Lesson of the Creaking Chair

Making time for devotions is probably one of the biggest struggles a Christian faces. What is the best time in the day to study God’s Word and pray? I suppose this varies for every Christian. With seven kids, one of which being two and one being 10 months old the mornings are filled with little feet getting me out of bed wanting breakfast as soon as their feet hit the floor. Sometimes this “great awakening” comes between 6:45 and 7:00 am so mornings have always been a challenge for me. Mid-afternoon is no good consistently for me either. Something always is needing attention around this time. If it gets real quiet in the house (This seldom happens) after lunch you may find me napping. Finally, I generally get to the end of my day and in utter exhaustion fall into bed between
10:30 and 11:30 pm.

For a very long time I have tried to fit time in for devotions whenever I felt I had a free moment. This method has failed me miserably. The Lord really began to deal with me concerning the excuses I would give to explain my ultimate lack of time spent with Him. One day I decided, if I had a public job ( I am a WORK at home Mom) I would most likely have to get up at
6:00 am every morning whether I felt like it or not. Why could I not show as much devotion to the Saviour of my soul?

I began my plan of action, one morning, by rolling over in bed at 6:00 and picking up my Bible. I began to read while my husband snored. The temptation to fall back to sleep was too great. My sleep filled eyes would get heavier and heavier until finally I was startled awake by the sound of my closing Bible when the hand holding it would fall over because it was attached to a sleeping body. I realized if I was going to be successful at consistency I would have to leave the bed behind to have my time with God.

The next morning the house was in a hushed silence ( which happens rarely in a house containing so many bodies) I creeped to the living room to avoid waking sleeping lions. When I sat down in my recliner it made a creaking noise as if to protest being used so early. The sound it made brought back unexpected memories from my childhood. How many times had I heard that sound wake me in the mornings? My parents took their place in their chairs early in the morning to have their time with God throughout my memories of childhood. My parents, however, were not the only ones who came to my mind this morning. I remembered spending the night at my Grandparent’s house and sleeping on the couch only to be awakened early in the morning as my Grandfather, Riley Hensley, took his place in his oversized chair. I remembered opening up sleepy eyes to see him reaching for his Bible, placed on a table, by that chair side. I closed my young eyes and contentedly went back to sleep in the soft glow of his lamp light and the gentle sound of turning pages. All these memories came flooding back to me the moment I heard the creaking chair of mine. I was no longer alone in my living room. I was surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses. They had set the example and unknowingly had witnessed to me of the importance of this sacred hour I now spent with God. I wept as I wondered if my children were listening. I wondered if I would be that witness to them. Would I continue the legacy of the creaking chair?

Each morning now when I wake up and I think about just rolling over and falling back to sleep I remember the sound of the creak in the chair and I think to myself, “What if that chair doesn’t creak today?” Any morning could be the morning my children would hear and learn the importance of such a time spent with God. A memory could be created that would get them out of bed in the later years of their life to nurture the treasure of a relationship with the Most High God. My faithfulness now could result in a lesson taught that would one day lead them to discover the love they can experience while spending time alone with God.

Maybe you have a chair like mine that should creak tomorrow morning. God Bless.

Positive Outlook

Positive thinking is something we hear quite a bit about nowadays. The theory is that I can change my circumstances just by thinking positively. How true is this?
The Bible doesn't say positive thinking changes things what it teaches is prayer changes things. The Bible says in:

James 5:16 - Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

The Bible also says in:

