Reviewing Bible Topics through Playing Cards

A Deck of Cards

It was quiet that day, the guns and the mortars, and land mines for some reason hadn't been heard.

The young soldier knew it was Sunday. As he was sitting there, he got out an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk.

Just then an army sergeant came in and said, "Why aren't you with the rest of the platoon?"The soldier replied, "I thought I would stay behind and spend some time with the Lord."

The sergeant said, "Looks to me like you're going to play cards." The soldier said, "No, sir. You see, since we are not allowed to have Bibles or other spiritual books in this country, I've decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards."

The sergeant asked in disbelief, "How will you do that?" "You see the Ace, Sergeant? It reminds me that there is only one God. 

The Two represents the two parts of the Bible, Old and New Testaments.

The Three represents the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.

The Four stands for the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The Five is for the five virgins there were ten but only five of them were glorified.

The Six is for the six days it took God to create the Heavens and Earth.

The Seven is for the day God rested after making His Creation.

The Eight is for the family of Noah and his wife, their three sons and their wives - the eight people God spared from the flood that destroyed the Earth.

The Nine is for the lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy. He cleansed ten, but nine never thanked Him.

The Ten represents the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on tablets made of stone.

The Jack is a reminder of Satan, one of God's first angels, but he got kicked out of heaven for his sly and wicked ways and is now the joker of eternal hell.

The Queen stands for the Virgin Mary.

The King stands for Jesus, for he is the King of all kings.

When I count the dots on all the cards, I come up with 365 total, one for every day of the year.

There are a total of 52 cards in a deck; each is a week - 52 weeks in a year.

The four suits represent the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

Each suit has thirteen cards - there are exactly thirteen weeks in a quarter.

Therefore, when I want to talk to God and thank Him, I just pull out this old deck of cards and they remind me of all that I have to be thankful for."

The sergeant just stood there. After a minute, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he said, "Soldier, can I borrow that deck of cards?"

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Be careful what You Hear

 There is an old song that many of you will remember. 

Be Careful Little Eyes What You See

Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in love,
So be careful little eyes, what you see.

Be careful little ears what you hear
Oh, be careful little ears, what you hear.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in Love,
So be careful little ears, what you hear.

Be careful little mouth what you say
Oh, be careful little mouth, what you say.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in tender love,
So be careful little mouth, what you say.

Be careful little hands, what you touch
Oh, be careful little hands, what you touch.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in tender love,
So be careful little hands, what you touch.

Be careful little feet, where you go
Oh, be careful little feet, what you go.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in tender love,
So be careful little feet, what you go.

This song talks about your eyes, ears, mouth, hands, and feet. I have seen a post going around lately that made me think of this song. 

This post is explaining how what we listen to gives birth to what we will have in the future. 

Look at Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Note that the faith required to please God originates from hearing the Word of God. Faith is conceived when we use our ears to hear the Word of God.

Similarly, doubt is conceived when we use our ears to listen to negative things.

So be careful little ears and big ears what you hear. Don't listen to the wrong people speaking negativity into your life. Instead listen to the Word of God. The Word of God is life to those who hold fast to it. 

Philippians 2:10-18

• That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
• And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
• Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
• For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
• Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
• That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
• Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
• Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
•  For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

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Men and Asking Directions

It's a common saying that men don't ask for directions. Recently, I pondered this as December began, a time when thoughts naturally drift to the birth of Jesus and the visit of the Wise Men. The Bible recounts that the Wise Men followed a star from the East to Israel. Their precise origin and the exact number of these Wise Men remain uncertain.

Matthew 2:1-9

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. 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.

We see that they stopped at the palace to ask directions. Then they were sent to Bethlehem by Herod. Herod said that he wanted to come and worship him also. 

Matthew 2:11-18

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. 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. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

Numerous male children were slain. Had the wise men not halted to seek directions and simply continued to follow the star, Herod would have remained unaware of Jesus's birth.

The stereotype that males typically do not ask for directions makes one ponder if this notion could have originated from the wise men's actions.

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Salvation offered for All

All people can be forgiven by God. Even the ones you don't like. This may come as a shock to some. Some may say that this one or that one has done things that even God can't forgive. This is only 1 unforgiveable sin. Matthew 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

This sin takes work and knowledge of the Holy Ghost. No one is excluded because of their current job, looks, skin color, past, place of birth, or income. It is hurtful and wrong to put yourself as judge and jury over people. Matthew 10:32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. This is Jesus talking. He is saying whosoever will. That is inclusive of everyone. Throughout history people have mistakenly thought that certain people were too far gone to be saved. I am here to tell you that 99.999% of the time that is wrong.  Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

We are commanded to teach everyone that we meet in this world. That includes all and all means all. 

Stop judging and start obeying God. God does not look at the outward appearance but the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.  God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. How he thought then is still how he thinks today. 

