Category: ego

Sunday 6/16 ~Ask for the ancient paths

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn Bible, church, ego, judging, knowledge, Scripture, truthLeave a comment

The scripture for today, June 16 (6/16), is Jeremiah 6:16 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

0-Titus-Cover-Lg Thumb“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

We need history, not only for an appreciation of what our forefathers did for us but also to learn which mistakes not to make all over again. This is true with religion also. There are hundreds of denominations and religions out there. This divisiveness hurts us. It seems the more denominations and religions we have, the fewer people are interested in spiritual things. They call it “organized religion”.

Within Christianity, think about creeds for a moment. If a creed is less than the Bible, it isn’t enough. If it is more than the Bible, it is too much. If it is the same as the Bible, why have it? Let us change our loyalties away from denominationalism and toward the Bible. All this confusion is exhausting!

Human nature has always been the same, and the Bible written long ago applies just as much to human nature today as it did then. Proverbs! The life and speeches of Jesus! The many mistakes made by people in the Old Testament! The advice to Christians in the New Testament!

It’s not confusing. And maybe then, we will find rest for our souls.

 

0-Titus-Cover-Lg ThumbTITUS: THE ARISTOCRAT was raised in the elite city of Antioch (according to tradition). When he was converted to Christianity, Paul sent him everywhere to arbitrate problems between Christians and problems in churches.  He was a “smooth operator” and knew how to make both sides feel they won while staying true to the one path of truth.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2MRwnmn

 

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Friday 6/7 ~ May the hardened see God in me

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, ego, Enemies, love, patience, victoryLeave a comment

The scripture for today, June 7 (6/7), is Ephesians 6:7 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“Serve whole-heartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”

00-LUKE-KINDLE Cover-ThumbnailGod had just previously said that you were to obey your earthly master (boss). But, as hard as you try, sometimes what you may be told to do is very hard to do, especially if your boss is rude, or someone was promoted ahead of you, or you feel like s/he is being a “slave driver.”

At times like those, do what is asked of you anyway, knowing you are really doing it for God. The next verse says, “because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”

What you do as an employee in a difficult situation does not go unnoticed. God sees and God will reward you.

Thank you, God enthroned above the earth. You have given me the privilege of showing to the world the superiority of your way in breaking down barriers and building up lives. Your way enters the curious minds of even the most hardened hearts and makes them wonder if you are right after all. Your way rises up from my heart and soars to hills, the mountains, the moon, the stars, the very cosmos. May the hardened see you in me.

00-LUKE-KINDLE Cover-ThumbnailLUKE: SLAVE AND PHYSICIAN is treated like a son by Theopholis, Tribune in Caesar’s army. When Luke is grown, Theopholis sends him on missions far away, but he always returned “home”.  A bond of love is formed between them and Theopholis adopts Luke. Then, when Paul converts Luke and later his master, Theopholis set Luke free. And that is when he writes two of the most dynamic parts of the Bible. A unique FATHER’S DAY GIFT.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2IrYT8z

 

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Wednesday 6/5 ~ “I just want to keep you safe.”

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn ego, Heaven, Inspirational, knowledge, Saved from hell, Scripture, sin, Thanksgiving, victory1 Comment

The scripture for today, June 5 (6/5), is Deuteronomy 6:5 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

0-Mefiboset-KINDLE Thumbnail“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Jesus said this is the greatest of all the commandments (Mark 12:29). He didn’t say that any of the Ten Commandments were. He chose one of the over 600 commandments God gave to Moses in the Old Testament. It might have been lost in the crowd, but Jesus called it out and gave it special attention.

Although we no longer keep the Old Testament Law of Moses, we do have the New Testament Law of Jesus. There aren’t as many commandments, but there are some. Sometimes Jesus’ law repeats something in the Old Law such as the one above. But it was his choice what to carry over, not ours.

Some people don’t even know they’re obeying any of the Laws of Moses. That’s easy to solve. All you have to do is read that Law and see you if we recognize anything you’re doing. It is full of hundreds of rituals and commands how to worship the way God wanted.

On the other hand, do you love the Lord your God enough to keep all of the commandments of Jesus or do you say the church is too modern now and Jesus’ commands are old fashioned.? Or perhaps do you say Jesus had no commands ~ he just wants me to love him?  We do not tell our parents, “I love you, but you have no right to command me to do anything.” We do not tell our government, “I’m going to drive on any side of the road I want because I’m not going to obey any of your commands”?

Be not like the clay telling the potter what to do (Isaiah 64:8). Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commands” (John 14:15). Commands do not mean someone is trying to hold you down; commands means, “I love you and want to keep you safe from Satan.” Give it a try. Life just might get a little better.

 

0-Mefiboset-KINDLE ThumbnailMEFIBOSET: CRIPPLED PRINCE married and became a father. He had his royal enemies, but never became bitter.  His son often became angry because his father was always forgiving his enemies.  Years later after Mefiboset had died, the son told his own sons about his father ~ “The greatest man I have ever known.”  PERFECT FOR FATHER’S DAY.  Still time to receive on time.  To BUY NOW, click a picture or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2HVKRNs

 

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Monday 6/3 ~ Do you say no to what God says yes to?