Matthew 17:20 - And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Wow that is incredible....all this comes through prayer. Prayer if done sincerely and consistently creates and feeds faith and faith creates a positive outlook. If I am praying in faith about a circumstance in my life I will not be talking negatively about it. I will be conducting myself in a way as to be expectant of the answer to my prayer. I will be changing my surroundings by changing my attitude towards them.
Negative thinking comes from a lack of praying and an abundance of complaining. This approach to life will keep you in a cycle of depression and apart from the heart of God. If you are caught here the first step is to repent. The second step is to count your blessings. You have much to be thankful for; food, clothing, a roof over your head, air to breath, family that loves you, a Heavenly Father who died for you .... etc. If you are homeless and sleeping in your car then thank God for your car. If your family hates you then thank God that He loves you and is willing to forgive you no matter what you have done. The importance of this exercise is that you think and meditate on how much you take for granted. There is something somewhere you can thank God for no matter how low you are now. The third step is to start a consistent devotional time with God. This time should include Bible reading and fervent prayer to God. Quit asking God to give you what YOU want and start asking God to make you what He wants. If you do these three things it will impact how you feel, how you think, and how you are perceived, and most importantly how you stand before God.

Please note that I currently have two blog spot addresses. inclined2analyze.blogspot.com and devotionsandopinions.blogspot.com They are copies of each other

Dawn

God came to me in shades of night
Dark so thick I could not see
And there within the blackness
Spoke light and love to me.

In my fears I trembled
So weak I couldn't stand
But then I felt Him reaching
Found Hope within my hand

I discovered there a strength
I hadn't known before
The things I thought were lost to me
He spoke and did restore

I've faith enough to follow
Where He leads me now
And though I do not know just where
It matters not somehow.

Grey streaks of light now fill my sky
And so I follow on.
His love my light and dawning
Soon the darkness will be gone.

Written by: Laura L. Grapes
Copyright 2008

I Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Legacy of Anger

Proverbs 22:24 -25 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

Are you easily angered?

Many times I have heard the laughing comments of people referring to someone's fiery temper as if it were something to be admired. Being a red head I have heard the endless comments regarding the supposed terrible tempers of all red heads. Comments made with a silly grin as if they would like to see a demonstration of the supposed temper in the next few minutes. The truth however is, according to the Bible, an inability to control one's anger is not something to be admired. The truth is it is a snare to our souls and the souls of whomever finds themselves in our company. Sadly the ones we are laying this dangereous snare for are the ones we love and care about the most; they are our own children and close family members.
The Bible says we are not become friends or go anywhere with a furious and angry man. Our children and spouses have no choice however but to be subjected to our fits of temper and thus they learn our ways and this cycle of ensnarement lasts generations.
Anger and the inability to control the emotions can grow into so many full blown manifestations with consequences that are far reaching. Many things can be traced back to uncontrolled emotions....anger, quarreling, bitterness, hate, murder...do we really want to lead our loved ones into this treacheous territory? My mother has always quoted what she heard somewhere,"What parents do in moderation, children do in excess." Do we really want our children fine tuning the abilities to fly off the handle...or storm out of a room...or throwing objects...or yelling...or screaming...or pouting and sulking?
If these are your vices your pet sins...REPENT. Ask those around you who have seen the anger rule you to forgive you and share with them this verse in Proverbs.
Anger and uncontrolled emotions do not just cost you. Our children are watching and learning from us. Let us not leave to them this legacy of anger. Let us put it off like an old garment and ask God to cloth us in His meekness, quietness, and righteousness.

Though I wouldn't repeat some of the other stuff these men below have said here is some
Food For Thought:

