Emotional Baggage - Linda Rous

God Said "Please"

So excited, just have to share - A fact from study of the original Hebrew text of the Bible (called the Tenach):

In the Old Testament, the word "please" has been omitted over the centuries by translators, to the tune of 410 times in the Old Testament - 176 times in Hebrew version of the New Testament.

Example: Gen 22:2 Read it for yourself in your Bible. The Hebrew Bible reads: "Please take your son . . ." This portrays God in a different light than harsh and merciless.... He always allows us a choice. 






"Please" demonstrates compassion. It has a reassuring affect while asking someone to do something very difficult. In the NT, the thief on the cross said (In Heb. NT), "Lord, remember me please . . ." 
Lk 23:42







Again: Ps 118:25 and Jn 12:13 says "Save us we beseech you . . ." original Hebrew: "Save us, please, O Lord! O Lord, please, send us prosperity."

Whatever could be the reason that this significant gesture should be omitted so many times by translations ?  Perhaps the earliest of them wanted a contrast between the God of the Old Testament and Jesus of the New Testament.  Isn't it wonderful to have such a precious God. 

Amen

Let's Have A Party

I  had a party yesterday.

I sulked, would not talk to anyone, hid away, did not bathe or get dressed, took a long nap and sighed, "Oh God".  Any of you ever have a party like this?

Things were not going the way I wanted, as fast as I wanted.  I did not sleep well the night before and blamed everyone in the house for it, including the cat.  When you are sleep deprived, everything seems worse.  It was a cloudy day, cold, windy and snowing - that did not help.  I had thought I would get out to run errands but just did not want to in that messy weather.  You notice the smallest issue: the dog is barking at the dog that is barking 4 blocks away, the house is a mess, the doctor did not return my phone call and my husband didn't wring out the dishrag - again.  No matter he is busy hanging wallpaper for me, he never wrings out the dishrag.

A few doors were slammed, conversation was ignored and I had a good cry in the bathroom - which all went unnoticed.   Which made it worse: nobody cares!  I took my car keys and left without a word to anyone about where I was going or when I would be back.  I didn't even dress; went out in my "jammy jeans" and house slippers (in the cold snow).   When I left the house, I told myself I would go to my friends and cheer her up.   The best thing for self pity is to do something for someone else and take your mind off yourself.  That is what I told myself I was going to do.  That's what I told myself.     I knew she was also in the middle of some personal issues and misery loves company.   In my subconscious, I was dying to tell her how the universe was being so unfair to me.  Boo hoo!   I drove to her house and the two of us had an intimate pity party.  We discussed everything wrong in our lives at that moment and ended up laughing about it all.  Ain't friends great !?      

Today the sun is out, I had a good nights sleep and got in some exercise.  Today, it is clear to me that yesterday was a pity party for myself and I even shared it with a friend.  Today, I am reminded of Jonah who had a pity party after God made him go to Nineveh to warn people he did not think deserved a second chance.  He sat down under a tree, by himself and whined to God who was exercising his graceful mercy to these people.  Jonah 4:11







I am also reminded of Elijah (who's name actually means, "Yahweh is Grace"), as he fled the threats of Jezebel in IKings 19.  He had a great pity party.  Elijah had just killed all the false prophets and  torn down idols (a great story in IKings 18).  How soon Elijah forgot this all happened by the hand of God.  Elijah knew God did this great work through him, but did not consider that God could save him from Jezebel.

A pity party can serve us as a lesson from God.  We need to find more faith in the one who created time and space.  We have to get going when the going is tough.  The sun comes out tomorrow.  There is always sun behind the clouds.  God is in His heaven and loves us as individuals. 


Let us not forget the amazing story of Job.  After he got over his pity party, God restored everything to him PLUS.

Let Job be this lesson: when we accept our circumstances, God gets involved.  Nothing is accomplished as long as we are partying on our own and whining about our situation.  Let's face it, having God involved is much better than not.


A pity party is a total waste of time and effort.  It is absolute self absorption and accomplishes nothing.   No one wants to come to our party.   

 It does give the enemy reason to celebrate.  He is happy to see us unhappy with, and doubting God.  Score one for the enemy of heaven when I have a pity party.

In my defense, I will say it is the first in a long time.  Once I shake it off, I usually come back like a warrior; ready to do whatever it takes to be right with God.  I have apologized to my Heavenly Father and I can always hope that is the last one - just like the last time I hosted one.  We are all a work in progress and God is waiting to forgive us - again.  Thanks to God, we get a little better each time. 

Amen

We Are His Children

I don't know who created this image but I dearly love it.  (I hope there is no copyright penalty for using it.  If I knew the artist, I would give them full credit.  It was on the inter net so I assume it is for public use.)

As someone who was an abused child, I give great meaning to this scene.  Let's consider this image together.  