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn Bible, Death of Jesus Christ, ego, eternity, forgiveness, Saved from hell, Scripture, sin, truth1 Comment

The scripture for today, June 3 (6/3), is Romans 6:3f as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

0-Joseph-Cover-Thumbnail“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life….because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.”

Oh! Baptism does all that? Some people say no. God says yes. Some people hate this topic because their church leaders have rejected it as unimportant and even call people who quote such verses in God’s Word as dangerous.  Why?

Look at the list in that verse that baptism does for us.  In baptism, we obtain a new life ~ are born again. And in baptism, we are freed from sin ~ forgiven. Look at it this way: Just as Jesus died carrying our sins on himself, we die to our sinful nature ~ the part of us that sins and doesn’t care. Then just as Jesus was buried in his tomb, we are buried in our watery tomb. And just as Jesus came up out of his tomb the Savior, we come up out of our tomb the saved ~ with a “new life” and “freed from sin.”

Everything works together beautifully ~ hearing, believing, confessing, dying to sin, being baptized. What an honor and privilege we have been given to imitate what he did for us! 1st Peter 3:21 says it is an answer of a good conscience toward God.

Just as the crucifixion was a physical thing to obtain a spiritual outcome, baptism is a physical thing to obtain a spiritual outcome.  How beautiful. How amazing.

 

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JOSEPH: THE OTHER FATHER had the greatest challenge in the history of the world ~ to raise God’s child in a violent world. A year before Jesus died, he visited his hometown of Nazareth. The people there said, “ISN’T this the son of the carpenter?” not “WASN’T”. Read the story of Joseph and all he may have gone through to keep Jesus protected until he was grown. To BUY NOW, click a book title or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2HTIcE6

 

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Saturday 7/1 ~ Without the tantrum

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #friendships, ego, Enemies, family, healing, humility, love, patience1 Comment

The scripture for today, June 1 (6/1) , is Psalm 6:1 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

Applied Christianity“O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.”

This is not only a good request to God, but it is a good request to each other ~ family and friends alike. When you disagree with someone, do you “back it up” with loud yelling or throwing or hitting things? Do you believe that your point cannot be understood and will not be accepted without a “tantrum”?

This scripture indicates that it is indeed possible to rebuke someone without the tantrum. In fact, it is more effective. When you calmly tell someone you disagree with them, it does not raise their blood pressure and put them on the defensive. With tantrums, they may react like you want on the outside, but you drive them farther from you on the inside.

Calm rebuke does not mean you don’t mean it; it means you are convinced enough, your point of view does not need reinforcement. In that case, the other person is likely to be convinced too.

Today, practice saying calmly what you normally back up with a tantrum. Practice in front of the mirror.  Practice when driving. Practice when cooking or mowing the lawn or combing your hair.  Then, next time you disagree with someone close to you, you will ready. Ready to not rebuke in your anger.

 

Applied ChristianityBe friendly at VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL. Instead of a general craft,  end each class time with something from the APPLIED CHRISTIANITY: A HANDBOOK OF 500 GOOD WORKS ~ A drawing for a sick person, money for diapers for a new baby, a song to the baby class, etc.  Something for all ages.  To BUY NOW, click a book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2Mmvzpm

 

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Tuesday 5/28 ~ Just like him

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn ego, Enemies, judging, truth1 Comment

The scripture for today, May 28 (5/28), is Luke 5:28 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

0-Titus-Cover-Lg Thumb“And Levi got up, left everything and followed him [Jesus].”

This Matthew Levi was a tax collector, who, in those days, was allowed to set his own tax rates so he could pay the Romans their share and pocket the rest of it for himself. Why would such a man follow Jesus, a man who apparently didn’t have much money? He had to trust Jesus and believe that he was truly a friend.

And why would Jesus ask him? Jesus was certainly taking a chance since the uppity leaders of society and their religion openly declared Jesus a bad person for associating with “sinners and tax collectors”. Jesus, in turn, had to trust and believe in Levi.

A lot of Christians brag that their only friends are those who worship with them. They don’t really trust anyone else, so don’t really want to be anyone else’s friend. That is good, but how are they supposed to bring anyone to Jesus? Jesus went out to “seek and save the lost.”

And sometimes there is a visitor at worship who isn’t dressed right ~ perhaps with uncombed hair, or smell from no shower, or makeup put on too heavy, or clothes not in style, or maybe even dressed too richly. Are we ashamed to be seen with them? Jesus wouldn’t have been. He was color blind, style blind, class blind.

Today, reach out and make friends with someone you have been staying away from. Jesus did. And thereby, you will be like him.

 

0-Titus-Cover-Lg ThumbTITUS: THE ARISTOCRAT was given the best of everything. His father was the supreme judge of the city of Antioch.  He became a successful lawyer. One day he met the apostle, Paul, and his life changed. Eventually, he gave up everything to travel into “barbarian” lands to tell people about Jesus. TO BUY NOW, click the book cover or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2NsVRSL

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Saturday 5/25 ~ Love everybody? What an intriguing thought!

