Category: ego

Wednesday 10/30 ~ Eye for eye? Tooth for tooth?

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #friendships, ego, Enemies, ethics, forgiveness, healing, humility, judging, Loss, persecution, sin, victory1 Comment

The scripture for today, October 30 (10/30), is Hebrews 10:30 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

0-Mefiboset-KINDLE Thumbnail“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ “

In the Law of Moses, people were expected to avenge those who did not follow the law. The vengeance was to be carried out by the person who had been hurt. Some things were even punishable by death.  Remember the “eye for eye and tooth for tooth” command?

But Jesus you need to forgive people so that God, in turn, will forgive you (Matthew 6:14).

What is forgiveness? It is not condoning the bad someone did. Forgiveness is letting go and letting God do any punishing that may be required. Forgiveness is wishing the other person well. You may not trust the other person to not do the bad thing again, and you may forever fear that person. But you can always hope and pray that their lives and hearts will change for the better someday. No one is so bad that you cannot wish them well and pray for them. That’s forgiveness.

Vengeance only prolongs the pain; vengeance is hard on you. So, as the old saying goes, “Let go, and let God.” God will do his part ~ the hard part. He has left the easy part for you.

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0-Mefiboset-KINDLE ThumbnailMEFIBOSET: CRIPPLED PRINCE was denied the throne when crippled for life, ran from Grandfather Saul’s enemies, enslaved, swindled by his palace stewart, falsely accused, and made fun of. But he married, had a son, spread cheer where ever he went and managed to turn his enemies into his friends. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/31YmyFi

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Thursday 10/25 ~ Help me see myself as others do

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, blessings, church, discouragement, ego, faith, humility, patience, problems, weaknessLeave a comment

The scripture for today, October 24 (10/24), is 1st Corinthians 10:24 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

0-Titus-Cover-Lg Thumb“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.”

The context of this verse is that some of the members of the church in Corinth were expressing opinions or doing things that were offensive to some of the other members. They hurt the consciences of some of the weaker members.  

Everyone struggles with their ego sometimes.  Usually, we do not even realize our ego is involved.  It is so very hard to see ourselves as others do, and to see ourselves as God does.

Do you ever do anything during the public worship that is offensive to some people? Do you do them as an example of how “holy” you are? Do you even try to get God on your side and say that any Christian could do those things if they had as much faith as you do?

What about committee meetings? Do you ever suggest something that the others just aren’t excited about? Do you allow your ego to eventually seep in and begin to feel slighted or challenged because your idea wasn’t accepted? Do you even try to get God on your side and say he will be more glorified if the other committee members accept your plan?

One way to look at things objectively is to ask yourself, “Would my congregation survive without me?” What if I were killed in an auto accident and suddenly taken from them tomorrow? Would they continue to worship? Would they continue to do good works? Would they continue to meet as a congregation? Ninety-nine percent of the time your congregation would survive without you.

“Lord, I guess I never looked at myself that way. I love you so much, I want others to know you better. Maybe I should express my worship alone as much as I do in public. Maybe I should do more good works alone without a committee.

Help me, know what to do. Help me see myself as others do, and as you do.”

 

0-Titus-Cover-Lg ThumbTITUS: THE ARISTOCRAT was an expert arbitrator. So Paul appointed him to solve church problems.  It was a special and rare gift. He traveled to Corinth in Greece to calm them down, then he traveled to Crete to divert problems before they arose. Finally, he went to Dalmatia in today’s Albania, a special challenge with so many “barbarians” to deal with.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2OYISvL

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Wednesday 10/23 ~ Reading the map

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn Bible, discouragement, ego, eternity, faith, Holy Spirit, knowledge, ScriptureLeave a comment

The scripture for today, October 23 (10/23), is Jeremiah 10:23 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

0-HS-592 VersesExamined-COVER-Thumbnail“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.”

Just how are you supposed to know what steps God has directed you to take? Do you have to guess, rely on a feeling, depend on the movement of your heart, see a vision? Actually, you have a guide, a road map.

