14 Dec (Revelation 2)

Revelation 2

These seven churches encapsulate the seven stages of Church history. These were real churches in the day of John's writing, but they also are types of the churches to come.

Ephesus ~ The Loveless Church

(v.2) We can look at each of these churches in a personal way, as a church, and as prophecy to Church history. It seems that the people of Ephesus were great about spotting counterfeit Christians, and were holding true to the doctrines taught them by Paul and others.

(v.4) Ouch! Like Martha in Luke 10, they were obsessed with deeds and actions, where they forgot to sit and worship Him! We all have to watch out for this, for it's easy to get caught up in serving and doing the Church things, when we forget to have quiet time listening to God!

(v.5) If they can lose their lampstand, it means they aren't saved. This is how I interpret this, and it makes sense. So many people do the "Church Thing" every Sunday, but they don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. They don't have a prayer life of conversing and listening to Him, and they just keep doing what they think pleases God.

(v.6) Nicolaitans are the ruling class over the people. It seems that in the early Church, there were some who thought they should be listened to more than Jesus. Their pride got in the way of true worship.

(v.7) Here is another reason I believe these people aren't truly saved at this point, for Jesus promises to let them eat from the Tree of Life if they overcome their sins.

Smyrna ~ The Persecuted Church

Smyrna has the same base word as Myrrh, which means death. This church faced rampant persecution by the hands of the Romans, and were martyred and killed for their faith.

(v.8) Again, when did the Father (YHWH or Jehovah) die? It was the Son, and He is God!

(v.10) This must have been hard to take, knowing you were about to be put in jail and killed for your faith! However, many Christians have suffered this same fate over the centuries...even today. We are lucky in America, and we should use that fortune to be more vigilant about spreading the Good News of Christ!

Pergamos ~ The Compromising Church

This church speaks of the time in history where the Roman Catholic Church made Christianity blend with pagan practices to create unity in the Empire. So many practices by the RCC can go back to Babylon, and their acceptance of pagan practices into the church.

The word, Pergamos, in Greek, means mixed or perverted. This is what the church did...they mixed the pagan practices with Biblical Christianity, and created a mixed marriage that wasn't devoted to Christ. Remember what Paul said to those that allowed sin and pagan practices into their lives? 1 Cor 5:6

(v.13) Scholars believe that the Tower of Babel was erected in the same area as Pergamos. The start of Satanic practices was where the RCC decided to make Christianity the only religion, and worse, that the State would run it!

(v.14) The docrine of Baalam Num 31:16 was the act of tempting God's people into sin...this is what this church did with its believers.

(v.15) Notice that Ephesus was doing the deeds of the Nicolaitans, where now it is doctrine. The Church had incorporated the pagan practices and moved away from Scripture.

Remember, once Satan lost at the cross, he tried to kill the church through persecution at the hands of the Jews and Romans. This only made the Church grow stronger! So what did Satan do? He made up the phrase, "If you can't beat them, join them!" He infiltrated the Church, and little by little, had people focus on traditions and doctrines not from Scripture, and thus, the beginning of cults were born!

Thyatira ~ The Corrupt Church

(v.18) This is the same description of Jesus as noted in Daniel 7:9, 10:6

(v.20) There is so much to research here, and I suggest you do, but in short, He is talking about the popes of the Roman Catholic Church. They used their power to seduce and enslave.

(v.22) Very scary...they aren't saved and will endure the Tribulation on earth. This doesn't mean that Catholics aren't saved...most are, but the doctrines and leaders of the RCC have a lot of explaining to do with Jesus!

(v.24) So many people follow the traditions of men, and don't know why. They think it's just what God wants. But if they read their Bible, they will see that God doesn't want us to chant or say repetitive prayers, or worse yet, pray to mortal people!

God knows who hearts are pure and seek Him, and He will lead them to Him.

