2022 - Closing of a 'Course' Year - Fought the Good Fight

 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

                   2 Timothy 4:1-8

Merry Christmas

Matthew 2:12-15: And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Merry Christmas

 Matthew 2:1-6: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Matthew 2:7-11: Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

·      Gold = Kingship (costly metal)

·      Frankincense = Priest (burned in worship)

·      Myrrh = Death for all humanity (used for embalming)

Merry Christmas

 Luke 2:7-14: And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:15-20: And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Merry Christmas

 Luke 2:1-6: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

Merry Christmas

 Matthew 1:22-25: Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Thought of the Week: December 18, 2022

 

Merry Christmas

 Matthew 1:18-21: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Merry Christmas

 Luke 1:32-35: He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Merry Christmas

 Luke 1:26-31: Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.  Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.

Merry Christmas

 Isaiah 9:6: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Thought of the Week: December 11, 2022

 

Thought of the Week: December 4, 2022

 

Blessed

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation."
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭68‬:‭19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Set an Example

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Renew Your Spirit

 "The spiritual dimension is your core, your center, your commitment to your value system."

                ~ Stephen R. Covey

Thought of the Week: November 27, 2022

 

Pray in Thanksgiving

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Thanksgiving

"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Work Hard

 "Be a person that everybody around you has to play catch-up"

                ~ Melvin Maxwell

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Strengthen Your Body

 "Most of us think we don't have enough time to exercise.  What a distorted paradigm!  We don't have time not to."

            ~ Stephen R. Covey

Happy Thanksgiving: Week of November 20, 2022

 

The Word is Sharp

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Achieve the Daily Private Victory

"There's no other way you could spend an hour that would begin to compare with the Daily Private Victory (renewing body, mind, heart, and spirit).  It will affect every decision, every relationship.  It will greatly improve the quality, the effectiveness, of every hour of the day."

                ~ Stephen R. Covey

Thought of the Week: November 13, 2022

 

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Leverage the Strengths of Others

 "When we're left to our own experience, we constantly suffer from a shortage of data."

                ~ Stephen R. Covey

Truth - Stay in the Light

 

Thought of the Week: November 6, 2022

 

Beware of Your Eyes

"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate."
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Take Down Barriers

 "When you introduce synergy...you unfreeze [restraining forces], loosen them up, and create new insights."

                ~ Stephen R. Covey

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Rate Your Openness to Differences

 "The key to valuing differences is to realize that all people see the world, not as it is, but as they are."

            ~ Stephen R. Covey

Who I Will Become

 "When I fall, if I may fall, WHO I will become will catch me; I will become more"

                     ~ Dr. Kevin Elko

Thought of the Week: October 30, 2022

 

My Heart

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!"
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Stand Out, Shine Your Light

At the end of a trail behind my house stands this lone tree with some color; shining it's light for all to see, all by itself

Children of God

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Definition of Shame

 Shame is "the deep sense you are unacceptable because of something you did, something done to you, or something associated with you."

            ~ Ed Welch

Thought of the Week: October 23, 2022

 

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Value Differences

 "The essence of synergy is to value differences - to respect them, to build on strengths, to compensate for weaknesses."

                ~ Stephen R. Covey

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Seek 3rd Alternatives

 "What is synergy?  Simply defined, it means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

                        ~ Stephen R. Covey

Thought of the Week: October 16, 2022

 

Abide in Him

"And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him."
‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:28-29‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Beautiful in its Time

"I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man."
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:10-13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Solve a Problem with Synergy

 "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

            ~ Helen Keller

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Learn from Differences

 "Insecure people have a need to mold them into their own thinking.  They don't realize that the very strength of the relationship is in having another point of view.  Sameness is uncreative - and boring."

        ~ Stephen R. Covey

Thought of the Week: October 2, 2022

 

Endings & Beginnings

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace."
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Thought of the Week: September 25, 2022

 

Thought of the Week: September 18, 2022

 

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Bring Empathic Communication to the Digital World

 The next time you digitally communicate when emotions are high, try using one of these:

• Allow the other person to finish their thoughts before responding
• Reflect their feelings and words before expressing your own
• Clearly state your intent: be specific

~ Stephen R. Covey

Our Advocate

"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."
‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:1-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Faith vs Works

"But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
‭‭James‬ ‭2:18-19, 24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Faith & Works

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
‭‭James‬ ‭2:14-17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Mercy triumphs

"If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it…So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
‭‭James‬ ‭2:8-10, 12-13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What is Religion?

"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:26-27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Doers of the Word

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:22-25‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Slow to Anger

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:19-20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Avoid Autobiographical Listening

 "Do I listen with the intent to reply, rather than to understand?"

            ~ Stephen R. Covey

Consistent Gift

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:16-17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Thought of the Week: September 5, 2022

 

Steadfast

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Walk as Wise

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:15-16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Direction

"Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Ready?

"Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,"
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:35‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Lamp

"For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,"
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭6:23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Lord’s Prayer

"Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:9-15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Full of Light

"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,"
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:22‬ ‭ESV‬‬

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Open Your Heart

"When you really listen to another person from their point of view, and reflect back to them that understanding, it's like giving them emotional oxygen."

                    ~ Stephen R. Covey

Lamp Shine

"And he said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.""
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:21-23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Thought of the Week: August 28, 2022

 

Mind & Heart

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭8:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Scripture

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Spirit Direction

"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
‭‭John‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Trust = Foundation

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:7-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Imitators

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Fulfill

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Practice Empathic Listening

 "Next to human survival, the greatest need of a human being is psychological survival - to be understood, to be affirmed, to be validated, to be appreciated."

