This latter part is against the teaching of Jesus who said we should 'owe no man anything, but love'.

The fact of Christ's birth is indisputable. The question of who he really was is where the problem comes. He is either who He says He is or one of the greatest liars who ever lived and the Bible the greatest fabrication of even more lies.

There is a distinct difference between those who believe Jesus is our Savior and those who don't. So for believers, this is one of the holiest times of our calendar year. While for others, it is an offence to believe we even need a savior. After all humanism teaches that all men are gods so who needs God.

Because of this latter stance, the merchant world devised an 'inoffensive' (to their way of thinking) way to express the holiday, changing "Christmas" to "Xmas". While effectively taking Christ out of Christmas, the substitution of "X" would leave the individual to choose what to put in its place (kind of like algebra where "x" is the unknown quantity).

It is obvious, to me at least, that this really reveals the condition of the person's heart. By not declaring they are FOR Christ by saying Christmas, they are declaring themselves AGAINST Christ by using "X" in its place.

To hide behind the "politically correct" stance is to say people's opinion matters more than God's. Any parent worth his or her salt counts the birthday of their child as special and they would be very upset to hear anyone belittle its celebration. God, the Eternal Father, sets the example for all fathers and mothers residing on Earth - He wants everyone to not only honor His Son, but to enjoy the time of loving and sharing it provides.

Without Christ, Christmas is just an empty holiday. With Christ it is a joyous celebration of "peace and good will to all men".

So, do you choose Christ or X? Your participation in this holiday will reflect your faith or the lack of it.

Just Thinkin'

Today is one of those high windy days we have in the southwest corner of Iowa. Gusts up to 50+ mph; trash being relocated from neighbors yards to mine and vice versa; pups rush out to do their business and then right back in like they're afraid they will be blown away (who knows, but why take a chance?!); just a good day to do some thinking in my easy chair or on the computer.

Wonder what God does on windy days?

The Psalmist says, "I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest." (Psalm 55:8)

Sounds like good advice.  Must be God built that into the animals and us to protect us from harm.  Of course mankind does not listen to good advice.  We just 'brave' the storm because what we have to do is of such high importance?! Right?

Oh well, moving on to other items  of interest, such as: Isn't it interesting when your neighbor's trash does blow into your yard? You find out all kinds of things, like what kind of toilet paper they use because the wrapper showed up in your shrubs. Or, that someone just got a new shop vac. One of my neighbors had shrimp for a meal this week. Another likes Tide laundry soap. And then there are personal items we won't mention.

The wind reveals many things. And then there is the wind of God - the Holy Spirit. When He showed up on Pentecost in AD 33, He revealed God's awesome power to change ordinary people into extraordinary powerful witnesses of His greatness and empowered them to tell it in 17 different languages, astounding the city of Jerusalem and enabling Peter (an ignorant fisherman) to challenge thousands so effectively that 3,000 joined the Church in one day.

That Wind has continued to blow until today there are multiplied millions who follow Jesus' teaching and hope for eternity.

If you want to know more about that windy day, look at the book of Acts, chapter two, in the Bible. If it gets your interest up, just continue reading for an unfolding story of the early Church.

Just thinkin'.

NEW BLOG FORMAT STARTING TODAY

HI FRIENDS, in this new format I will be sharing a variety of things Christian. If you do not like this format, please don't get nasty, just move on.  This is a free service from an experienced pastor, teacher, author and general knowledge Bible hound.

I hope to discuss topics that will be of great interest to those seeking to know more about Christ and those who have questions of genuine concern for their growth in Christian service.

We will also look at some things from prophetic words given during our church services.

From time to time I will share perspectives from noted Bible teachers & pastors .

Today I will just share one scripture portion, 2 Corinthians 9:8Amplified Bible (AMP)

 And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.

Amplified Bible (AMP)

Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

The above passage, if taken by faith, that is, believing without doubting, will assure more than enough of whatever you need. I do realize that some skeptics will say,"I tried that and it didn't work." Their statement merely underlines the fact of their unbelief.  

How long did they trust God before giving in to their doubt?  How long did they hold fast to their faith? What were they asking for and expecting? Were they following God's laws of provision? Had they renounced sin and embraced holiness? Did they count Jesus as Lord of their lives?

These and many more questions should be asked before quitting believing. In fact, one should NEVER quit believing because God does NOT fail to keep His Word.

You might think that is a simplistic position but I affirm that is what God's Word says He will do and what we should do - believe only.

Don't just "try" it. Do it. You will see, Jesus never fails.

