Sutffed with... what???

The holiday season is a tough time for some people.  When you have to face the reality of your own personal life against the idealized one portrayed in movies like "Its a wonderful life" or the "Miracle on 34th street" or a dozen other holiday films, it can get pretty depressing. So, while the picture is a bit exaggerated, the truth behind it is that many will resort to Prozac or other anti-depressants to make it through the next week or so.  And don't forget Alcohol, because its the drug of choice this time of year.  Instead of all this, why not do something different; read the book of Ephesians and consider that the things of true value are already awaiting you in the heavenly realms...

World English Bible: Ephesians Chapter 3

[1] For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles, [2] if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you; [3] how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words, [4] by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; [5] which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; [6] that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News, [7] of which I was made a servant, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. [8] To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, [9] and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ; [10] to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places, [11] according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; [12] in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him. [13] Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.

[14] For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, [16] that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; [17] that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know Christ’s love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. [20] Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, [21] to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

God has given to all us Gentiles hope and love.  Personally, in the form of Jesus and by association our brethren in the church.  This love is not just for the next few days, but is year-round.  The fancy word Ubiquitous really does apply!!!  God's love never stops or changes its mind, never gets bored with you or criticizes your waistline or your hair (or the lack of it).  God loves you and that is the idealized reality.  So, who needs chemical help when faced with this pleasant situation?  Maybe those who do not know Jesus?  In a few days you may actually be sitting down for a meal with some of them, so make an effort to be nice.  Who knows, they might understand God's love if they see it in you?  Try showing it to them, it couldn't hurt!!! 

Does the Lord's house lie in ruins by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/hag1_1.htm

From the prophet Haggai...Gary

A bad day, a good day and a best day

Yesterday I had a really good day!!!  Surprising, because usually Tuesday's are shall we say "less than wonderful".  Linda and I went to the movies (New Twilight movie) with some friends, then to the Olive Garden in New Tampa and finally came home, watched TV and chatted.  Good movie, good food and pleasant company; who could ask for more?  Most days are not that good, (although they are much better, now that I am retired) and some are downright rotten.  Question: How do you tell a bad day from a really good one?  If you are the bird in the picture, the answer is simple, today you may die.  But what about the rest of us?  I wonder, what are some different types of days in the Bible?

"Bad day"

WEB: Matthew Chapter 27
[32] As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might carry his cross. [33] They came to a place called “Golgotha,” that is to say, “The place of a skull.” [34] They gave him sour wine to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink. [35] When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots, [36] and they sat and watched him there. [37] They set up over his head the accusation against him written, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

"Good Day"

WEB: Matthew Chapter 28
[1] Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. [2] Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it. [3] His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. [4] For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men. [5] The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified. [6] He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying. [7] Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”

[8] They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.

"Best Day"

WEB: I Thessalonians Chapter 4
[13] But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. [15] For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. [16] For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, [17] then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. [18] Therefore comfort one another with these words.

First of all, rating days is a matter of perspective.  What may seem to be bad today, may, in the long run prove really wonderful.  As an example, here is something that actually happened to me.  I was sixteen and playing soccer in gym class.  Two of us kicked the ball at the same time and my left knee went out of joint.  The pain was terrible and my left leg was wrapped like a mummy for almost nine months.  Yet, something good came from it; Linda carried my books for me, we went steady and eventually married (43 years so far).  Something bad became something good.  So, in our "bad day" example, Jesus is crucified.  Awful way to die.  You just don't get worse than that!!!  But, where would we be if Jesus had not died?  Without a remedy for our sin and that would be a really bad day for US!!!  So, bad means good for a follower of Jesus!  Not bad for a bad day!!!  Next, we have a "good day".  Not just a day filled with pleasantness (like yesterday) but a life changing, EARTH SHAKING EVENT!!!  Jesus rose from the grave!!!  God showed us that we can really have hope!!!  If Jesus can have life after death, so can we.  Now, that's a GOOD DAY!!!  Last, we have the "Best day".  Jesus comes again.  If we are still on the Earth when he comes again, we will actually see the things we have believed all our lives and be changed.  Our faith will be proven right before our eyes.  Now, that is the best day I can think of.  The little bird in the picture above is having a "bad day" because its facing a certain death and there is really no way out.  But, WE HAVE ONE and his name is Jesus!  So, I ask you: Can we ever really have a bad day?  Don't bother to answer, if you are a follower of Jesus, you already know the answer to that one!!!!!!!!!!