8 Dec (Hebrews 3-4)

Hebrews 3

(v.4) Take time to look at God's creation...look at the majesty! Then think on the fact that this current creation is fallen...it used to be so much better! One glorious day, we will see it like it should be! Rev 21:1

(v.19) If we look at the model that God put out for us to study...the Jews leaving Egypt were called by Him. Their wanderings through the Wilderness is like our time here on earth, full of trials and doubts. But their unbelief kept them from entering the Promised Land...those who don't accept what Christ did for us, will be given their wish...eternity separated from God.

Hebrews 4

(v.3) Imagine no more pain, no more worrying, no more hardship...forever! That is what is awaiting us if we push on through this life! This is our time to serve the LORD by loving and serving others! Think of this life as a giant invite to the best party ever...it is up to us to invite and motivate as many who will listen to attend!

(v.9) In this life, we have His peace, but in heaven, we have His rest!!!

(v.12) I have been confronted with such venom by reciting a verse in the Bible! It's not my words, but God's words! When you have this happen to you, remember that truth hurts those who are walking in darkness. Love and encourage them, and let the Holy Spirit do His work!

(v.15) We should never think that God doesn't understand our problems...He was tempted in all ways that we are, and He endured the most horrific and painful death for us! He knows what we go through, and He loves for us to cry out to Him and let Him work in our lives!

2 Dec (James 1-2)

James is the half-brother of Jesus...they share the same mother, but their fathers are different. James and Jude were the offspring of Joseph and Mary after Jesus was born of Mary by the Holy Spirit. Matt 12:46, 13:55

James and Jude did not believe that their half-brother was God, and were not believers until after the resurrection of Jesus. James became the pastor and leader of the Church in Jerusalem. This fact is one of many that negate the claim by the Roman Catholic Church, that Peter was the first pope...Peter took orders from James! Acts 15:13

James 1

(v.2-3) This is a different way to think...it is contrary to our nature! But if we are set apart by God, to live for Him, then we should think differently.

It's important to teach our kids, that trials will always be with us in our lives. What James is saying here, is that these trials are opportunities to become stronger in the LORD! The key is to rely upon Him, and to let Him work out the problem for us!

(v.5) God wants us to know Him better, so if we ask for His wisdom, and seek it in His Word, He will provide abundantly.

(v.6) When we pray in His will, we need to do so in faith...knowing that He will respond on His timing.

(v.12) We are tempted every day...what James is speaking of, are the temptations that continually keep us from God. The list of these are many, but search your hearts, and find out what sins consistently trip us up, and seek His help in overcoming them.

(v.13) Critics often say that God tempts us, and He made us sinners...this is false. God made everything good Gen 1:31 but when sin entered the world, death and destruction became a part of life.

(v.15) This verse displays what James is talking about. When we allow ourselves to keep sinning by a certain temptation, then it becomes a lifestyle that prevents us from walking with God. This will lead to death.

(v.19) Wise words...remind your kids of this verse!

(v.22) This is key...we need to show the love of Christ in us by our actions AND our words, not just by words, and act like the world does.

James 2

(v.4) God warns us of showing favoritism to the rich...why? This is pride at its core, since if we are nice to the rich, it's only because we want something in return. What can being nice to a poor person gain us? That is what God is saying here...be loving to all, and let God reward us, not man.

(v.10) Many people try to follow the Law today, and even Paul thought of himself as a strict observer of the Law. But we see here, and by common sense, that NO ONE can keep the Law perfectly...we are fallen sinners, and even the best of us will slip up now and then. It took God Himself to die for us, for no man could keep the Law perfectly.

(v.17) James is speaking to believers here, for if we believe, we should be doers of what Jesus commands us...to love others. John 13:35

(v.26) This is clear...if we are followers of Christ, then people should be able to see a difference in our lives, not just by our words.

11 Nov (Rom 5-7)

Romans 5

(v.3) Do we look forward to problems in our lives? Of course not, but when they come, we should look at them as opportunities to be used by God. We have the honor to be be molded by Him to be more like Christ. And if we look back at our problems we had, and when we let God use us and guide us through them, we are better for it! James 1:2

(v.7) Is there someone you would die for? Probably your kids, your family, and some friends you know. Would you die for a person you just met? Or even someone you never met?