The child has a most content look on his/her face.  We don't know if this is a boy or a girl so we understand anyone can relate.  I see "child" in this little person:  the shy, the playful, the innocent.  He/she is very comfortable.  There is no fear.  They are happy to have all the attention placed solely on them at this moment; reveling in the company.  

I believe this is how our loving Heavenly Father intends for us to feel:  safe, secure, trusting, confident, doted on - loved.   He wants us to accept His Son as our atonement, the sacrifice paid for us.  We can feel clean and free to allow Him in anytime.

Then, there is Jesus.  His hands folded and space between him and the child.  No threat here.  He is not invading the child's space.  He is not even reaching out to the child.  There is genuine interest in His expression.  He is totally in the moment: there is only Him and this little child.  He makes no pretense to be anything other than the simple and humble person that He is.  His figure towers over the child but is not overwhelming - does not threaten but, rather, seems protective.

This is my Savior.  He is not pushy.  He does not come in to me unless I ask Him to.  He never forces Himself.  He respects my space and my choices; right or wrong.  I am free to make those choices with confidence He will be available if I need Him for advice, shelter or forgiveness.  He dotes on me and wants only to help, to see me safe, happy and healthy doing His will.

They are sitting on solid rock, surrounded by rock; symbolic of the strength of Jesus as the cornerstone of life; our security for eternal life. 

Notice the light that surrounds the head of Jesus.  Halo?  Light of the world?  Light in the darkness?  All of the above.

Notice also the vine around the stalk.  Jesus is the vine.  He is the stalk and we are the branches.

There was a lot of thought and planning put into the structure of this image.  God put a lot of planning into His master plan for us.  Jesus is the central part of that plan.

   Now, take a look at this scene:

The child has consented to sit on the lap of Jesus, in his hands and we see from his/her posture there is no fear.  The child is relaxed, at ease, content, feeling safe and happy.  

Jesus is smiling, happy to have us secure within his hands.  He is offering happiness and safety.  This is a confident man.  No one would dare confront Him to take us away now that we have consented to accept Him.  We are His and He is ours.

Amen

Scars On My Soul

Without Jesus, we will always want.

We are created with a space inside us that cannot be filled by anything else.  That's how we are made - our physical and chemical make up.  When we give ourselves to the acceptance of Jesus life and death on that cross, God plants a seed of His Spirit in that spot.  We can water and feed that seed or let it dry up.  

In this world today there are so many people are hurting, wandering and searching for whatever will fill that empty space.  Some look for other people to fill that space:  a spouse or a friend.  Some turn to drugs or alcohol.  Even shopping, gambling, sex, video games, pornography, social media, a social life, career, stock market, a hobby, exercise or any other hollow thing.  A hollow thing cannot fill space.  By hollow, I mean without substance or meaning; self consuming.

I can think back on so many years of "stupid".   I believe my stupidity came mostly from anger.  I was angry about my sexual abuse as a child.  I felt dirty; like I had a huge secret - a dirty monster secret.  I was ashamed.  (Shame is a huge factor with sexual abuse; especially in children.)  There was this idea of hiding the dirty monster secret out of shame.  You dare not let anyone know.  Don't tell.  Don't discuss it with anyone.  This monster hung around in the corner of every room; always present and accusing.

There were times I would find myself in a situation where I felt comfortable with a friend or in a group and I would just mention the abuse.  Inevitably, the first question from anyone was, "Why didn't you tell someone?"  Never ask an abused child or person that question!  It is condemning.  It places blame on the wrong person.  This child or person already feels condemned, dirty, guilty and ashamed.  (You cannot relate if you have not been there.)  These feelings in me turned to anger.  I was angry toward men.  At the same time, I wanted a man to love me - to make up for the missing father.  

There was a step father in the house because my father had left.  A child takes things personal.  His leaving left me feeling unwanted and confused over what I had done to drive him away.   When my father lived with us, he doted on me.  There was now an empty spot in our family that needed filled.  The relationship between a girl and her father is unique to nothing else.  It can set the stage for relationships with men the rest of her life.  I was not complete without that relationship; the doting man.  My child's mind turned assigned blame to my mother.

A feeling of "empty" dominated my life.  I tried to fill it with relationships - one after another.  I was confused, seeking that illusive "something" to fill that empty spot inside me.  I was so desperate that I put a sign on my back that read, "Kick me!".  This sign could only be seen by men who wanted to take advantage of women for their own selfish agenda.  This went on for years; until my mid thirties.  

I tried group therapy; Oh, that was fun! - NOT!  Therapy can be a good thing.  I was in a community group of self pity.  I tried drinking and bar hopping.  There was that long list of relationships that just added to the dirty feeling.  Anger surfaced in various ways: drinking, teasing, independence, rebellion, a loud and dominating personality.  I had a pastor tell me that he knew I was hurting because of how loud I laughed; I tried to hard to be happy.  