How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.
Marcus Aurelius

Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.
Ambrose Bierce

No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched.
George Jean Nathan

Family Portraits

Today I took my six children to have their pictures taken. My oldest daughter is in college in Kentucky and couldn't be present for the exciting occasion or there would have been seven kids in the photo. I can't believe how exhausting picture taking can be. Trying to get everyone to smile and hold their heads just right is quite a task....and that isn't even mentioning all the preparation before the photograph ..... making sure all the clothes being wore are clean and not of any color that would clash with the sibling sitting beside them in the picture.
While I was applying some last minute spit to strands of hair that didn't want to lay in their proper position...I was reminded how miraculous God's gift of family is. Those of us with children know just how intense the daily grind can sometimes become....family can begin to mean to us one more load of laundry to do....or an evening meal to prepare just when we think we can't take one more thing on our "plate"....but may we never forget that all those little messers, all those mouths to feed, the husband hogging our side of the bed at night is God's special gift to us, souls that will never die made in God's own image to remind us of Him. Be mindful of this when you fill that sippy cup up one more time....or when you slide to your edge of the bed with a husband snoring loudly in you ear. Thank God for the dirt and grime on little hands requiring your attention; providing you with the opportunity to look deep into your loved one's eyes a moment made to take a mental photograph.... one you'll treasure for years to come when children won't be around to ask for small favors.
Photos taken in studios will be filed away in albums confined to bookshelves or displayed in dusty picture frames...but the family portraits I think most treasured are the ones imprinted on our hearts.....the ones mentallly taken while spending time in the shelter of our homes....without the backlights, drop cloths, and adjustable stools.

Religion vs Christianity

Religion vs Christianity

What is the difference between Religion and Christianity? The line between the two seems to
become more and more blurred everyday.

Romans 2:13 - (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law
shall be justified.
James 1:22 - But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

The Religious are schooled in the right things to say and do....lots of times they can quote
large passages of Scripture defining what they "believe"...however the Christian knows
true belief is in the doing not the saying. This is where the religious fall short...they say
they know what is right....but they perform very little to none of what they say.
The religious are swept along on the tide of their whims and flesh.
They are comfortable with their sin nature....they secretly are even happy to dwell with it.

Christianity is knowing what the Bible says to do....and doing it...through the enabling of the Holy Spirit.
Sure, a Christian might fall every now and again...but when they do they get up and repent
and start over again....doing what the Scripture says....living it day in and day out.

Proverbs 24:16 - For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again:
but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

The Christian will fight a battle with sin every day....They will not be content to dwell with it.

Are you a Christian?....or just Religious?.....Pray about it..

Is Your Name Written in the Book of Life?

The Book of Life...The most important book there is....the only list you'll ever be on that really
matters whether or not your name is found therein. Shouldn't we know how to be placed on
this list....and if there are any ways to be removed from this all important book?
This journal entry is a result of a study on the Book of Life...and what I learned may shock you.
So, reader, read on.

One of the first things I discovered in my study about the Book of Life is the fact that only the
names of those who have had a personal salvational experience can even get their names in
this Holy Book.

Phillipians 4:3 And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with
me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in
the book of life.

Here Paul is speaking to fellow laborers...as he calls them...true yokefellows....we all know
Paul's criteria of faithful service...not just anybody could or would get labeled a fellow laborer
with him.

We also find a passage in Luke which must refer to the book of life by reason of it is the only
book in heaven recorded in scripture as having names written in it.

Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather
rejoice because your names are written in heaven.

In light of the passages we have just read a question naturally comes to mind.....If only the
saved are written in the book of life...can the saved names be blotted (or taken out) of the
book of life through sin?

Exodus 32: 31-33 And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned
a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now; if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not
blot me, I pray thee out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses,
Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

By this passage, we see that the righteous because of personal sin can have their names blotted
(or taken) out of the book in heaven.

Psalm 69:27-28 Add iniquity unto their iniquity, and let them not come into thy righteousness.
Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

So, we see here, only the righteous have their names written in the book of life and through
iniquity it can be taked out.
It is interesting to note: the Hebrew word for blot in these passages is Machah....which means
to erase, abolish, blot out, destroy, put out, utterly wipe away or wipe out.

With all this in mind, and the fact Revelation was written to the seven churches....a book
we can surmise was written to Christians....this warning found in Revelation about having one's
part taken away out of the book of life and the holy city is particularly interesting...

Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of prophecy of
this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that
are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this
prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city and from
the things which are written in this book.

Even a child would understand this passage to mean one must have first had a part in the
book of life and the holy city to have it taken away. Also, if this person being warned were
never saved God could not take away something that a lost man or woman never
had a right to in the first place.