Jesus died for all mankind...that is love! He died for all, but in the end, it will be only the ones who understood that and were grateful for that love, that will it benefit. When we are His, He calls us His friends. John 15:15

Jesus died for His friends...John 15:13

(v.19) This verse summarizes the Bible completely...Since Adam and Eve sinned, mankind was born with a sinful nature. We were doomed to hell in our sins, since none could be holy enough to abide with God in heaven. But that's the reason that God had to provide us the way back to Him...and He did it with Himself...the person named Jesus. By His act of obedience to the Law and the holiness of God, He died sinless, and took on our sin for us. Therefore, we who believe and live in faith with that, are deemed sinless as well by the cleansing blood of His Son.

Romans 6

(v.3) Water baptism does not save us. Baptizing a baby is only a ceremony...it doesn't save that child. All children are saved until they reach an age of accountability...roughly in their early teens. So when we do water baptism, it is a public display of our death to sin, and rebirth in Spirit. The baptism of the Spirit is what counts...and that can only happen when we are older and can readily accept what it means.

(v.7) We who have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, have died to sin. We no longer are controlled by sin. Because we have God's Spirit in us, we are able to overcome sin and temptation.

(v.12) Men have the hardest time with this one...we are attracted to things with our eyes. For the most part, women love a man who can communicate and tell them his love and share his life with them in discussion.

(v.14) By the grace of God, we have His Spirit working in us, and we can overcome sin!

(v.18) This is why Paul talked so directly in the first chapter of this book...homosexuals live a lifestyle and life of sin. We all sin, but homosexuals live under the power of sin. Of course, heterosexuals do as well, if we let money or fame have control over us. Any lifestyle or passion that is put above the love for God is sin.

(v.23) Repeat this verse to yourself and your kids...it summarizes this whole chapter!

Romans 7

(v.7) We don't know good unless we know bad first. We can't know if something tastes good, unless we are used to eating bad things. That is why God allowed evil to enter the world...to show us what we don't want, and for us to go to Him to have good.

(v.23) Our flesh keeps fighting our spirit that is trying to be more Christ-like. It is a constant battle that will endure until we are with Jesus in heaven. After we are justified to the Father by the faith in His Son, we go through the rest of our lives being sanctified, or molded, to be more like Christ. This process is an ebb and flow, but it must be a constant one-way journey. If we are born again, then we won't take time out and sin like we did for a season. Sure, we will slip and fall on occasion, but our path must be forward. Matt 7:13-14

1 Nov (1 Cor 9-10)

1 Corinthians 9

(v.5) Here is where the early church was discussing tithes, and how to support the teacher/pastor. Some said they should only support teachers that weren't married, so they wouldn't have to support a whole family. Paul is citing Peter and other disciples who teach and are married.

Unfortunately, the Roman Catholic Church argued about the same thing, but chose to say that only pastors or priests can be celibate and unmarried. This way, they didn't have to take care of the family and his descendants. There was no Scriptural reason to do this, but it was about money and power.

(v.10) This is like a business...the owner should work for the bulk of the profit, but the helpers get a piece as well.

(v.17) Teach your kids not to be ashamed of the Gospel, and to share it with their friends. God will reward them, even though some kids might make fun of them, it will be worth it!

(v.19) This part can be summed up in one sentence...know your audience when you're sharing Christ, and try to relate to them by what they are comfortable with and what they understand.

1 Corinthians 10

(v.4) The Rock is Jesus and we know this by many references to the Rock in Scripture. Your kids might find it fun to look up all the references to rock in the Bible...Jesus will be in all of them!

I also take notice to stress to my kids that Peter is not the Rock...Jesus is the Rock...and what Peter said in Matt 16:18 was that Jesus is the Son of God. That is what the Church is built upon...not Peter.

(v.11) Why do we read the Bible? We do to learn from what others did, and to come to know God better. When we see what God said, and what He did with the people in the Word, we get a better idea of what He wants for us.

(v.13) This is a key verse for young kids...especially teenagers! We are not powerless over sin. God had been tempted in every way like us, and He lived without sin. He will provide a way for us to escape sin and temptation, but we have to be willing to escape. That is the key.

