The New Beginning
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:18 KJV)
This is where the New Testament begins…
Just like Genesis 1:1 this verse must be taken on faith…
The Old Testament starts with faith in God…
The New Testament starts with faith in Jesus…
And part three as well… faith in the Holy Ghost…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/23/14 (B1)
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Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:18 KJV)
This is where the New Testament begins…
Just like Genesis 1:1 this verse must be taken on faith…
The Old Testament starts with faith in God…
The New Testament starts with faith in Jesus…
And part three as well… faith in the Holy Ghost…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/23/14 (B1)
******************************************************************
Father, Son & Holy Ghost
Of all the mysteries that perplex the minds of men there is none greater than the Trinity of God...
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:19)
The Father:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)
All knowing…
All seeing…
A Perfect Will combined with wisdom, grace & mercy.
Truly this is the mind of God...
The Son:
Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done. (Luke 22:42)
Serving the Perfect Will of the Father…
Lifting man from the depths of sin…
His gentle touch has changed the lives of men...
Truly this is the hand of God...
The Holy Ghost:
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:26)
A comforter in times of trouble…
Directing the hearts and minds of men…
A teacher for all who are willing to hear...
Truly this is the voice of God...
Can a voice speak of truth and love without wisdom & grace to guide it...?
Can a hand change the lives of men without a Will to direct it...?
Can a mind reach out without a voice or hands to serve it...?
Truly there are three parts, but surly they are One God....
Scrolls from the Soul
3/23/14 (B1)
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Of all the mysteries that perplex the minds of men there is none greater than the Trinity of God...
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:19)
The Father:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)
All knowing…
All seeing…
A Perfect Will combined with wisdom, grace & mercy.
Truly this is the mind of God...
The Son:
Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done. (Luke 22:42)
Serving the Perfect Will of the Father…
Lifting man from the depths of sin…
His gentle touch has changed the lives of men...
Truly this is the hand of God...
The Holy Ghost:
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:26)
A comforter in times of trouble…
Directing the hearts and minds of men…
A teacher for all who are willing to hear...
Truly this is the voice of God...
Can a voice speak of truth and love without wisdom & grace to guide it...?
Can a hand change the lives of men without a Will to direct it...?
Can a mind reach out without a voice or hands to serve it...?
Truly there are three parts, but surly they are One God....
Scrolls from the Soul
3/23/14 (B1)
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The Other Joseph
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. (Matthew 1:18-19)
We know very little about this Joseph…
When Joseph found out Mary was with child, even before the angel told him who the father was, he was willing to take her in and care of her and the child…
He could have turned his back and left her in shame and disgrace…
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:18-20)
Here is a great act of faith…
He had to know there would be people that would not believe that Mary could be the chosen one...
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. (Matthew 2:13)
As it turned out it was some those who did believe that were the greater threat to Joseph and his family…
Once again Joseph could have packed up and left Mary and Jesus behind…
Joseph willing carried out God’s requests many more times in the years to come…
There is no doubt that Joseph dearly loved Mary…
He is also one of the often unsung heroes of faith…
Most of the time faith begins at home...
Scrolls from the Soul
12/21/14 (B1)
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Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. (Matthew 1:18-19)
We know very little about this Joseph…
When Joseph found out Mary was with child, even before the angel told him who the father was, he was willing to take her in and care of her and the child…
He could have turned his back and left her in shame and disgrace…
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:18-20)
Here is a great act of faith…
He had to know there would be people that would not believe that Mary could be the chosen one...
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. (Matthew 2:13)
As it turned out it was some those who did believe that were the greater threat to Joseph and his family…
Once again Joseph could have packed up and left Mary and Jesus behind…
Joseph willing carried out God’s requests many more times in the years to come…
There is no doubt that Joseph dearly loved Mary…
He is also one of the often unsung heroes of faith…
Most of the time faith begins at home...
Scrolls from the Soul
12/21/14 (B1)
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Love, Honor and Respect
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)
What is considered a sin…?
In the early part of the Old Testament God gave us the Ten Commandments…
The Jewish Priests came along and added a few hundred more…
Jesus simplified it to just two…
Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
(Matthew 22:36-40)
The test for what is a sin comes down to this…
Do our actions show our love and honor for God…?
Do our actions show our love and respect for everyone else…?
If not it is a sin…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/23/15 (B1)
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And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)
What is considered a sin…?
In the early part of the Old Testament God gave us the Ten Commandments…
The Jewish Priests came along and added a few hundred more…
Jesus simplified it to just two…
Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
(Matthew 22:36-40)
The test for what is a sin comes down to this…
Do our actions show our love and honor for God…?
Do our actions show our love and respect for everyone else…?
If not it is a sin…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/23/15 (B1)
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Fear and Wisdom
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:2-3)
Herod was king of the Jew…
He is one of the most powerful people in the world at that time…
What is Herod afraid of…?
Or should we say “Who is Herod afraid of?”...
Jesus is less than three years old at this point…
He is very aware that God was the one who sent Jesus...
He also knows the Jews have not been exactly on their best behavior lately…
He decides that killing the Son of God would solve the problem…
It would appear that Fear and Wisdom are not the best of friends…
Before we start beating on Herod we might want to stop and think...
Even two thousand year later...
It is still easier being a Monday morning quarterback...
Scrolls from the Soul
12/23/14
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Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:2-3)
Herod was king of the Jew…
He is one of the most powerful people in the world at that time…
What is Herod afraid of…?