You may be asking....What happens to those whose names are not in the book of life?
The Bible says they are thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the
lake of fire.

Seeing the names of formerly saved persons can be blotted out of the book of life it must
therefore be impossible for the doctrine of Once Saved Always Saved to be true!!!!
It is interesting to note that the Greek for the words fearful and unbelieving in the next cited
passage can mean the faithless and disobedient. Also it is interesting to note that the list of
people who are in hell does not just end with unbelievers!

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable, and the murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake
which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

Obviously, these people's names are not written in the book of life because they are thrown
into the lake of fire. We can gather from this the ones whose names ARE in the book of life
ARE NOT the fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters,
or liars.
To not go to the holy city because your part is taken away (as stated in Rev 22:18-19) is to
be left outside that holy city.

Revelation 22:14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to
the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For WITHOUT are dogs and
sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and
maketh a lie.

The Book of Life truly is the most important book there is. Why do you think what is required
to be included in this book isn't more taught and talked about? If it were, I am sure, all those
passages on faith and faithfulness going hand in hand would mean more. All those passages,
on enduring to the end and finishing the race set before us, would ring a little truer. We would
walk daily with Christ...just a little closer...and we would deny ourselves more and take up
our cross and follow Christ. I know we would repent a lot more and strive to be more obedient.

This truth concerning the book of life and the saved being blotted out has been there all along.
Isn't it sad when what has been right in front of our eyes....startles and surprises us?

I ask the question again...in light of what you have read....Is your name written in the book of
life? Pray about it!!!!!

What's Important

What's Most Important

What's most important in life?

Things which cause heartache and strife?

Daily pains that cut like a knife?

Is this what's important in life?



Is it money, possesions, and fame?

Your heritage or good family name?

Is it recognition or worldly acclaim?

What's important's not one and the same.



For what's most important indeed

Is what too often we pay little heed

Like the touch of a friend when in need

Kindness in action, in word, or in deed



What's important begins with this seed

A growing flower 'midst a garden of weeds

Bringing cheer to your heart when it bleeds

Now this seed we call charity



But this seed that is too little known

In truth can only be sown

By those who kneel before the throne

Of the Lord Jehovah: Who is charity

Written by: L.L.H.

Copyrighted 2001

1 Corinthians 13

1 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. 2 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. 3 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. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

CHARITY....1 : benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity 2a : generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; also : aid given to those in need b : an institution engaged in relief of the poor c : public provision for the relief of the needy

Truth

Truth. Everyone is searching for it...but very few want to see it, hear it, or experience it. We live in a world trying to escape the truth...with creams that promise less wrinkles....clothes which promise to conceal pounds, and a multi-million dollar plastic surgery industry.

What is truth? Our culture today says truth is relative. Those newly “enlightened” claim "Truth is whatever you decide for yourself." This theory proves its own self to be false....for instance...if I weigh 999 pounds and I decide that my version of the truth will be that I am not fat... even though I may deceive myself into thinking I am thin… the real truth will smack me in the face whenever I sit down and break a chair not properly constructed for my massive size, or anytime I go clothes shopping only to realize I cannot even fit my little toe into a size six dress. My “thin” version of the truth will only survive as long as I choose to blind myself to reality.

Truth exists. There is a truth apart from what we decided for ourselves …it is called God’s Word. The Bible, in its uncut version, is extremely unpopular. It has the audacity to label everyone sinners! For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12

It says we are incapable of doing any good on our own. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

The Bible also lets us know; no sin will enter into heaven and then goes on to tell us where unrepentant sinners go….HELL. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15 The Bible states the only way to avoid this condemnation is to hear God’s Word, which is true, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father, who sent Christ, as our Savior. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24