Let me say here that I have secrets.  Things I never told my mother, things I will not tell my husband.  My closest friends would not know how to understand.  If you do not deal with your secrets, they will make you sick.  I was sick emotionally and the physical aspects are now surfacing as a delayed reaction.  The seeds of illness have now grown into full maturity through high blood pressure, blood sugar and various allergies through a compromised immune system.

My worldly options were exhausted.  I tried everything I could to run headlong over a cliff (so to speak).

When I was sitting with a loaded gun in my hand, God spoke through a whisper from somewhere deep inside me.  

I returned to childhood teachings of my mother and, in gut wrenching prostration, returned to church.  I was the prodigal daughter coming home to the spiritual Father that I can always count on.  This Father never leaves me, forgave me, made me whole, listens to me, heals me, gave me hope and tenderly loves me forever.  He knows ALL my secrets but can't see them.  He sees me through the blood that Christ shed - as a pure and holy child of His, redeemed.  He has made me a princess daughter in His Kingdom forever.  I am the righteousness of God through His first born son, Jesus.  

I have scars on my soul.  The scabs and pain are gone.  My life is changed forever.  Life is full.  There is no more "empty" inside.  I am filled with warm, sincere desires to love, share, help, teach and to be with God, my Father, in this life and the next.  
Amen

Me, God and Digger

Do you have a pet?  One that you just adore?
I do.  His name is "Digger" and he is a Russian tortoise.

Digger is an amphibian, a cold blooded animal.  He gets body warmth from his surroundings.  I have to see that his surroundings are the correct temperature and humidity at all times.  I have to make sure he gets enough sunlight every day and enough dark to accommodate his sleep cycle.  His diet is important and I see to it that he gets a variety of the leaves and vegetables that are good for him.  I don't let him have any plant that might be  harmful to his system.  

When he has a full tummy, he often falls asleep in his food dish.  It makes me feel good that he is content.

 
Every few days, he needs to soak in water because he is a dessert tortoise and needs moisture.  I make sure he gets time to soak and exercise in the sink.

Why?  This seems like a lot of bother.  So why do I make all this effort for his well being?   I adore this cold blooded animal more than I ever imagined I 
would. 

Hours were spent, with a shovel, in the  hot sun, creating an outdoor habitat for summer weather.  Digger likes me.  He actually acknowledges me when I am in the room or go to  his outdoor pen to get him when the weather changes.  If he is hungry when I go outside, I call and he comes to me.  I like it when he notices me and shows me attention and appreciation just like God wants us to sing, praise and visit with Him.

It gives me joy when Digger is happy; just like God is thrilled with our happiness, peace, health and comfort.


God loves us like this.  Just as I sacrificed hard work in the hot sun, God sacrificed His son, Jesus, who sacrificed his life for us.

Digger likes my warm hands;
He does not like cold rain.
I know what he likes and I try to accommodate his surroundings.
God does the same for us.
 
I am happy when Digger is happy;
God is happy when we are happy.

I know what he needs;
I supply all of Digger’s needs
God supplies all of our needs and takes great joy in doing so.  He takes such great joy in our acknowledgement of His love by saying "Thank you" and offering praise throughout the day, that He offers blessings for the gratitude and praise we give Him.  He promises to bless us when we thank Him and praise Him for providing our needs.  

What an amazing God we have.
Amen
<><

All About Your Stuff

Everyone has stuff.  What sort of stuff do you have?  What kind of stuff do you want?  Is there any stuff that you have that you don't want?  Is there stuff you don't have that you do want?  What will you do with the stuff you don't want?  What do you do with the stuff you do want?

People want stuff.  Some of the stuff they want, they need.  Much of the stuff we have, we don't need.  So, why do we have the stuff we don't need?  Do we use our stuff to show off or show our stuff is better than the stuff of other people?  My stuff is better than your stuff.

What do you do with your stuff?  Do you use your stuff?  What do you use your stuff for?  Do you need your stuff to survive?  Do you need your stuff to be healthy?  Do you need your stuff to help others who don't have stuff?

Do your kids want your stuff?  Are they asking for your stuff when you are gone?  Do you have an attorney to make a will to say who gets your stuff?  Do they argue over who gets what of your stuff?  Will they go to court to get your stuff?  Will your family be torn apart over your stuff?  Or, do you have stuff that no one wants?

Does your stuff make you happy?  Do you enjoy having your stuff?  Does it make you feel all warm and fuzzy to have your stuff?  Does your stuff satisfy you or give you meaning?  Does your stuff give you purpose or sustain your life?