Jesus said in John 14:16-17 that after he left, the Father would send another Counselor ~ the Spirit of Truth. In John 16:13 Jesus said The Spirit of Truth will guide into all truth. In John 17:17, Jesus said, “Your Word is Truth.”

Yes, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, guides you through the Word of God, the Bible.

You don’t have to guess! You don’t have to wonder! You don’t have to get discouraged! God has given you his Word to direct your steps. All you have to do is open his Word and read the map.

 

0-HS-592 VersesExamined-COVER-ThumbnailTHE HOLY SPIRIT: 592 VERSES EXAMINED lets the Spirit of Truth guide you in what to believe. Gone are all the numerous speculations, declarations, and conjectures. Read God’s opinions, the only opinions that matter, for they are Truth. It is liberating and gives us sweet rest. To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/32EUTdD

 

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Friday 10/18 ~ How many stars are in your crown?

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn church, ego, eternity, good works, Heaven, humility, judging, praise, teachingLeave a comment

The scripture for today, October 18 (10/18), is 2nd Corinthians 10:18 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

0-Joseph-Cover-Thumbnail“For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”

Do you look at your life and decide some of your bad habits are not so bad, considering what some other people you know are doing? Do you look at your life and decide your lukewarmness in good works and spreading the gospel is not so bad, considering what most others around you are doing?

Jesus said you will receive only one reward, and you must choose: (1) Being rewarded by each other, or (2) being rewarded by God. You can’t have both (Matthew 6:5; 18).  Is standing in front of an audience of 500 who won’t remember what you said two hours later more important than sitting with two people who will put your words in their lives?

And that brings up how you judge other people. You may decide certain Christians you know are not pulling their share of the load in your congregation, not doing their part. But that may be a wrong judgment.

A lot of Christians you know may be doing good works you will never learn about. “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward [them]” (Matthew 6:18a). Who knows? That time someone mowed your lawn while you were in the hospital may have been one of those “do-nothings”.  Ah. I wonder how many stars they have in their crown.

 

0-Joseph-Cover-ThumbnailJOSEPH: THE OTHER FATHER is an unsung hero.  What must life have been like for Joseph to raise the Son of God in a violent world and keep him safe until grown.? How many times do you think he cried out, “God! Help me protect our Son!” To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2qsC4fP

 

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Tuesday 10/15 ~ Oh, how affectionate

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #ransom, Death of Jesus Christ, ego, eternity, forgiveness, Heaven, Life of Christ, sin, victoryLeave a comment

The scripture for today, October 15 (10/15), is Deuteronomy 10:15 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

Road to Heaven-COVER-KINDLE-THUMBNAIL“Yet the Lord set his affection on your forefathers [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob] and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants [Jews], above all the nations, as it is today.”

Mankind has spent millenniums trying to figure out how to be perfect so we can deserve heaven and escape hell.

God gave us that opportunity the first several thousand years of mankind. Some people of the world he left alone to figure out on their own how to be perfect. They created many kinds of religions and philosophies. But to the Jews he sent the Law of Moses containing over 600 intricate laws which, if kept perfectly, would make them perfect. In all cases, no one could be perfect.

Then, when mankind was willing to admit we cannot be perfect, the Word of God materialized and came to us to live that perfect life that is impossible for us to live. Now, all you have to do is follow Jesus and be IN Jesus (Galatians 3:27) for the forgiveness of your sins, and God will consider you perfect too.

God sets his affections on you. Do you run from him? Do you harbor resentments toward him? Are you too busy or having too much fun or too tired to give him a second thought?   He will not force you, but he runs after you begging you to come to him for safety. Oh, how affectionate he feels toward you.

 

Road to Heaven-COVER-KINDLE-THUMBNAILTHE ROAD TO HEAVEN begins in the Garden of Eden where Satan snatched mankind away from God and what God went through to pay the ransom Satan demanded to release us. Then it moves on to our “glorious bodies” and heaven.  Recommended for family and friends who don’t have time for God.  To BUY NOW, click a cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2OTq015

 

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Saturday 10/12 ~ But keep your eyes on Jesus

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, Daily, ego, ethics, Inspirational, judging, knowledge, worshipLeave a comment

The scripture for today, October 12 (10/12), is 2nd Corinthians 10:12 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

Pearls Cover-Palms-300dpi-Thumbnail“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

But that is how most of the Christian world is run. You go to a church and do what they do to get their approval. Or you go one step above what the others do to get a little extra approval. Or you go one step below what the others do, and say you’re “not so bad” because, at least, you go to church all the time.