Now many sinners will immediately proclaim “THIS CAN’T BE TRUTH…IT IS TOO HARSH….AND IT DOESN’T LEAVE ANY OTHER OPTIONS…THEREFORE IT MUST BE WRONG.” These same people will go on pretending they’ll never die and ignoring the lash from their conscience. These are the same people who are devastated by their 99 year old Grandmother dying…because it doesn’t fit into their version of the truth….that they will live forever. Whenever they briefly face the fact of their own mortality and their conscience begins to bother them; they see a shrink or take a pill….anything to avoid reality…but sad to say…for some …DEATH…will be the only thing that wakes them up to the Truth. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. Luke 16:24



Truth separates friends and families. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:32-37 When a Christian lives and speaks the truth they should not be surprised to find themselves at odds with the world around them. The Christian is motivated by a completely different reasoning such as: …shortness of time…certainty of death…keeping a clear conscience before God…etc. The Bible refers to a Christian as a stranger and a pilgrim. When a Christian accepts the Bible as the final authority in his life; he is certain to appear as a stranger, living in a foreign land, whenever he finds himself amongst the world. The Bible does not say he MAY be reviled and persecuted…it says he SHALL be.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matthew 5:11

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:12-13

Truth sets us free. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:32 God cannot tell a lie …God, that cannot lie…Titus 1:2

…therefore He is truth. Whenever we embrace this truth…that the Bible is the truth… we will be set free from the world’s philosophy that says “Truth is whatever you decide for yourself…whatever makes you happy…whatever makes you feel good.” We will understand the fact that a Christian marches to the beat of a different drum. We are not on this earth to win a popularity contest. We are here to shine our lights in a dark world. 14 Ye are the light of the world. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14&16 Even though the truth, we embrace as Christians, may cause us to receive persecution on earth that same truth if we hold fast our faith will protect us in the world to come.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4

Faith

Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

PASSIVE faith accepts the Word as true - But never moves….ACTIVE faith begins the work to do - and thereby proves.

PASSIVE faith says, “ I believe it! Every word of God is true. Well, I know He hath not spoken what He cannot, will not, do. He hath bidden me, “ Go forward!” but a closed up way I see, When the waters are divided soon in Canaan’s land I’ll be. Lo! I hear His voice commanding “Rise and walk: take up thy bed and stretch forth thy withered member! Which for so long hath been dead.” When I am a little stronger, then, I know I’ll surely stand. When there comes a thrill of healing, I will use with ease my other hand. Yes, I know that God is able! And full willing all to do: I believe that every promise, sometime, will to me come true.”

ACTIVE faith says “I believe it! And the promise now I take. Knowing well, as I receive it, God, each promise real will make. So I step into the waters, finding there an open way; Onward press, the land possessing; nothing can my progress stay. Yea, I rise at His commanding, walk straightway and joyfully. This, my hand, so sadly shriveled, as I reach, restored shall be. What beyond His faithful promise, would I wish or do I need? Looking not for “signs or wonders” I’ll no contradiction heed. Well, I know that “God is able,” and full willing all to do: I believe that every promise, at this moment can come true.”

PASSIVE faith but praises in the light, When sun doth shine….ACTIVE faith will praise in darkest night - Which faith is thine?

- Selected -

This is a selection which inspired me many years ago. I do not know who the author is or I would give him or her due credit.

1.And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 4 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. Mark 6:1-6

I believe a passive faith is what many Christian’s possess. I have struggled with this malady in my own life and I am sure you have as well. It is something we should STRUGGLE to be free from. We should constantly pray that the Lord would give us active faith.