If not, you just might need more stuff.  Of course!  We all know that having stuff will make us happy, so we work to get stuff.  Some people cheat, lie and steal to get stuff.  Sometimes they go to jail because of their stuff.  When we get the stuff we want - to make us happy, we find we are not happy with the stuff we thought we wanted.  What do we do?  We get more stuff!  The stuff we had did not make us happy so more stuff will make us happy, so we work longer and harder to get more stuff.  When we get more stuff, do we find we are soon unhappy with our new stuff?   Do we really need to get more stuff?

We go to resale shops, malls, yard sales, markets, dealers, sales, discounts, the internet, auctions, stores and warehouses to get more stuff.  We buy other people's stuff.  We trade for stuff.  We look high and low for bargains in order to have more stuff.  The one with the most stuff at the end, wins.

What if the stuff we buy doesn't work?  There is the issue of returning stuff we decide we don't like, want or doesn't fit.  Maybe the new stuff is the wrong size or color or just doesn't work like we wanted it to.  We have to return our stuff and have the bill adjusted with the rebate, on our credit card, stand in line and wait, with other people who are returning stuff.

What if our stuff gets broken?  We have to file a complaint, return it or ship our stuff for the company to repair our stuff.  Then we wait for our stuff to be returned.  Meanwhile, we rent other stuff to use while our stuff is repaired.  We pay someone to repair our stuff so we can display, insure, store and inventory our stuff.

When we have stuff, we have to clean our stuff so we buy stuff to clean our stuff.  We have to put our stuff someplace so when we fill our home with our stuff, we have to rent a facility to store our extra stuff.

Someone else might want to take our stuff so we have to buy insurance to replace our stuff and a security system to guard  our stuff.  Then, we inventory our stuff so we don't forget what stuff we have.  Sometimes, we even photograph our stuff.

We could have a sale to get rid of some of our stuff.  (Now here is a revelation!)  Then, we have to decide which stuff to get rid of.  Which of our stuff do we really need and which of our stuff should we sell?  Do we need the stuff we think we need or do we just want it?  Is it sentiment that has us keeping our stuff?  Is it the cost that has us keeping our stuff?  Maybe it is the hope that someday our stuff will be worth more than what we paid for our stuff.  Then we have to go to our inventory to find where we put our stuff, get our stuff, clean our stuff and decide how to sell our stuff.  

If we have a yard sale, we have to clean, sort and price our stuff.  If we sell to a dealer or collector, we have to prove the value of our stuff so we pay to have our stuff appraised.  If we take our stuff to a resale store, we have to clean, sort and value our stuff.  Then we have to keep a running inventory of our stuff.  If we want to sell in a craft mall, we have to pay rent for the space to sell our stuff and spend time, and money, creating a display for our stuff.  We will have to purchase more stuff to exhibit the stuff we are selling.  We can create a virtual store on one of the many selling web sites created for selling stuff.  Then, we have to set up the virtual store, charge tax, do shipping and pay taxes to the government on our former stuff. 


You will never see a U-Haul truck behind a 
hearst.
A coffin is not big enough to hold all of your stuff.
More stuff will not get you any priority in heaven.
Money is the least of God's blessings


The only things we keep forever are those we GIVE AWAY.
Amen

Salt & Light

Ladies,

Are you finding yourself with an empty nest?  Has your husband passed on?  Have your children moved away?  Are you retired?  Do people treat you as though you don't exist?  Do younger people think you are old fashioned?  Do you feel worthless?   Alone?  Getting depressed?

As women, it is in our make up to serve and care for others.  You have given, sacrificed, experienced, learned, cooked, cleaned, washed diapers, mopped up puke, worried, waited, taxied, kept records, made appointments, organized and done for others all your life.  They are gone and what do you have?  You have time, wisdom, experience and confidence.  Let it out!  God's children are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. 

You are children - daughters - of the almighty God, sisters to His first born, Jesus Christ.  You are princesses of the King of Kings,  Ambassadors of Heaven itself.  Part of a royal priesthood.

Salt enhances taste.  Make life taste better for yourself by doing for yourself and enjoying things you never had time for.    Make a list of all the things you have always wished you had time for.  Then, prioritize and begin making them happen.  Attend a community play performance, take a class at the local vocational college, take a course on line, read a novel, attend an opera, play piano, join yoga class, get a pedicure, or a massage.  Call a friend for lunch.  Organize a book club.  Start a group to share memories and photos of your grandkids.  The list is endless.

Be the light of the world.  Where can you best show your inner light from the spirit of God within?  Through a smile.  People are friendlier and drawn to a smile.  A smile and a kind word or thoughtful gesture can make someone else's day.  The world is darker than ever so it is easier for us to shine.  Sometimes the smallest gesture can help someone else. Doing something nice for someone else (even a stranger) gets your thoughts off of your own problems.