(v.31) We should not get drunk or eat things given to idols, otherwise, we are to be moderate in food and drink, and give thanks to God for His provision. That is why Jesus blessed the bread and wine, since the Jews had those two things for every supper. We are to give thanks to He who provides for us when we sit down as a family to eat.

19 Aug (Matt 6)

The Gospels: Practicing Righteousness

Matthew 6

(v.1) We are not supposed to tithe and show off what we give to God...that is between Him and ourselves. Besides, a person who wishes to have others know how much he/she gave, is only doing it for themselves...not for the worship of God.

In verses 9-13, we see the prayer that Jesus told His disciples to pray. It is often called the Lord's Prayer, but it's not the prayer of our LORD, it's a template for us to think on all the things of God in prayer.

The REAL LORD's Prayer is in John 17

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name

~ I teach my kids to pray TO the Father, IN THE NAME of Jesus. The Father is to be worshiped and hallowed or respected.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven

~ This alludes to the two comings of Christ...He will come again and restore the earth to it's rightful owner (Jesus), and the whole creation will be like it was when Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden.

We are also to be mindful that our desires are often not good for us, so we are to trust in Him, to lead us and guide our lives the way He wants us to live for Him.

Give us this day our daily bread

~ God is our Provider, and He will give us all we need in life. Much like the Jews in the Wilderness who were fed by God with manna...they never went hungry.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors

~ Only if we have forgiving hearts, can God truly forgive our sins. If we are saved, then we have a new heart that is loving and forgiving. Sure, we will have moments of hate and selfishness, but we won't let our lives be driven by hate and resentment.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one

~ God doesn't tempt us, for He can't. But He does allow Satan to tempt us, and God pleads with us to rely on His strength, and His Word, to keep us away from falling into temptation for evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

~ It's all about Him, and the glory and praise goes to Him!

(v.16) Like tithing and giving, we shouldn't proclaim our fasting times as well. We shouldn't seem weak and hurting because we're fasting. In fact, when I have fasted, I have found that God strengthens me, and I don't feel weak. Appearing weak to others only is a ploy to tell them you're fasting!

(v.21) If we seek the approval of mankind, then that's as much as we'll get here on earth. But if we seek God's approval and blessings, then He will deliver and prepare wonderful rewards in heaven for us! It's an easy choice!!!

You cannot serve God and mammon.

~ Mammon is money, and if we place riches and material things as important in our lives, then we aren't following God. There is a phrase that is often misquoted that most of us have heard:

Money is the root of all evil...but the Scripture says the LOVE of money is the root of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10

That is a big difference! God blesses some of us with money, and it's up to us to use that money for His purposes, by donating and supporting ministries that do God's work.

(v.33) If we lay our troubles at the foot of the cross, and let Jesus take care of them, then we won't worry and stress ourselves out. It all comes down to the fact of whether we trust God or not.

18 Aug (Matt 5)

The Gospels: The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5

This Sermon that Jesus gave, was not to the multitudes, but to His disciples. He gave this wisdom to His own...those who were already saved and justified by their faith in Him.

Blessed are those who are poor in spirit ~ this doesn't mean those that have weak spirituality...it means those that KNOW that they are wretched sinners, and require a Savior to rescue them from their doom to hell. Again, Jesus is speaking to the saved, not the unsaved here.

Blessed are those who mourn ~ Because we are sinners, and we fail at meeting God's commandments, we mourn our failures. This puts our hearts in the right place for God to comfort us and use us for His purposes!

Blessed are the meek ~ We often associate being meek as being shy and weak. This is not what the Greek word means...to be meek is to be humble and respectful.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness ~ When we are saved, we hunger to be nearer to God, and to learn more about Him. As Jesus said, He is the Living Water John 4:10 and the Bread of Life. John 6:35

Blessed are the merciful ~ When we are saved and have the Holy Spirit in us, we love others and put their needs before our own.

Blessed are the pure in heart ~ As saved children of God, we seek to be pure and emulate our King, who showed us how to live and serve others.