God called us to teach. As the people are taught, they will confirm to the will of God. God's will is not always your will. We are simply to teach the whole word of God. God's Word will take over and do what it was sent out to do. Isaiah 55:11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

God has chosen us to carry the word and speak it. He will then accomplish his will. 

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Prayer Requests of Children

As a child, I recall the preacher inviting prayer requests at the start of each service. At the tender age of seven, I had a significant request: I wanted prayers for my father's salvation. The laughter that ensued after I voiced my request still lingers in my memory. The congregation deemed it an impossible plea, for my father was a long-haul truck driver, a profession they considered beyond redemption at that time and place.

Prayer requests made by children should be taken seriously as they are expressions of their growing faith. They learn to trust by bringing their concerns to Jesus, as it is said, "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." Every prayer is significant to God, regardless of whether it seems trivial or unattainable to us. Indeed, God specializes in the impossible. And in time, my father did come to recognize Jesus as his savior.

1 Peter 5:6-7  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Matthew 18:2-4  And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them. And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

You see, God Loves to hear children pray. God may not answer exactly like the child wants, but He will answer the child in due time. 

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Where are the Young People?

 

1. Matthew 19:14
   But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Mark 10:14
   But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
3. Luke 18:16
   But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

4. Notice that Jesus was very displeased with his disciples for sending the children away. Jesus explains that Children are those who make up the kingdom of God. 

5. Now many churches don't like to deal with children. They don't understand that without children coming into the church, the church will lose out. It will lose the blessing of God. It will eventually lose members. The old people will not live forever and without the next generation the church will be forced to close its doors. 

6. Yes, children are messy, noisy, and difficult. That is one reason why God said, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6). Children do not come into the world knowing how to behave. They have to be taught. It is not right to simple push them aside until they are old enough to be helpful. By that time, they will not be there. I have heard it said too often that it is a miracle that any mother is still a Christian. That statement unfortunately is true. As a mother of young children, I was pushed aside. I was told to come back after my children are grown so that I can be useful. When a mother is more or less told that her babies are not welcome because they are inconvenient, she loses the desire to go to church. Without a support system, it is hard to keep going.   This must stop. Churches must be welcoming in word and deed to children. This includes difficult children and special needs children. Jesus would have welcome all of the children. 

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Respect in God's House

Historically, churches have taught the importance of respect within the House of God. While some rules may have seemed overly strict, they were established with good intentions. Ecclesiastes 5:1 says, "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil." Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Berean Strong's Lexicon

yirah: Fear, reverence, awe

Original Word: יִרְאָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: yirah
Pronunciation: yee-RAH
Phonetic Spelling: (yir-aw')
Definition: Fear, reverence, awe
Meaning: fear, reverence

Word Origin: Derived from the root יָרֵא (yare), which means "to fear" or "to revere."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - φόβος (phobos): Often translated as "fear" in the New Testament, it can carry a similar range of meanings, from terror to reverential awe, depending on the context (e.g., Philippians 2:12).

It is important to hold reverence for God, the creator of the universe. This means to have a high degree of respect for God. 

Consider an instance illustrating the consequences of not holding God's House in high regard. On one occasion, while in a church during a time designated for fellowship, I witnessed a young boy, approximately seven years old, striking and kicking another boy, who appeared to be around 12 or 13 years old. No one stopped the children. This behavior displayed a lack of respect for both God and the surrounding congregation, clearly not reflecting God's love. John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Children should be taught appropriate behavior. By the age of five, most are capable of distinguishing between a playground and a place of worship. If they cannot, it may indicate an issue. Could it be that the parents are not effectively teaching their children? Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. This "Training" needs to start as early in a child's life as possible. 

We need to remember to be respectful in the House of God. This means no running (without a good reason), No yelling across the room, No roughhousing, No foul language, No disruptive behavior (distractive behavior). I think you can get the general idea. We are there for Prayer, Learning the Word of God, Godly Fellowship, and to Praise and Worship Jesus. 

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Thanksgiving Thoughts

 Tis the season for strife. It is amazing how a day called Thanksgiving causes so many problems.  It was originally meant to be a day of prayer and thanks giving.  

Now it has turned into a time of strife and stress for many.  

Thanksgiving is not a holiday mentioned in the Bible, but the idea of giving thanks is a theme all through the Bible. 

Here are some scriptures to help you give thanks.

Nehemiah 12:27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

Psalm 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Psalm 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Psalm 107:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Psalm 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.

Psalm 147:7 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

Isaiah 51:3 For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

Jeremiah 30:19 And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

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Stand for Something

You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything is a line from a song from the early 90's. This song makes a very good point. You will either stand up for your beliefs or you will fall for every thought that passes by.  The Bible says in Ephesians 4:14, "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;". 