I have a friend who has volunteered to care for her son's first baby while the baby's mother is at work.  She has given up her private time, exercise in the morning, errands and much of her socializing to speak "goo goo" talk.  I try to visit for a cup of coffee a couple times a week.  It means so much to her to be able to share an hour with an adult.

 When the clerk at the store ask's you how you are doing, don't tell her.  She was being coached to ask.  Instead, tell her you are great and ask how she is doing.  I am amazed every time I do this how surprised they are.  I am sure not too many people ask her how her day is going.  A friend of mine had a great idea:  If the checker at the store seems to be having a bad day, buy her one of the candy bars that are always near by.  That could soften the crabiest of crabs and make you a new friend.

Small efforts are often the biggest gestures.  Salt your life a little and you could light up the world - or, at least, your corner.

Amen

Hidden Message

Hidden messages in the Bible are numerous.  To find and understand them all you need to be Jewish.  The Jewish people do not accept the Christian Bible and few Christians study the Hebrew language or customs.  This gives us a mystery - actually many mysteries.  I can only imagine the understanding and increase in faith if Christians spoke Hebrew and Jewish people accepted the Bible.  

Numbers reveal vast amounts of knowledge throughout old and new testaments.  Names, are another way of reading more meaning.  Let's take just one example:  the "Begats" in Genesis 5.  There is a significance to any statement the first time it appears in the Bible.  The first listing of Begats is no exception.


First, let us interpret the names in order they appear:
NAME                    MEANING
Adam     -                 Man

Seth     -              appointed

Enosh     -              mortal

Cainan     -            sorrow

Mahalalel     -     blessed God

Jared     -           descending

Enoch     -             teacher 

Methuselah     -     death will bring

Lamech      -        despairing 

Noah     -                 rest 

Put it together:  
Man was appointed mortal sorrow. The blessed God descended as teacher.  His death will bring despairing rest.

Translation:
Man sinned and was punished.  Jesus came down as teacher.  His death will bring sorrowful rest.

I cannot say that I understand the "sorrowful" rest unless it refers to the disappointment of many people who did not understand His returning.  Or maybe it is sad, what has happened to the world that He is going to return. 

However, there is a definite message here and it is about "the blessed God" who "came down".  That is Jesus!  Do you see the significance here?  It is a prophecy.  Jesus is coded into a message in the fifth chapter of the first book of the Bible.  (By the way, the number five represents the grace of God; which Jesus brought to man kind.)  Jesus is not born as a man for another 5,000 years.

How many other "hidden" meanings are there?  I would guess thousands.  What an amazing journey to find them !  What an amazing God to code His word for those who will seek and find.  This is the "Divine Order" of God's language in the Bible.

Amen

Friends: Closer Than Relatives

A couple of my closest friends and I have fallen into kidnapping.

On one of our birthdays, the other two plan the day and pay all expenses to something special.  (Any shopping, is at our own expense.)  Lunch and fees are paid by the other two.  If we take the "kidnappee" to a museum or movie, we pay for her part of the expense.  We also split the expense of her lunch.  We pick out the restaurant(s) and activities so it is all a big surprise to her.  It happens three times a year so it does not get boring or become too routine.  Since we live in a small rural town, we always go to the city or a larger town.

We have great fun: shop, eat, antique stores, museums,  historical places, tourist attractions, specialty stores and movies.  We always chose restaurants and activities that the birthday girl would like.  

We dress up, do our hair, buy silly birthday cards and look forward to these outings.

I have come to see how important friends are.  I did not make many friends when in school.  I was from the wrong side of the tracks and Kennedy was "busing" us into a "higher class" neighbor to force integration.  As a young adult, I was betrayed by a good friend in a way that changed the course of my life.  It took 15 years before I met someone that I could trust to be a friend.  I have been half way across the country from her for the past 26 years and 40 years later, we can still pick up the phone and talk as though we live next door.

 After high school, I "hit the ground running", as I chased after my career.  For 60 years I traveled across this country for work.  Sometimes I came home just long enough to unpack, do a little new work and repack for the next show.  I never knew my neighbors or made friends.  My friends were casual and in various states across this country.

Since I "retired" from all my traveling, I have gradually made friends and learned to value the connection that women have.  I can still count friends on one hand.  You know, the ones that you trust with a secret; the ones that know the most about you and still like you.

In the later part of our lives, we need this connection.  We especially need it when family takes on lives apart from ours and/or we lose a spouse.  Downsizing or moving into assisted living has got to be a huge transition and makes us face the end of our story in this life.  

GOOD NEWS:  It ain't over 'til it's over.  And, good friends can help each other weather all the transitions.  We can share our stories, pictures of our grandkids, a cup of tea, our childhood, Bible study or a cool breeze on the patio in the evening.  We have company to the doctor appointment, a trip to the grocery or someone to call when we need an emotional hug.