What you do must be compared with what Jesus (God materialized on earth) did. Jesus went everywhere doing whatever was necessary to spread the Good News. Instead of saying, “Well, our congregation never did such-and-such before, so it must be wrong,” you must say, “Jesus did it, so I will too.” Instead of saying, “Well, brother or sister so-and-so in our congregation is worse than me, so why object to me?” you must say, “Jesus did not do those things, so I will stop doing them.”

Who are you comparing yourself with?  Your works, your fancy doctrine, your faith?  Dear, dear friend. Jesus gave up heaven and daily associating with angels to become one of us on an earth full of grime and selfishness. He gave up being able to be everywhere at once to being confined in a body. Why?

For us. To show us how it is done ~ constantly on the go to find people who need God’s love and attention. He was so busy and so holy.

Never compare yourself to others; always compare yourself to Jesus. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

 

Pearls Cover-Palms-300dpi-Thumbnail365 PEARLS OF WISDOM: GOD’S SOUL TO YOURS is Book 2 in the TOUCHING GOD series. Daily you receive one proverb and a passage from one of the other wisdom literatures.  Great GIFT for weddings, showers, birthdays. Original artwork on cover.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2oBJIUn

 

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Friday 10/11 ~ Has God forgotten?

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn Daily, ego, eternity, forgiveness, Inspirational, judging, sin, truthLeave a comment

The scripture for today, October 11 (10/11), is Psalm 10:11 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

Road to Heaven-COVER-KINDLE-THUMBNAIL“He says to himself, ‘God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees.’ “

You believe in God in some form. And you believe that God knows what you do. But do you sometimes bury your beliefs in your subconscious mind so you can go around doing things you know are wrong? Do you believe you won’t get caught, and you can slide into heaven doing whatever you want?

In other words, do you justify your favorite sins? Do you justify your sins of attitude such as jealousy, impatience, pride, short temper under the guise of an unhappy childhood or getting what you deserve?  Do you justify your sins of omission ~ good things you should be doing, but are not ~ under the excuse that you don’t have time? Do you justify questionable things you do by saying they’re “not so bad” or God is so good, he will forgive anything you do as long as you say you’re sorry every time you do it?

Do you do as children do who cover their eyes so they cannot see anyone and think that, therefore, no one can see them?

God loves you more than you can ever imagine. He never forgets you. He sees and hears everything you do. The only things he does not approve of are things that will ultimately hurt you and which he calls sin.

Here’s a jewel for you.  Polish it, shine it up and put it on display: Pleasing your Creator is the ultimate form of pleasing yourself.

 

Road to Heaven-COVER-KINDLE-THUMBNAILTHE ROAD TO HEAVEN is for people who claim they’re “not so bad,” so God will let them into his home. It begins in the Garden of Eden and God’s warning, “The day you sin you will die.  Even today, each time we sin, we sell ourselves to Satan.  In the beginning, Satan said mankind could be freed buy only one ransom ~ the death of God. So began the long saga between the Garden of Eden and the cross.  But, why evil in the first place?  Read the book and be inspired.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this: https://amzn.to/2B5oAZu

 

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Thursday 10/10 ~ Just an innocent wink?

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn ego, eternity, judging, knowledge, power, Scripture, thingsLeave a comment

The scripture for today, October 10 (10/10), is Proverbs 10:10 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

Pearls Cover-Palms-300dpi-Thumbnail“He who winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.”

How can eye winking be malicious? Let’s look further at Proverbs 6:12-14 ~ “A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plans evil with deceit in his heart ~ he always stirs up dissension.”

Have you ever said something to someone, but turned to someone else in the room and winked as though to let the second person know you didn’t really mean what you just said? That made your words a lie.