Blessed are the peacemakers ~ There are two parts to being peacemakers...the first is to try to settle conflicts, and the other, is to lead others to Christ, for they are at war with their flesh and God until they accept Christ.

Blessed are those who are persecuted ~ We always think of those that died for Christ, but this also includes us who live for Christ, and are mocked and persecuted because of it. God will not forget our faith and service in His name.

(v.13) Salt either increases pleasure, or it irritates. God wants us to do both. He wants us to irritate in order to wake people up from their apathetic view of life, and He wants us to enhance the quality of life with love and service.

(v.14) Light overpowers darkness. We are a reflection of God's light. I like to tell my kids how the moon reflects the sun's light in darkness. We are to have God's love reflect off of us to the lost.

(v.17) Jesus was a Jew, and He observed the Law and the Feasts of Israel. He did them perfectly, and by doing so, He absolved our sins by being our Passover Lamb on the cross!

(v.22) Jesus took the Law to another level...when we have hatred and resentment, we allow the devil to move us away from love and God. No matter how bad we've been wronged, we need to give those hurts to God, and let Him deal with it. If we don't, it will keep us from being effective ambassadors for Christ.

(v.28) Lust is the gateway to hell. I take time to point out to my kids, that Satan uses our eyes to tempt us, while Jesus always has us use our ears to hear the Word of God. Once we go on the road of our temptations by our sight, we fall away from God.

(v.44) The best way to defeat an enemy is to love him or her. Love conquers all. Bullies and evil doers are often subdued by love and respect, when in reality, that's what they've been missing all along!

However, I do point out to my kids, that Jesus doesn't want us to be pushovers and punching bags! In Luke 22:36 He instructs His disciples to buy a sword for self defense. It is righteous to protect your friends and family, but it's not Christian to bully or conquer for material gain. There lies the difference.

13 Aug (Matt 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)

The Gospels: Satan Tempts Jesus

Luke 4

(v.1) We see that Jesus was led by the Spirit...He was subservient to the Father and the Spirit while on earth...just as we are supposed to be. Jesus showed us how to live...not a life with no problems, but a life that has meaning and purpose.

(v.4) When we are faced with temptation, Jesus shows us the way to overcome temptation...the Word of God! If we know verses in the Bible that speak about particular temptations, and if when faced with those temptations, we recite them out loud or in our heads, we are far less likely to fall to temptation.

(v.6) This is an important teaching moment for our kids...notice that Jesus doesn't refute Satan's claim to be in charge of all the kingdoms of the earth. When God created Adam and Eve, He gave them dominion and authority over all the creation. But when they sinned, they lost that authority...it was relinquished to Satan. The devil is the god of this world...he has immense power over the world.

BUT...God is the LORD over all creation, so He allows Satan to work in the world, and God uses the evil in the world to work for good. Rom 8:28

(v.12) When we are His, we are under His protection and guidance. However, we are not to live recklessly and put ourselves in situations that put God's love and protection to the test. We need to let Him put us in situations...for He is in charge of those situations, and puts us in them to refine and strengthen us!

(v.34) Skeptics often say that Jesus never said He was God...well, there are many instances where He did say that, but we also have verses like this that show us that even the demons knew who He is!

(v.38) For my Catholic friends...this is a verse that we all need to think about and understand. Peter was married...we know this because of this verse, for he had a mother-in-law. Now, if Peter is the first pope, then why did the Roman Catholic Church demand that popes be celibate?

Also, there is much evidence that Peter was not the first pope...for he wasn't even in charge of the early Church! In Acts 15, at the Council of Jerusalem, James is the leader! James is the half brother of Jesus, and came to faith after the Resurrection. James was anointed to be the pastor/leader of the Church in Jerusalem...not Peter. James gave the orders...not Peter.

With all that in mind, my wife grew up Catholic, and was saved by her faith in Jesus, not in Mary or the pope. For those of you Catholic friends who read this blog...all I ask is that you compare the teachings of the RCC to the teachings in the Bible, and come to your own conclusions. The Bible is inspired by God and His Spirit...any church is run by men...fallen and imperfect.

