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March 14, 2015

Money VS. Time

Had a discussion with someone not long ago about them working alot. This man feels he shows his love for his wife and kids by working alot and being a good provider. I understand that is how he was trained. What he was taught growing up by the example before him. To a point, it is even biblical for the Bible says that if a man won't provide for his household then he is worse than an infidel. Pretty harsh statement for sure.

I have always been one that believes that in any relationship; time spent is always more valuable and cherished than money spent. (of course, there are always exceptions to the rule for I know many people only care about material things) Yes, not having to worry about every nickel spent between paychecks is a good thing but if there is no time spent together between the paychecks, the relationships will deteriorate. There are many a household with missing parents (men and women due to jobs). There may technically be a parent for the home (living there) but in reality they are gone so much there is no time spent with the children. They are left to another's care or to themselves to raise. This will greatly effect the child as they grow up.

I think the man was somewhat perturbed with me because I told him that it didn't matter if he could buy his wife a fur coat every 6 months, if he was never around to hold her, kiss her, talk with her, etc. She will eventually get lonely and irritated with him for not being around enough. (His wife was there when I said it. I don't know what she thought but she kinda looked down.)Now, I know that not having enough to cover living expenses is also hard on a family but usually people work more and more hours so that they can buy more and more stuff. They want to upgrade to nicer stuff, or bigger stuff or extra stuff. Really? ...Is "stuff" what life is about? I am guilty of feeling good when I purchase something new just like everyone else so this is not a ridicule of others and I am guiltless. I'm just saying that most women and kids usually would rather have a day spent with them or a couple hours spent with them than have only gifts bought that get handed to them in a few minutes time and then that is the end of it. If a parent buys a game for their kids but then never plays the game with them; have they gained any value or cherishing in the kids mind? I say "No"!

Think back to your childhood or over your marriage or even over your life with friends and family. What are the things that stand out most in your mind? What are the best memories? Are they the ones where you got some great gift bought? Maybe, if it was a really special gift you wanted and IF you kept it a long time or still have it. But, more than likely your best memories of life are fun and happy times of love, laughter and being with someone you really cared about. When you close your eyes and dwell on your memories, what brings a smile to your face? Our memories essentially are our life's history. What makes you smile fondly?

Just something to ponder!

Gathering into the Storehouse Lessons from the Farm #2

Farmers use barns silos and other forms of outbuildings to store their crops and grains for future use. As Christians there are things we need to store up for the future. We are going to look at a few things we need to keep in store.
 
 
I. God's Word - Deut. 11:18-19, Prov. 7:1-3, 2 Tim.  2:15, Ps. 119:11
 
 
II. Knowledge - Prov. 1:5, Prov. 10:14, Prov. 18:1 & 15 --knowledge=learning, wisdom=ability to use the knowledge
 
III. Spiritual Rewards - Matt. 6:20, 1 Tim. 6:17-19, 1 Cor. 3:10-15
 
IV. An Inheritance - Prov. 13:22a, 2 Cor. 12:14 (can be literal parent or spiritual parent)
 
V. Tithes & Offerings - 1 Cor. 16:2, Mal. 3:10
 
VI. Souls - Prov. 11:30, James 5:19-20, Dan. 12:3
 
When I came up with the idea for this lesson, I wanted to focus on memories we build and passing those memories onto the next generation. However, there is no biblical basis for that idea. Yes, there are things talked about passing on to our children but all of them have to do with the things we have just discussed. Our children are our future and teaching them God's Word, teaching them knowledge and wisdom and bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, teaching them to live for God and not worldly possessions, teaching them to give to the church and to those in need, teaching them to tell others about Christ and leaving them an inheritance of some kind is what God intends. By the way, inheritance doesn't have to be monetary. It can be good character, work ethics, honesty, or any or all of the things we talked about.
 
 


March 2, 2015

Is Sin a Big Deal?

Many people take a non-chalant attitude toward their sin. They have an attitude of "I'll just 1 John 1:9 it" (this verse says that if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins...) They know if they ask forgiveness, then God will grant it. However, the Bible is clear and has much to say about receiving God's forgiveness. We can discuss that another time since it isn't the point of this post. The point is how we can have an attitude about our sin at times as though it is no big deal. I read a devotional recently about this topic. Let's look at sin.

Sin is the reason Jesus left heaven to come to earth. Sin is why Jesus died on the cross---to pay a debt for sin that all mankind owes to God. Every person stands guilty before God for breaking His law, for the Bible says that if we transgress at one point of the law we are guilty of the whole law being broken. This concludes ALL are sinners before God.

So, since sin is the reason Jesus had to suffer and die, I'd say it IS a big deal. Jesus paid the ultimate price for my sin and for yours. It cost Jesus his life! A lie is the reason he came as much as a rape or a murder. All sin is a big deal and a contrite and broken spirit is required for the lie as well as the murder. Our attitude about our sin is as important as our being sorry. So, the next time you have a non-chalant attitude about your "not so bad" sin, remember that sin was paid for with a great price ---a life! 

For the Asking

Remember when you were little and you asked your parents for nearly everything? You asked for things you wanted or needed. You asked for wishes and dreams. You asked for permission to do things.

Sometimes our parents said yes and sometimes no. Often times their answer depended on "how" we asked, or on our behavior lately, or on if our parents felt the request was for our benefit. It is the same with our heavenly Father. My husband mentioned James Chapter 4 during one of his messages recently. He mentioned that "ye have not because ye ask not". This verse reminds us that sometimes we don't have because we simply never ask in the first place. Remember as a kid at times actually being afraid to ask your parents for something you wanted? Either you were afraid of hearing no or figured you didn't deserve it or maybe you feared your parents not being able to afford it. Whatever the reason, you just never asked. Well, if you never ask, you surely won't receive the thing wanted.

Sometimes even we adults are hesitant to pray and ask God for our desires. Usually for the same reasons a child doesn't ask their parents. Welp, James Chapter 4 tells us reasons we don't get. First, because we just don't ask. Then, because we ask amiss. (For the wrong reasons or with the wrong motives) Like kids, it is the "how" we ask.

We can rest assured that we have bold access to the throne (Hebrews 4:16) where we can obtain mercy and help when in need. Also, we are encouraged to ask for James tells us that we don't have because we don't ask. Also, we need to be "right" in the asking. So, since we have access and if we have correct motives, our requests are there for the asking.