Make sure you have a friend to relate to and share time.  Friendship is a precious thing that I ignored for many years.  


The Bible says: 
Lk 7:6  A friend will do you a service
Acts 10:24  Peter had many friends
Acts 19:31  Paul had friends who warned him
Acts 27:3  A friend can provide for you in time of need
Pro 17:17  Solomon tells us a friend can be more reliable than family
Pro 27:6  A friend will always tell you the truth
Pro 27: 9  A friend give sincere advice
Pro 27:17  Friends benefit each other


Jesus' disciples were His "inner circle", close friends.  They shared food, wine, experiences, stories, difficult times and He loved them and prayed for them. 

Prov 18:24  This friend is the Holy Spirit and is a great source of comfort
Lk 12:14  Jesus calls us "friend"; you cannot have a better friend
Since my husband and I will be relocating from this area we presently live in it is going to be a major adjustment to leave my friends.  This has never been an issue before and it will be a major life change.  Of course, we say we will visit and call but the truth is that Facebook will most likely be the main contact.  My friends will find other friends and spend time with grandkids and life will take them ahead on their journey.  I will find other friends, hopefully.  It's just the way life is.  

An old saying comes to mine:  "It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."  This can apply to friends.  The friends will be distant but the memories will loom closer than ever.  And every time I remember how we laughed when we realized I had kept one footie on after leaving a shoe store and didn't discover it for hours later, I will smile to myself and say a prayer for everyone of the friends I have made on my journey.
Amen !

The Gospel Truth, Pt 3

Ro 11:4 - 6  In this passage, the word "works" is more correctly translated (from original Greek) to "law".

Ro 13:10  Paul tells us love fulfills the law.  Love God, love your neighbor.  And, the love of Jesus through His sacrifice.

The Ten Commandments are referred to as, "The law written on stone.  IICor 3:7 (Ex 24:12)  This has to be the law that Paul referred to.  Sacrificial laws were done away with because of the blood of Jesus, yes.  But, they were not written on stone. 

Gal 3:10  This verse explains everyone relying on the law is cursed.

Gal 4:22 - 27  In this passage, we are told that the slave woman gave birth to the son of flesh and the free woman, Sarah, gave birth to a son born of spirit.  Sarah's son, Isaac, was an ancestor of Jesus.  This references the law vs grace, which was a constant question in the early church.  Church leaders were preaching law and Christ had died to bring the grace of God allowing us to live according to the will of God and not to His law.  His will is our wellfare.

Eph 2:20  Christ is the living stone (of grace) - replacing the law on cold, dead stone.

Col 2:13 - 15  Our indebtedness, canceled and nailed to the cross.  This is grace over law.

Heb 10:8  Here, Paul explains the animal sacrifices offered with the law; not the law itself.

Heb 11, called "The Faith Chapter":  All these people named here, lived BEFORE the law (Ten Commandments) were given on Mt. Sanai.  They lived by their faith.  They were counted righteous - by faith, NOT by their own works through the law written on stone, or sacrificial laws.

Heb 12:15  is a statement of grace (over law).

Heb 12:18 - 24  Paul compares a mountain of fear, Mt. Sinai, to a mountain of joy, Zion.  The law of the Ten Commandments was given on Sinai and Jesus died on Zion.  He calls Mt Sinai to be feared because the people could not bear what was commanded.  He refers to Jesus as mediator of a new covenant (one without laws). 

 
* Since the resurrection, God no longer tells us "Do this", "Don't do that"; which results in our own efforts.  He gives us freedom to choose to follow the examples and teaching of Jesus and live through His efforts.



Titus 3:9 & 10  Paul instructs Titus to try twice to help people understand the gospel.  If they will not open their minds and listen, avoid them.  He called them warped, sinful and self-condemned.  Jesus, Himself, instructed His disciples to wipe their feet at the house of those who would not listen and move on to those who wanted to hear.  This resulted in Christ taking the gospel to Gentiles, opening up the doors of salvation to everyone.   

Laodicea church: In Revelation 3, God tells this church they are neither hot or cold, meaning they do not teach one or the other, just grace or just the law.  They were trying to live with both.  He goes on to describe His feelings toward this attitude.  It's not good.

Quote:  WHAT a glorious covenant the second covenant (New Covenant) is!  Well might it be called a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.  Heb 8:6

It is so glorious that the very thought of it is enough to overwhelm the soul, when it discerns the amazing condescension and infinite love of God, in having framed a covenant for such unworthy creatures, for such glorious purposes, with such disinterested motives.