19 Jul (Job 1-2)

Job 1

The book of Job is believed to be the oldest book of the Bible, and scholars think that Job lived at the time of Abraham. One reason for this, is that this book doesn't mention the Law given to Moses, or any mention of the Levitical priesthood. This is significant, since Job was a priest, but before the tribe of Levi.

(v.6) I make certain that my kids know what sons of God means in the Hebrew Scriptures...it means angels. Angels were directly created by God...they weren't procreated like all of us after Adam and Eve. For that matter, Adam and Eve were direct creations of God...they were not birthed.

(v.7) It's important to discuss this with our kids...Satan seems to have access to God in heaven, but debate is still ongoing as to whether this is before the Fall of Adam, or after. It seems likely that this is after the Fall, since Satan is already accusing Job, and working to make him profane God's name.

One other thing to stress to our kids, is that Satan can't act unless God allows it. Does this mean that God causes trials in our lives? No, He doesn't...but He allows them to build our character. James 1:2 & Rom 5:3-4

(v.11) I firmly believe that when we are at our most vulnerable, is when we are victorious. When we're on top, we get a sense of power and invincibility. Satan made this point with Job...he was walking with God because he was so blessed. Satan believed that even the most faithful man would reject God if his life turned to hell.

Sadly, this has happened to so many people...they take God for granted while things are going well, but when disaster comes, they feel that God abandoned them. Whether we're doing well, or when we're having hard times, God is always with us. Heb 13:5

(v.21) Just as when David worshipped God after his son died, Job has the right perspective on things. God is in control, and this life is short. What matters is what we do with it while we have it. Both David and Job knew that they would see their family members again in heaven.

Job 2

(v.4) When our flesh is ailing, we are not in a good mood! It's so easy for us to act unrighteous when we hurt. Satan knew this, and he was betting that Job would profane God when he was in pain. Again, Job shows us that all is vanity, except for our relationship with God. Ecc 1:2

(v.9) Job's wife is typical of many people we know...fair-weather believers. When things are good, God is praised, but when things go bad, God is cursed. I make a point to my kids, that they should always be thankful for what they have, instead of focusing on what they don't have. Phil 4:6

(v.11) Job's three friends start out so well, but as we will see, they seek to find out why these things happened, and use man's wisdom to find the answers. They come to support their friend, which is good, but even if they had good intentions, their blaming of Job was both unbiblical and counter-productive.

(v.13) When someone you know has just experienced a great tragedy, there are no words to comfort them. What's important, is to be there for them. To grieve with them. Ecc 3:4

8 June (Isaiah 49-50)

Isaiah 49

(v.6) This is one of the key OT verses where God foretells that He will save the Gentiles or His Church. If we remember John 3:16 we know that God so loved the WORLD...not just the people of Israel.

I stress with my kids that God chose Israel to reveal Himself to the world through them. He planned on saving all people, and did that at the cross!

(v.14) It's important to stress to our kids that it's natural to think that God has abandoned us at times in our lives. We all feel that, but as their parents, we need to remind them that God is everywhere, including right there next to them all the days of their lives. He is guiding and protecting us, and the more we call out to Him and walk with Him, we'll feel His presence.

(v.25) As a parent, we know how we would react if someone threatened our children. We have a glimpse of what the Father feels when evil people harm or torment His own. He is a loving God, but He hates evil, and He will fight our battles and win them for us if we let Him!

Isaiah 50

(v.1) There was a comedian in the 1960's who used to say, "The devil made me do it!" Well, the devil does tempt us, but we only sin when we allow ourselves to ignore God's commands. I am guilty of this, as are all of us, and we just have to keep striving to rely on God's power and holiness, for our power is weak. Matt 26:41

(v.6) We get a glimpse of the torture and shame Jesus endured for us...His beard was ripped off His face, and they spit on Him. I ask my kids to imagine that...doing that to the One who created us, and treating Him like a criminal.

(v.10) I am reminded of Prov 3:5-6 and John 9:5 where God tells us to look to Him as the light in the middle of darkness, and to trust in Him.