You might have pre-arranged signals before a meeting, such as crossing your feet as a signal you do or don’t like what is being said. Or you may run your fingers over your hair, or tap three times on a table as a pre-arranged signal to someone else in the room. If you are saying one thing but signaling something else to your partner, then your words are lies.

Perhaps you think it is purely innocent and claim that everyone does it. But Revelation 21 says “…all liars ~ their place will be in the fiery lake.”

So, from now on, decide to be truthful in everything you say in word and deed. Remember, Jesus never told a lie. He called himself Truth. It can be done. And it is liberating.

 

Pearls Cover-Palms-300dpi-Thumbnail365 PEARLS OF WISDOM: GOD’S SOUL TO YOURS provides a daily proverb and one passage from either Job, Psalms or Ecclesiastes.  A great way to begin each day.  This is #2 of the TOUCHING GOD gift-book trilogy with original art on the cover.  Perfect for teens, newlyweds, new parents, busy professionals.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2B1SoWM

 

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Saturday 10/5 ~ Shhh.  Listen.  Do you hear him now?

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, Bible, church, ego, faith, Heaven, judging, knowledge, teaching, truth, worship1 Comment

The scripture for today, October 5, (10/5) is 2nd Corinthians 10:5f as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

NF-WorshipChanges-WorshipFirst“Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”

This is about the 40 years the Jews wandered in the wilderness between leaving their slavery in Egypt and beginning a nation for themselves. They had the mindsets of slaves. They did not know how to make decisions for themselves. One of those decisions was to leave the gods of Egypt and worship only the one true God.

It was easier to fall in line with what they were raised to believe. That had long been their comfort zone. They took the easy way out rather than follow the God who had proved the Egyptian gods were not gods at all. They would rather die than change. So they did. They died.

Do you take the easy way out? Do you stick with things you were raised to believe even though you have learned more of the Bible and see those old beliefs are not what God said?

The early Jews did not listen to God, so God did not listen to them. He is calling out to you through the scriptures.. Shhh.  Listen.  Do you hear him now? “Come to me. I want to save you. Please come.”

 

NF-WorshipChanges-WorshipFirstWORSHIP CHANGES SINCE THE FIRST CENTURY provides a year-by-year account when changes were introduced, if not accepted, when they were reintroduced, who introduced them, and what they did to protestors.  Despite all that, a large number of Christians today think all those practices have always been from the beginning.  Written for denominational leaders with its companion, WORSHIP THE FIRST-CENTURY WAY.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2pMK6Q5

 

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Friday 10/4 ~ New and wonderful

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #ransom, Death of Jesus Christ, discouragement, ego, Heaven, judging, knowledge, Saved from hell, victory1 Comment

The scripture for today, October 4 (10/4), is Romans 10:4 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

Supper-Front Cover-Thumbnail“Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”

When Jesus nailed the Old Law of Moses to the cross (Colossians 2:14) it came to an end. Thank God. There were over 600 commandments in the Law of Moses, not just the “ten commandments.” Those 600 were tedious. Try reading Leviticus and see if you can keep every commandment in it.

Jesus was the only one who ever kept the Old Law perfectly (Hebrews 4:15). Once that occurred, he could be the Perfect Lamb of God without blemish (John 1:29), and he could be sacrificed on the altar of the world (the cross) in our place ~ take the blame for every bad act and thought, then take the punishment for them.

And with his death came the introduction of a New Law covered in the New Testament. (The book of Hebrews explains it all.). Read the New Testament in its entirety. It is not tedious. It is beautiful.

Why would anyone want to dip back into the Old Law and bring back showy worship practices done back then and tithing and special clergy? He put it to death and gave you a new and wonderful and simple law of grace.  How he loves you!

 

Supper-Front Cover-ThumbnailTHE LORD’S SUPPER:  52 READINGS WITH PRAYERS. Excellent for those presiding at the Lord’s Supper as well as meditation for worshippers in the pews.  He paid a terrible price for our ransom from Satan. Now, we thank him. It’s the book hundreds have been looking for for years. Now it is here.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2LLuc0N

 

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