STUDIES IN ACTS

LESSON 103

FESTUS TELLS KING AGRIPPA ABOUT PAUL

Acts 25:13-22 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

¹³ A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to visit Festus. ¹⁴ They stayed there many days, and Festus told the king about Paul’s case. Festus said, “There is a man that Felix left in prison. ¹⁵ When I went to Jerusalem, the leading priests and the older Jewish leaders there made charges against him. They wanted me to order his death. ¹⁶ But I told them, ‘When a man is accused of doing something wrong, Romans don’t hand him over for others to judge. First, he must face the people accusing him. And then he must be allowed to defend himself against their charges.’ ¹⁷ “So when these Jews came here for the trial, I did not waste time. The next day I sat on the judgment seat and ordered Paul to be brought in. ¹⁸ The Jews stood up and accused him. But they did not accuse him of the kind of crimes I thought they would. ¹⁹ Their charges were all about their own religion and about a man named Jesus. Jesus died, but Paul said that he is still alive. ²⁰ I did not have any idea about how to judge these matters. So I asked Paul, ‘Do you want to go to Jerusalem and be judged there?’ ²¹ But Paul asked to be kept in Caesarea. He wants a decision from the emperor. So I ordered that he be held until I could send him to Caesar in Rome.” ²² Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man too.” Festus said, “Tomorrow you can hear him.”

1.   KING AGRIPPA V. 13-14A

2.   FESTUS EXPLAINS ABOUT PAUL V. 14B-21

Ø  Festus explains why Paul is being held in prison v. 15-16

Ø  Tells about the Jews charges v. 17-19

Ø  Festus’s uncertainty how to judge Paul v. 20

Ø  Paul’s request to be heard by Caesar v. 21

3.   AGRIPPA ASKS TO HEAR PAUL V. 22A

4.   FESTUS AGREES FOR TOMORROW V. 22B

THE WORLD DOESN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH CHRISTIANS!

STUDIES IN ACTS

LESSON 101

PAUL DEFENDS HIMSELF BEFORE FELIX PART 2

Acts 24:17-23 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

^17-18 “I was away from Jerusalem for many years. I went back there to take money to help my people. I also had some gifts to offer at the Temple. I was doing this when some Jews saw me there. I had finished the cleansing ceremony.^[a] I had not made any trouble, and no one was gathering around me. ¹⁹ But some Jews from Asia were there. They should be here, standing before you. If I have really done anything wrong, they are the ones who should accuse me. They were there! ²⁰ Ask these men here if they found any wrong in me when I stood before the high council meeting in Jerusalem. ²¹ I did say one thing when I stood before them and shouted, ‘You are judging me today because I believe that people will rise from death!’” ²² Felix already understood a lot about the Way. He stopped the trial and said, “When commander Lysias comes here, I will decide what to do with you.” ²³ Felix told the army officer to keep Paul guarded but to give him some freedom and to let his friends bring whatever he needed.

1.   PAUL’S STORY V. 17-21

Ø  V. 17-18 PAUL EXPLAINS WHY HE HAD COME TO JERUSALEM

Ø  V. 19 NAMES ACTUAL ACCUSERS

Ø  V. 20-21 THE CHALLENGE

2.   FELIX’S REACTION V. 22-23

Ø  V. 22 FELIX UNDERSTOOD ‘THE WAY’

Ø  V. 22B DELAYED JUDGEMENT

Ø  V. 23 PAUL’S STATE

OUR DEFENSE IS GUIDED BY THE LORD AND IS RIGHT.

LESSON 87

SUDDENLY, JESUS…

Matthew 28 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

28 The day after the Sabbath day was the first day of the week. That day at dawn Mary Magdalene and the other woman named Mary went to look at the tomb. ² Suddenly an angel of the Lord came from the sky, and there was a huge earthquake. The angel went to the tomb and rolled the stone away from the entrance. Then he sat on top of the stone. ³ The angel was shining as bright as lightning. His clothes were as white as snow. ⁴ The soldiers guarding the tomb were very afraid of the angel. They shook with fear and then became like dead men. ⁵ The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, the one who was killed on the cross.⁶ But he is not here. He has risen from death, as he said he would. Come and see the place where his body was. ⁷ And go quickly and tell his followers, ‘Jesus has risen from death. He is going into Galilee and will be there before you. You will see him there.’” Then the angel said, “Now I have told you.” ⁸ So the women left the tomb quickly. They were afraid, but they were also very happy. They ran to tell his followers what happened. ⁹ Suddenly, Jesus was there in front of them. He said, “Hello!” The women went to him and, holding on to his feet, worshiped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my followers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.” ¹¹ The women went to tell the followers.

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