                                    ~ Stephen R. Covey

Thought of the Week: August 21, 2022

 

Strong & Courageous

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

 "There's something more important than me I need to be there for"

                            ~ Noah Galloway

Sower & the Seed

"And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.""
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:3-9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Focus - Never Let Anybody tell You what you can't Do

1. If something’s important enough to you, you’ll find a way.

2. Education and Intelligence will take you far, but Determination, Work Ethic, and “Stick-to-it-iveness” will take you further.

                ~ Glenn Shepard

Keep in Step

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:25-26‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Wise Man’s Heart

"A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left."
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭10:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Thought of the Week: August 14, 2022

 

Be Steadfast

"I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell 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 trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:50-58‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Where is our Citizenship?

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:20-21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Be Thankful

"For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer."
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:4-5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Summary

"…He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory."
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Qualifications for a Deacon

"Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3:8-13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Qualifications for an Overseer

"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil."
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3:1-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Make a Win-Win Agreement

"An agreement means very little without the character and relationship to sustain it in spirit.  We need to approach win-win from a genuine desire to invest in the relationships that make it possible."

                    ~ Stephen R. Covey

Truth

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time."
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:5-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Thought of the Week: August 7, 2022

 

Keep the Faith, Maintain the Mission

"This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme."
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:18-20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Who gets the Glory?

"The one who speaks for himself seeks his own glory. But He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."
‭‭John‬ ‭7:18‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Follow the Lord

"Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel."
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Walking in the Light

"Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.""
‭‭John‬ ‭11:9-10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Wise Opportunities

‬‬ "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:15-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Life

"It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'""
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

If I Were the Devil

 If I Were the Devil

By Paul Harvey

I would gain control of the most powerful nation in the world.
I would delude their minds into thinking that they had come from man’s effort, instead of God’s blessing.
I would promote an attitude of loving things and using people.
I would dupe entire states into relying on gambling for their state revenue.
I would convince people that character is not an issue when it comes to leadership.
I would make it legal to take the life of unborn babies.
I would make it socially acceptable to take one’s own life, and invent machines to make it convenient.
I would cheapen human life as much as possible so that the life of animals are valued more than human beings.
I would take God out of the schools, where even the mention of His Name was grounds for a lawsuit.
I would come up with drugs that sedate the mind and target the young, and I would get sports heroes to advertise them.
I would get control of the media, so that every night I could pollute the mind of every family member for my agenda.
I would attack the family, the backbone of any nation.
I would make divorce acceptable and easy, even fashionable. If the family crumbles, so does the nation.
I would compel people to express their most depraved fantasies on canvas and movie screens, and call it art.
I would convince the world that people are born homosexuals, and that their lifestyles should be accepted and marveled at.
I would convince the people that right and wrong are determined by a few who call themselves authorities and refer to their agenda as politically correct.
I would persuade people that the church is irrelevant and out of date, and the Bible is for the naïve.
I would dull the minds of Christians, and make them believe that prayer is not important, and that faithfulness and obedience are optional.
I guess I would leave things pretty much the way they are.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Balance Courage and Consideration

 "If people can express their feelings and convictions with courage balanced with consideration for the feelings and convictions of others, they are mature, particularly if the issue is very important to both parties"

                        ~ Stephen R. Covey

Men Sharpen Men

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Thought of the Week: July 31, 2022

 

Faith not Sight

"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:6-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Follow the Lord

"Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel."
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Faith through Sifting

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."
‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:31-32‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Who are you Fighting?

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Faith

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Narrow Gate

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many."
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Greater / Less

"He must become greater; I must become less."
‭‭John‬ ‭3:30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thought of the Week: July 24, 2022

 

New Covenant

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭8:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Fruitful Qualities

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:5-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Only One Option

"And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Word

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
‭‭John‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Who is Your Enemy?

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Faith

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
‭‭James‬ ‭1:2-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Stewards

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:"
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Thought of the Week: July 17, 2022

 “Making a decision usually means taking one of two roads. One is doing the right thing. To take the other road, you have to sit back and spin a story around the decision or action you are taking. If you find yourself thinking up an elaborate justification for what you are doing, you are not doing the right thing.”

~ Wayne Sales

Obedience

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word."
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭119:67‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Dealing with Pressure

"For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many."
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:8-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Thought of the Week: July 10, 2022

 

A Passion For Freedom by Carl Morris

 “When freedom is your passion and compassion is your guide

The greatness of our nation is just welling up inside

Whether singing of our anthem or reciting of our pledge

You know the flames still burning, though we teetered on the edge.

The torch has been passed for generations, as freedoms been fought for 'round the world

Making us the envy of all other nations and the dreams of every boy and girl.

We have often taken for granted the blessings and choices we've been given each day

People gave their lives for our freedom, yet complacency had become our way

Well, no war is ever over, till the last person lays down his gun

No day has ever ended, without the setting of the sun.

So our choices are there to be taken and with compassion and work we'll survive

When we're willing to fight for our freedom, our country will continue to thrive.

So, commit to your plan of action, to make our nation a better place to live

Go out and touch the lives of other people, your dreams will be fulfilled when you give.

Don't think, "I'm just one person, what can I do" or " I don't have any time left to give"

Freedom is our obligation to the future, so the dreams of our children will live.

We can do nothing and accept what we're given or expect nothing and get all that we earn

So do something and develop a habit, by which generations of nations can learn

We're a nation that was born out of values, by founding fathers whose purpose was pure

When we help one another regain what's important, we're a nation who will always endure.”

Happy 4th of July

 

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Blessed Easter - April 17, 2022

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Happy Valentines Day Week - February 13, 2022

 

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Happy New Year: January 1, 2022