Basically, the scripture is saying grow up, know what you believe, and stick with it. Similarly, the song says, "You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything". As Christians, we need to stand for Christ, or you will fall into the trap of the devil. We need to stop being tossed about like a ship without a rudder and stand firm on the Word of God. 

For those that your like to know the rest of the song, here it is. Aaron Tippin - You've Got to Stand for Something Lyrics | Lyrics.com

Now Daddy didn't like trouble, but if it came along 
Everyone that knew him knew which side that he'd be on 
He never was a hero, or this county's shinin' light 
But you could always find him standing up 
For what he thought was right 
He'd say you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 
You've got to be your own man not a puppet on a string 
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name 
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 

Now we might have been better off or owned a bigger house 
If Daddy had done more givin' in or a little more backing down 
But we always had plenty just living his advice 
Whatever you do today you'll have to sleep with tonight 

He'd say you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 
You've got to be your own man not a puppet on a string 
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name 
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 

Now I know that things are different than they were in Daddy's days 
But I still believe what makes a man really hasn't changed 

You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 
You've got to be your own man not a puppet on a string 
Never compromise what's right and uphold your family name 
You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything 

You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything.

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Erasing of Women

 In Afghanistan women are being erased from public life, The Taliban are creating 1 law after another that is causing the disappearance of women from public areas. Everyone can plainly see that this is wrong. 

In many other places women are being erased in a different more progressive way. Women are being replaced by men who say that they are women. We no longer have women's sports. It is amazing to me that in the name of equality we are taking away from women the very thing that women fought so hard to achieve. Even the understanding of the meaning of the word woman causes many problems. It was not so very long ago that women were proud to be women. They were proud of their achievements. They knew who they were. 

The erasing of women can happen in many ways. Some are obviously cruel and inhuman like in Afghanistan. Others are disguised and the damaging effects will take longer to come to light. 

The questions to ask are why doesn't the world like women and what can be done about it. Unfortunately, there are no easy answers. However, without women none of us would be here today. 

Women are important. Women everywhere need love, understanding, respect, and appreciation. Women need safe spaces that are only for women. Women need the right to choose the life that they want. Whatever the choose may be, that choose should be respect and honored. Women need to be heard. The opinions and thoughts of women are worthy of consideration.  

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Preacher Qualifications

 

This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:1-7

These scriptures explain the qualifications of someone who wants to be a pastor. Unfortunately, not all preachers understand the implications of these scriptures.

• Blameless 
• husband of 1 wife
• vigilant
• sober
• good Behavior
• given to hospitality
• a teacher
• not a drunker
• not greedy
• patient
• not a fighter
• not covetous
• if he has children, they are well behaved 
• not a new Christian

Many years ago, my dad was beginning to attend church regularly. That is until one fatefully Sunday. This Sunday my parents arrived to see the pastor and another man having a fist fight in the parking lot. My dad saw, exclaimed how bad that was, and left. He stopped going to church. He did not regularly attend church after that for many years. Thankfully, he did come back before passing. 

Please, if you see a man, who claims to be a pastor, behaving badly don’t give up on God. God gave the rules on how to select a pastor. It is people who choose not to listen and obey. God gave these rules for a reason. The preacher, in my dad’s case, had chosen to settle a disagreement by brawling. He completely ignored the part about not being a brawler. In addition, his behavior on that day was bad, not good.

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What is the reason?

  My grandpa used to tell a story about one of his most memorable sermons that he preached. This sermon was inspired by an event that happened the night before he preached the sermon. In his story, he said that he got up to preach and said, "I beat the fire out of my wife last night, and I did right." The congregation gasped according to him. He then asked the congregation how many believed that he did wrong. Everyone raised their hand. He went on to explain that he did right, and it is not what you do as much as it is why you do it. He then explained that it was cold last night when his wife took a shower. After she got out, she put on her gown and backed up to the space heater. Her gown then caught fire. In her fear, she ran. He had run after her, caught her, and put her on the ground to beat the fire out of her. If he would not have beat the fire out of her, she could have died. He then asked then again if he had done right. Everyone agreed that he had done right. 

In the Bible Jesus implied that you could do things outwardly correctly but still not be right with him. Let's look at a few scriptures.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Matthew 23:27-28

According to this they appear righteous unto men, but they are full of sin. They are so busy trying to follow all the rules that they forget the most important. 

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:7-9

It looks like it is a heart issue. Just doing things is not good enough. 

 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22-23

From this we get that you must have a relationship with Jesus. Just keeping commandments and doing good will not get you to heaven. You cannot work your way to heaven. 

That is not to say that obeying the Bible is wrong. Jesus also said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15. 

Now let's look at the teaching of Paul. 

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. I Corinthians 13:1-4

Charity is translated love in many Bible translations. Jesus pointed out that they were doing things, but their hearts were far from him. Paul teaches that we need love. 