What does the LORD require of you by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/mic6_6.htm

One of my favorite passages from the book of Micah... Gary

Sittin, Thinkin and Knowin

The Ten Commandments; two days in a row?  But, when I saw this today, I couldn't resist.  Okay, this list isn't in the identical order and doesn't have all the same concepts, but I like it anyway.  Just think about it for awhile and then read where it comes from...

WEB: Deuteronomy Chapter 5

[6] “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

[7] “You shall have no other gods before me.

[8] “You shall not make an engraved image for yourself, any likeness of what is in heaven above, or what is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: [9] you shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them; for I, Yahweh, your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me; [10] and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

[11] “You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain: for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

[12] “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as Yahweh your God commanded you. [13] You shall labor six days, and do all your work; [14] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God, in which you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. [15] You shall remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm: therefore Yahweh your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

[16] “Honor your father and your mother, as Yahweh your God commanded you; that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you, in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

[17] “You shall not murder.

[18] “Neither shall you commit adultery.

[19] “Neither shall you steal.

[20] “Neither shall you give false testimony against your neighbor.

[21] “Neither shall you covet your neighbor’s wife; neither shall you desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”

Aside from missing a few things, our "hillbilly list" isn't bad at all.  Why?  Because of what it tries to do; namely, take a Biblical teaching and put it in the vernacular.  Something we can understand and apply to our daily lives.  Just as long as we understand this, we are fine.  Don't try to correct our reclining friend, appreciate his attitude and try to understand more of the Bible ourselves.  Now, on to the New Testament....

Neither shall they learn war anymore by Mark Copeland

http://executableoutlines.com/text/mic4_1.htm

Oh, it this were a reality... Gary

The backup plan

Reindeer sick, sleigh in the shop for repairs, go to your PLAN B.  Cute picture, good idea.  If one thing won't work, try another.  This applies to so many things in life, so why not make it a spiritual application as well.  Below are listed two plans; the first involves a set of rules to live by and if you can keep it perfectly... success!!! If not, then you are in big trouble; but fortunately there IS A BACKUP PLAN.  Carefully read both and pick the one that BEST SUITS YOU...

For many people, this is PLAN A

WEB: Deuteronomy Chapter 5
[6] “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

[7] “You shall have no other gods before me.

[8] “You shall not make an engraved image for yourself, any likeness of what is in heaven above, or what is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: [9] you shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them; for I, Yahweh, your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me; [10] and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

[11] “You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain: for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

[12] “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as Yahweh your God commanded you. [13] You shall labor six days, and do all your work; [14] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God, in which you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. [15] You shall remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm: therefore Yahweh your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

[16] “Honor your father and your mother, as Yahweh your God commanded you; that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you, in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

[17] “You shall not murder.

[18] “Neither shall you commit adultery.

[19] “Neither shall you steal.

[20] “Neither shall you give false testimony against your neighbor.

[21] “Neither shall you covet your neighbor’s wife; neither shall you desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”

For those who can't perfectly keep PLAN A

GO TO PLAN B

WEB: Galatians Chapter 3
[10] For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.” [11] Now that no man is justified by the law before God is evident, for, “The righteous will live by faith.” [12] The law is not of faith, but, “The man who does them will live by them.” [13] Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,” [14] that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

God is faithful to what he has said; if you can keep plan A perfectly, fine for you.  If you make one deviation; terrible consequences.  The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus Christ was sent for everyone who can't do plan A.  This is one of those cases that the alternate plan is better than the primary.  Jesus supplies what you can't be... perfect.  Why not read the second chapter of the book of Acts and find out the rest of the story?  There you go, end of story, except that I just wish Santa had a rocket powered Cadillac instead of that little scooter!!!  Who says that your backup plan should not be BETTER THAN YOUR PRIMARY!!!!