It is better than the other covenant, the "covenant of works", which was made with Adam; or that covenant which is said to have been made with Israel, on the day when they came out of Egypt.  It is better, for it is founded upon a better principle.  The Old Covenant was founded on the principle of merit; it was serve God and you shall be rewarded for it.  If you walk perfectly in the fear of the Lord, God will walk well towards you, and all the blessing of Mount Gerizim shall come upon thee, and you shall be exceedingly blessed in this world, and the world which is to come.

But the covenant fell to the ground, because, although it was just that man should be rewarded for his good works, or punished for his evil ones, yet man being sure to sin, and since the fall infallibly tending towards iniquity, the covenant was not suitable for his happiness, nor could it promote his eternal welfare.

C H Spurgeon

Amen

The Gospel Truth, Pt 2

Mt 22:36 - 40  This is where Jesus tells us to love God and love our neighbor.  He ends by saying the law and the prophets hang on these two commands.  He cannot be talking of the sacrificial laws; they have nothing to do with loving God and neighbor or the writings of the prophets.

Mk 3:5  This is the only place where "Jesus was angry" is recorded.  Why was Jesus "angry"?  Because Pharisees were hung up on Sabbath/legalism/law (written on stone).

Jn 1:17  The law came through Moses (a servant).  Grace & truth came through Jesus Christ (the son).  Grace trumps law.  This passage would not refer to sacrificial laws.

Paul turned from being a Pharisee.  The Pharisees were devout in the law; all the laws of the Pentateuck, sacrificial and the Ten Commandments.  They lived and condemned through the law.  They used the law to be superior to others and keep the people in fear and bondage in order to control them.  Paul turned from the law after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.  If he were turning from the laws of sacrifice, why would he do it after his encounter with Jesus, who struck him temporarily blind?

"The law" Paul spoke of cannot be laws of animal sacrifice; they were not written on stone.  And, if Paul were arguing against animal sacrifice alone, he would have said so.  He specifically named circumcision when he discussed it.

When does Paul teach the Ten Commands?  He doesn't!  Over and over Paul calls them the "Law of death".

Ro 5:20 & 21  This passage tells us God gave the law so people would know what NOT to do.  If you don't have dark, how can you understand light?

Ro 6:1 & 2 This is Paul's answer to whoever asked: if the law is dead, is it now okay to sin?  "By no means!" was his answer.  God's perfect law gives us example only.

We are righteous in God's eyes.  Because the ultimate blood sacrifice was made by Jesus through His scourging and death.  Our lamb has sacrificed once and for all.  Ro 6:10  Once and for all.  Once for all believers, for all time.  He cannot climb back up on the cross for another cruecifiction every time we commit a sin.

Ro 7:4 - 12  Paul states we have died to the law through the sacrifice of Christ and ends with a statement of the new way of the Spirit (the grace of God) and not the old way of the "written code".

We are not bound by the law: Ro 7:6 - 13  Here, Paul explains the law as God's perfect law.  It was given so we might know what we should strive for - not be governed by.  Jesus has written the law of grace on our hearts.  

Ro 9:33  In this passage, Paul refers to the stone in Zion which is our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the rock that makes people fall, which is the law (the one written on stone).  It's all about Jesus NOT about us "doing" anything. 

Ro 10:3  Paul is talking of the Israellites seeking to establish their own righteousness through obeying laws.  Because they insisted, God gave them perfect law which they (as flawed human beings) could not keep.  All any believer has to do is submit to their righteousness freely given to us through Jesus' sacrifice.  We are perfect in God's eyes because of Jesus blood covering over us and our bad deeds.  Someone paid our debt for sin.  Now, we (ideally) want to follow the standards set by Christ.  With His blood covering us, we need only keep trying.  We are free of law and free of sin and judgement.

To be continued . . . . .

Worthless Old Lady ?

Do you feel like a worthless old lady?  Is your nest empty?  Do your children live in another town or state?  Do your grandchildren think you are old fashion?  Do you wander through the day from meal to meal?  Does it seem like all you have to do is watch the clock for your next pill?  Do you avoid your friends because they just complain?  Are you too involved with what others are doing to live their life?  Do you feel no one wants you, you are worthless?

STOP IT   ! ! ! !

This is a wonderful time of your life.  You are no longer on someone else's time schedule.  You do not have to spend all your time thinking of others.   Your children do not need driven to school, ball games and piano lessons.  You don’t have mountains of laundry and piles of dishes.  You don’t have to put supper on the table for a full family by six at night.  You don’t have to get up in the middle of the night with sick children puking on the way to the bathroom.  You don’t have to get up at 5:00 am to pack a lunch.  You don’t have deadlines and a boss to answer to.  You don’t have errands to the vet, a double batch of cupcakes for the PTA and a long grocery list.   You have spare time.  You have wisdom, knowledge and experience.  You have paid your dues.   You are free!  