Jesus likewise teaches love.

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:36-40

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. I John 4:6-8

If what you are doing for God is not based on love of God, please examine your motives and heart. You don't want to hear at the end of time, depart from me, I never knew you. 

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Solution for a World gone crazy

The world has gone crazy. I look around and don't understand all of what is going on anymore. Things that used to be more or less written in stone is being questioned and, in some cases, throw out like yesterday's garbage. 

This is sad on many levels. It shows just how many people are not rooted and grounded in the word of God. It shows that insanity that is taking place. It shows that we are closer to the return of Jesus than we were a few years ago. 

However, everything taken place is only a symptom of the real problem. The majority of the people stopped reading the Word of God. They started just relying what the preacher said on Sunday. Now instead of the people needing and getting meat they need milk again. The milk and the meat symbolize different levels of knowledge. Jesus said that "...Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4). In order to grow strong and be able to stand against the insanity that is taking hold on our world, we need to go back to the word of God. Sunday morning preaching is not going to cut it. Just as we have to eat every day, or we will grow week, we must read the word of God every day to be spiritually feed. 

According to Jesus "...there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." The very elect are the ones who are always reading and studying the word of God. They are the prayer warriors. They are the ones with a close relationship with Jesus. They are not the Sunday morning crowd that thinks that is all they need. The elect knows that they need Jesus every hour of everyday. 

Now think about what Jesus said. If there was not intervention (if it were possible) even the elect would be deceived. 

Now days there are some many false teachers and false prophets that it is hard to tell who to listen to. My advice is to stop listening to every one and start listening to God Almighty. His Word does not change. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  

Paul well wrote "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Timothy 4:3-4. That is exactly what is happening in our world. Preachers are catering to the itching ears and working overtime to preach what people want to hear instead of the truth. So, unless the word that you hear coming from you preacher lines up with the Word of God, search for a new gathering place on Sunday. For some that may mean going to a different church. For others it may be time to just gather with friends and family in your own house. Yes, we are not islands unto ourselves. However, when Jesus gave the great commission, he did not say go to every church and preach the word of God. Instead he said, "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:18-20. 

Notice that he said go and teach all nations. Take a look around many churches. Unless it is a mega church, most are in need of people. Yes, we need to meet with other Christians for edification, but that meeting together can be done in many locations. 

At this time, many churches are failing to reach the lost, but worst yet, they are failing to reach the children who are sitting on the benches. They are failing to spiritually feed the people who are members of the church. They are failing to even help those who are struggling in their own church. This is unacceptable. Remember what Jesus told Peter. If you love me, feed my sheep.  

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.  John 21:15-17

What food was he suppose to feed God's sheep with? The obvious answer is the true Word of God. 

 The answer to this world is the spiritual food given to us from the creator of the world. 

Who is Raising the Children?

Times are changing so rapidly. It was not that long ago that people could safely sleep with the windows open. Now many people have bars on their windows for protection. At one time almost everyone knew his or her neighbors. Now it is as if most people have bars on their hearts too. I can’t help but wonder what has happened.

One thought as to what has happened is there has been a change in how children are brought up. In the past mothers raised their children. Now children are placed in daycare at very young ages often times as young as 6 weeks of age. I know that some women must work in order to put food on the table. However, it is possible that many women could stay home and do their God given job instead of neglecting their responsibility of training/ teaching their children. When a child is put into day care, no one ever really takes responsibility for teaching the child proper behavior or moral character. Yes, the child learns his or her ABC’s and other educational stuff, but there is no permanent role model. The mother may only see her child at night and on weekends. The day care has the child for about 50 hours every week. Then many times a babysitter is hired so that the mother may go out on the weekend. So, who is truly taking responsibility for raising the child? The child is watched but not taught or really seen about.

This may be why there has been an increase in crimes such as stealing, killing, and rape. No one is there to teach the children love or moral character. Therefore, we are no longer able to safely sleep with the windows open.

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Looking to the Trees

Trees are a marvel of nature. Some stand tall and large, while others are diminutive and short. No two trees are precisely the same; even two oaks will differ.

Similarly, people are unique. Even within the same family, two individuals may not share the same reactions or perspectives. Each person possesses distinct strengths and talents, and no single talent surpasses another. Just as no tree species is superior to another, some are simply more suitable for certain environments, while others are out of place. For instance, an oak tree is out of place on a sandy beach, whereas a palm tree thrives there. Both tree types are wonderful, each with their own advantages and limitations, akin to people.

The trees that endure the longest are those that flex and sway with the wind, knowing when to bend and when to stand firm. This principle applies to people as well. Those who are inflexible tend to suffer from stress-related ailments and may have shorter lifespans. In contrast, those who discern when to adapt and when to stand their ground often lead longer, more fulfilling lives.

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