There are “Christians,” however, who do not struggle to be free from this form of disbelief, they fully surrender to it. Their faith is one which believes God is capable of doing boundless miracles….just not in their lives. They spread their infectious disease of doubt…endlessly stating all the factors which make their situation hopeless and render them virtual victims of their circumstances. They may even go so far as to claim those having an active faith suffer from false hope. They pride themselves in being realists, justifying their doubt, and making it into a thing of virtue. The Bible says we can prevent God from doing a mighty work in our life because of our disbelief....Doubt is never a virtue even when cloaked in the vesture of realism. 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. Hebrews 11:6 Not only is unbelief not a virtue it is a sin! But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

May every Christian pray to be counted amongst the few who have enough faith and confidence in Christ Jesus to witness and experience His saving power and healing touch. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. Mark 6:5

Knowing how doubt displeases God, how it is labeled as sin, and how it ties (for lack of a better word...though God's hands are never bound if He chooses to work) God's hands in our lives, let us anytime we feel doubt in our hearts; pray this prayer, with the father, who received healing for his demonic boy, at the feet of Christ. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:24

Let us remember, God's people are the FAITHFUL few....not the FAITHLESS many.

Divine Expression

I heard the voice of God today

By a stream which flowed so free

Saw the artwork of His fingers

In the etchings of a tree



I thought I saw His footprints

Upon the moss rich covered ground

As I breathed His very essence

In the wind which stirred around



I knew somehow that God had wrought

In the wonders which I saw

His own divine expression

Of the love He has for all.



Written By: Laura.L.Hensley

Copyrighted 2002

Orgin of Language

What is the origin of language? Have you ever thought about it? The correct answer is God. But have you ever considered for what purpose He created language? Is it solely so we can express ourselves to others?

15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:15-17

Here we find God using language to communicate to man….before God created any other human being for Adam to communicate with….God was using language to communicate to Adam. In these verses we find the very beginning of language. Herein lays the purpose for the spoken word. God wanted Adam to know what His will was for his life…GOD WANTED TO COMMUNICATE TO MAN!!!!!

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Genesis 2:23

Who was Adam talking to? HE WAS TALKING TO GOD…even before he talked to Eve.

But did we need language to express ourselves to God? Doesn’t He know our thoughts…our hearts…even before we speak? ‘Tis true God knows our thoughts and our heart’s intent….but without language we would not know His thoughts or His intents. He created language to open up a dialog between He and us.

Many times we believe our language just can’t express what we think or feel. For example if we tried to explain what a rose is to a man, blind from birth, what words would we use…even if we knew every language spoken? How could we explain the color red…the different colors and shades of red….the tender velvet petals perfectly formed? When you think about it… would it really be the language that wasn’t adequate enough to describe the rose? Or would it be our own limitations of imagination which would prohibit a worthy description.

When God sent His Word to man, He used language, to let man know of His commandments, Christ’s Redeeming blood, the plan of salvation, and the rewards that await the faithful follower. He described gates of pearl, and streets of purest gold, a river flowing from the throne of God, and a tree bearing 12 manner of different fruits. I know what pearl looks like…most people do…but can you imagine what gates of pearl look like? Even though through language God described the gates perfectly….the limits of my imagination prohibit me from truly knowing what those gates of pearl, or streets of gold, or river of life, or what a tree with twelve different fruits hanging on it will look like.

May we never fail to believe God’s Word because our imagination limits our ability to fully comprehend the full scope of it…whether His words are of commandment or promise. Let us always take God‘s Word for exactly what it says…and celebrate whatever language His Word is spoken in for that which it truly is…God’s way of communicating to us. Open up the Bible, read what it says…and believe every syllable….for it will come to pass; just as it is written.

The emphasis, in our church culture today, is on using language to praise and worship God. We know God longs for a perfect praise from His children but may we never be guilty of forgetting the first and most important part of the reason God created language. It was not created solely for us to express ourselves to God….but so God could express Himself to man. Through the Bible, He has accomplished what He set out to do. He has let us know what a perfect praise is born of ….a heart completely devoted to listening, and following Him in complete surrender.

I am humbled by the thought that the ALL MIGHTY GOD wants me to know what is in His heart, who He is, and how to please Him. This very thought should move us all to silence…and open up our hearts for listening to what HE has to say.

Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. 1Samuel 3:9