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, ego, Enemies, healing, humility, Inspirational, judging, patience, praise, victory1 Comment

The scripture for today, May 25 (5/25), is Galatians 5:25f as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

0-Mefiboset-KINDLE Thumbnail“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

When someone is better than you in doing something, do you pick fights with them as punishment, or spread gossip about them in order to get others to quit respecting them?

Perhaps you don’t do this all the time. But what about times when there is something you feel you are really good at, but another person not as talented gets the honor? That’s when it’s hard to “keep in step with the Spirit.”

Whenever you envy someone, deep down you consider that person your enemy. Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45a).

To many, loving our enemy is the most difficult command in the Bible. Perhaps one way to love your “enemy” is to realize that Jesus loved his enemies. Every time you sin, you become one of his enemies. But Jesus keeps right on loving you, even when you don’t want to stop doing whatever you shouldn’t.

Jesus demonstrates the love of the Son of God. And here he says, if you love your enemies, you are demonstrating what the children of God do. And that is far more important than honor that goes to those you envy. Leaving behind conceit makes it much easier to love everyone.  Love everyone?  What an intriguing thought.

Button-BUY BK TODAYA lot of people thought they were better than MEFIBOSET.  Even though he was the crown prince after King Saul and his father, Jonathan, Crown Prince the first,  He was the CRIPPLED PRINCE.  Come on, now!  His brains we not in his feet!  He had many enemies afraid he would take over as king.  But he just smiled at them.  He smiled! Read about this son of King David’s best friend and let him teach you how to love your enemies.  To BUY NOW, click a  picture or paste this:  https://amzn.to/2QtFPKQ

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Wednesday 5/22 ~ Find Peace

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn attitude, ego, Heaven, Inspirational, Saved from hell, ScriptureLeave a comment

The scripture for today, May 22 (5/22), is Galatians 5:22f as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

Was Jesus God-COVER-kindle-thumbnail“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

There are some people in the world who call people who practice these traits “losers.”  They distrust people who love everyone, are kind to everyone and are always happy.  “People like that are not for real.”  They believe you have to stick up for yourself and get ahead of the pack or the world will trample you and pass you by.

They are a lot like drivers out on a highway who think they have to pass every car. Once they do, there is usually a brief period when they are ahead of all the others. But soon they catch up with another pack of cars and begin all over again to pass every one, to get ahead of the pack. And so, it happens over and over endlessly. They never relax, for they are never ahead of the others for very long.

Today, relax a little. Exercise patience and self-control.  There is no law against slowing down. And in the process find gentleness and find peace.

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Tuesday 5/14 ~ You will not be able to stop

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn blessings, Death of Jesus Christ, ego, eternity, forgiveness, healing, Heaven, Inspirational, power, sacrifice, teaching, truth1 Comment

The scripture for today, May 14 (5/14), is 2nd Corinthians 5:14a as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

00-Stephen-Cover-Kindle-Thumbnail“For Christ’s love compels us….”

On a distant hill a very long time ago, something unbelievable happened.

Jesus ~ God materialized ~ died both physically and spiritually in your place! (Remember when he said God had forsaken him?) He knew you couldn’t come back from either kind of death on your own, so he did it for you. Such terrible things he went through for you so you wouldn’t have to and would fail.

Love is powerful! It causes you to do things for someone you love that you never wanted to do and never dreamed you could do.

How powerful is your love for Christ? And for those he was compelled to die for? Do you share his love with others? 1st John 4:18 says, “Perfect love casts out fear.”

Reach out to people who think Jesus will ruin their fun, or has too many rules, or could never forgive them, or wouldn’t stop a tragedy. If not in person, tell them in a note, a phone call, email, even a song. There are ways.

 Reach out. You can if Christ’s love compels you. You will not be able to stop.

Image result for "Buy the book" button redSTEPHEN: UNLIKELY MARTYR became obsessed with the Lord he loved and for people around him who did not know about Jesus’ love. This young man was so compelled, nothing stopped him ~ not even death. To BUY NOW, click a picture or paste this: https://amzn.to/2QcCWhr

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Monday 5/6 ~ Shhh. Do you hear?

On By Inspirations By KatherynIn #friendships, discouragement, ego, Inspirational, love, patience, victory1 Comment

The scripture for today, May 6 (5/6), is Song of Solomon 5:6 as found in the Old Testament of the Bible:

Love Letters of Jesus & his Bride, Eccelsia-THUMBNAIL“I opened [the door] for my lover, but my lover had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him but did not find him. I called him but he did not answer.”

Jesus is the lover of your soul. He hears you knock, so opens the door for you. But you are now sidetracked. Perhaps you’re spending all your time thinking about material things. His heart sinks when you run away from him. Oh, how his heart aches with loneliness for you.

So, Jesus goes out looking for you. He looks everywhere you go. He calls you by name. But perhaps your life is so full of the noise of doing and going and accomplishing, that you do not hear him.

Stop! Allow some quietness into your life. Then listen. Shhh. Do you hear? Jesus is calling for you.

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