Apr 12 (Prov 5-7)

Proverbs 5

(v.8) With our kids, this verse reminds us to stay away from temptation...no matter what it is. If we know we can be tempted to sin by something, it's wise to stay away from it! Some people like to "tempt" God, and see how strong-willed they are. They may do fine for a while, but eventually, on our own strength, we will fail. We need to listen to God's commands, since they are there to keep us out of trouble!

(v.18) To all of us Dads, we need to remember this verse. We are fallen, and prone to wander with our eyes. The devil uses this to tempt us to sin. We need to be grateful for our wives, and love them the way God wants us to love them.

(v.21) It is good for us to plan and ask God for direction. He gives us free will to choose our paths and make decisions. However, God will guide us if we're walking with Him, and if He has a purpose to have us act out, it will be done no matter what!

Proverbs 6

(v.17) These seven things the LORD hates:

A proud look ~ pride is what broke Lucifer, and it's what keeps us from God

A lying tongue ~ Often, the truth is bad enough, so why make it worse with a lie that when discovered, will make the problem even bigger?

Shedding of innocent blood ~ This covers many things, but this is also a great verse to remind those who are for abortion...that baby is innocent.

Wicked heart ~ God knows our hearts, so if we say one thing and do another, He will know

Swift feet to evil ~ We are not walking with Him if we're quick to do worldly things

False witness ~ this is lying but usually by omission. If we don't tell the WHOLE truth, then we can mislead and not give the whole picture or information.

Discord among the brethren ~ This is one of the biggest things we Christians have to be cautious of...gossip and dissent among other believers. We are one Body of Christ. If we feel another is not acting godly, then we should approach them privately. Also, if we feel a leader in the church is not acting or speaking godly, then it's not our duty to oust him. Pray and let God do the work!

(v.23) God's Word is a lamp to our feet...it guides us. God gave us the Law to show us how to strive to live like Christ, and to have us realize that we can't do it alone...we need a Savior...Jesus!

Proverbs 7

(v.4) If we treat wisdom and understanding like we treat our loved ones, we will be better off. We will keep them close to us, and cherish them.

(v.27) Temptation leads to death. We will fall occasionally, but if we lead a lifestyle of habitual sin, then we're not saved. Only God can free us from the grip of sin, so pray to Him to help you!

Apr 5 (Psa 20, 25, 32, 42, 101)

Songs of Joy and Praise

Psalm 20

(v.4) I like this psalm for when I'm feeling a little overwhelmed...it's comforting. God has a purpose for all of us, and He loves to bless us and amaze us!

(v.6) God saves His beloved...that's you and me!

Psalm 25

(v.4) This is what we need to pray EVERY DAY...for God to show us His ways, and to lead us on our paths.

(v.11) I stress this with my kids...For Your name's sake...Jesus' name means YHWH Saves, so He can't go against His character!

(v.14) Being a believer and follower of Jesus is not like a fraternity or club...it is a relationship with Him. The more we pray and read His Word, the more He reveals His wisdom to us!

(v.20) I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Are you?

Psalm 32

(v.2) When we accept Jesus into our hearts, and we submit to His guidance, our sins are washed away with the blood of the Lamb. The Father sees us thereafter with Jesus-filtered glasses, and we are righteous and redeemed in His sight! Heb 8:12

(v.5) Our sins are forgiven only if we confess them to God. We need to say them out loud to Him, and learn from them, and He will help us to be more righteous.

Psalm 42

(v.4) The best times to praise God are when we are sad or even heartbroken. It's at those times, when we ignore our sinful ways to praise God during a storm in our lives, that God blesses us and comforts us immensely. He loves to do that!

(v.9) Jesus is our Rock, and He hears us and prays for us to the Father continuously.

Psalm 101

(v.3) Satan uses our eyes to tempt us...the eyes are the window to our soul that he tries to have us fall away from God. Lust of the eyes is very powerful, but God gives us a way out 1 Cor 10:13 if we let Him. The best thing for all of us to do, is to avoid putting ourselves in situations where we know we'll be tempted by what we see.

(v.6) I am reminded that I should choose my friends wisely. We need to associate with other believers and spend time with godly people, instead of those who are of this world.