You have time to do so many of the things you used to wish you could do for years:  Bible study, read a good book, call a friend for lunch, embroider, paint, take a pottery class, mentor at a school, learn to play an instrument, primp in front of the mirror, paint your toenails.  Can’t reach them?  Paint your nails - an outrageous color.  Join a group playing cards, board games, cards or a pool game.  How about a Yoga class?  Great exercise to limber you up and release new energy.  All classes allow for beginners and mature women.  How about your mending?  Hem a dress and feel daring.  Hem for someone who can’t. 

I like plants.  They freshen the air.  They grow.  I talk to them.  They require time to prune, water, clean and feed.  It is rewarding to make something grow.


 For those over 55, our local Vo Tech offers classes for free.  Take up art, painting, learn to operate your computer or smart phone, cooking class, first aide, stain glass, upholstery - even welding or carpentry.  Check into a local drama club.  You can always volunteer to help if you have that need: church, schools, library or hospital. 




Cooking:  Single?  Live alone?  You can freeze in small containers for easy use later - when you have a class to go to.  You can also freeze cupcakes and cookies for personal use or that Bunko game you are going to.  I tell you, you can make new friends if you have a pie.  Make a pot of soup, or a casserole, and freeze for winter suppers.  Exchange meals with a friend.  Don’t use “just me” or “only the two of us” to keep you from healthy eating.



Idea: Make a practical Bucket List and set out to fulfill it.  My Bucket List includes running a zip line.

Here’s a great idea:  SMILE !  It releases endorphins that are healing and stimulates pleasure sensations.  Stand in front of a mirror and make faces - just for laughs.  You will also find out that more people want to be around you and visit with you.  You can become a one woman ambassador for Christ.  Just be positive, get out, smile, go somewhere.  No one likes a sour puss and a smile works wonders, especially on an older face.  You are pretty when you smile.



Look up U-Tube and search “funny”.  Funny: videos, animals, children, cats, and more.  There are U-Tube videos for learning how to do almost anything.   When I can’t get out for bad weather or have a cold or just get the “blahs”, I love to pull up some funny videos.  Another good time is when hubby has a ball game on the television.
 
Shut in?  Use the phone.  Call other shut ins and encourage them - tell a joke.   Learn how to operate your computer.  Learn almost anything on U-Tube.  Put in a patio garden in pots.  Keep up with friends and family on Facebook, BUT . . . don’t make it your life.

Afraid to go out?  Stop that, too.  God is with you.  He has taken care of you all your life.  He is not going to stop now.  Believing you can go and do is half the battle.  Pack your pills and take your phone for an emergency.  Ask a friend to join you for a movie or a picnic.  Start with short trips alone and expand your distance along with your confidence.  Book a cabin at a lake to sit on the porch, watch all the people and take a walk in nature.  Share expenses with a friend.  You might even meet some nice people.  

Do silly things - just for fun.  Wear a hat, or a turban.  Put some funny pins on it.  Dress different: bright colors, shorter hem, pants under the dress.  Wear a T-shirt with jeans, red lipstick and big ear rings.  Dye your hair with Jello.  It is a fad with the younger kids right now.  You have a large choice of colors and it gradually washes out.  (My hair has purple high lights right now.)  You can buy a temporary tattoo from the dollar store - just for fun.  I have a couple in my vanity drawer as I write.  They wash off.

Gather a couple friends for an evening of old fashion pajama party.  So what if you all fall asleep by nine.  Watch a funny movie and eat junk food.  Have a make up party.  Bring hand mirrors and make up with eye shadows, bright colored nail polish and lots of jewelry.  Style each others hair.  You might just find a new look that you like.  Blow bubbles.  The liquid kind in a bottle like the kids use or bubble gum - if your dentures are secure. Have a photo session and take pictures of each other being silly - makes a great album to laugh at.  Tell funny stories about growing up.

Flirt!  I love this one.  For the first time in my life, I can flirt with young good looking guys and they think I am cute.  Wives are not jealous and everyone takes it in stride.  I love to tell them how good looking they are.  Then, I add, “If I were 50 years younger, I would chase you until you caught me.”  Then, smile. 

Warning!  Your stick-in-the-mud friends and family will think you have lost it.  Your family might want you to come visit so they can check you out first hand.  Your sour friends will be jealous of the fun you are having.  But, you will be having fun, looking forward to getting out of bed in the morning, have more energy and your blood pressure just might drop a point or two.

Wisdom: What you believe, is what is.  If you believe your life is over, it’s is.  Personally, as long as I am breathing, I have life in some form.

“It’s too late” will kill you.  It's never too late.  God has blessed you with life.  
The Bible calls life a blessing and death a curse.  Appreciate it.  Use it.  God Himself wants to see you happy.
Sweetheart, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over.

Amen