Or should we say “Who is Herod afraid of?”...
Jesus is less than three years old at this point…
He is very aware that God was the one who sent Jesus...
He also knows the Jews have not been exactly on their best behavior lately…
He decides that killing the Son of God would solve the problem…
It would appear that Fear and Wisdom are not the best of friends…
Before we start beating on Herod we might want to stop and think...
Even two thousand year later...
It is still easier being a Monday morning quarterback...
Scrolls from the Soul
12/23/14
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Rachel is Weeping
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. (Matthew 2:16)
Is our fear now so great that we must wage war on innocent children…?
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. (Matthew 2 17-18)
Scrolls from the Soul
6/18/18
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Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. (Matthew 2:16)
Is our fear now so great that we must wage war on innocent children…?
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. (Matthew 2 17-18)
Scrolls from the Soul
6/18/18
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Stepping on Someone’s Toes
And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:4-6)
People are here confessing their sins and being baptized by John…
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Matthew 3:7)
Maybe the Pharisees and Sadducees did not like John playing on their side of the street…
These guys have had a monopoly on forgiveness of sin since the days of Abraham…
John is not even doing sacrifices…
We can only imagine what is going through the minds of the Pharisees and Sadducees at this point…
“Just who does this man in the funny clothes think he is…?”
“A messenger from God…!”
Scrolls from the Soul
9/19/14
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And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:4-6)
People are here confessing their sins and being baptized by John…
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Matthew 3:7)
Maybe the Pharisees and Sadducees did not like John playing on their side of the street…
These guys have had a monopoly on forgiveness of sin since the days of Abraham…
John is not even doing sacrifices…
We can only imagine what is going through the minds of the Pharisees and Sadducees at this point…
“Just who does this man in the funny clothes think he is…?”
“A messenger from God…!”
Scrolls from the Soul
9/19/14
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Definition of a Christian
And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:4-6)
As strange as it might seem there are still people that believe that once a person becomes a Christian they should never sin again…
The truth is that we sin just as much as anyone else…
The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is very simple…
We are willing to admit we are sinners…
And… Only God can forgive our sins
This is Faith...
Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 106:1)
Thank God…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/31/18(cd1)
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And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:4-6)
As strange as it might seem there are still people that believe that once a person becomes a Christian they should never sin again…
The truth is that we sin just as much as anyone else…
The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is very simple…
We are willing to admit we are sinners…
And… Only God can forgive our sins
This is Faith...
Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 106:1)
Thank God…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/31/18(cd1)
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Leading by Example
But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. (Matthew 3:14-15)
Jesus leads by example…
By being baptized by John, He is showing the world that being baptized is right in the eyes of God…
As we follow Jesus through the New Testament we will see this over and over again…
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17)
Scrolls from the Soul
8/2/14
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But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. (Matthew 3:14-15)
Jesus leads by example…
By being baptized by John, He is showing the world that being baptized is right in the eyes of God…
As we follow Jesus through the New Testament we will see this over and over again…
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:17)
Scrolls from the Soul
8/2/14
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Can Satan Do That?
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (Matthew 4:1)
Jesus was tempted three times...
The first two were testing God’s power...
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (Matthew 4:3)
And...
And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone (Matthew 4:6)
The third was very different…
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (Matthew 4:8-9)
A bribe…?
Can Satan even deliver on this offer…?
Satan is not widely known as being honest…
Either way it really does not matter…
Jesus is showing us that Satan can not force us to sin…
It may feel like He can, but the choice is up to us…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/2/14 (B1)(cd1)
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The Poor in Spirit
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
Humble people often do great things…
We just never hear about it…
And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no (Deuteronomy 8:2)
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:10)
What other people know does not matter…
What God knows does…
And God knows everything…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/3/15
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Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
Humble people often do great things…
We just never hear about it…
And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no (Deuteronomy 8:2)
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:10)
What other people know does not matter…
What God knows does…
And God knows everything…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/3/15
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The Meek
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) (Numbers 12:3)
It seems out of place to consider Moses as being meek…
David was also an unlikely choice to battle Goliath…
We need to remember that Moses did not unleash the plagues…
He was only the messenger…
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
(1 Peter 3:4)
Peter Praising meekness, who would have thought...
Scrolls from the Soul
3/5/15
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Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) (Numbers 12:3)
It seems out of place to consider Moses as being meek…
David was also an unlikely choice to battle Goliath…
We need to remember that Moses did not unleash the plagues…
He was only the messenger…
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
(1 Peter 3:4)
Peter Praising meekness, who would have thought...
Scrolls from the Soul
3/5/15
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After Righteousness
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
Righteousness is not a trophy we hang on the wall…
It is a struggle we face every single day…
Like food and water it requires time and effort…
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us. (Deuteronomy 6:25)
On the surface this sounds easy enough…
Until the alarm clock goes off…
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
God is the source of righteousness…
We need to look to him for our daily spiritual nourishment…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/8/15
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Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
Righteousness is not a trophy we hang on the wall…
It is a struggle we face every single day…
Like food and water it requires time and effort…
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us. (Deuteronomy 6:25)
On the surface this sounds easy enough…
Until the alarm clock goes off…
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
God is the source of righteousness…
We need to look to him for our daily spiritual nourishment…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/8/15
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Mercy and Merciful
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. (Proverbs 14:21)
Sometimes we can turn a blind eye to those in need…
Simply write it off by saying it is just a scam…
If we do…
Than how will we ever know what being merciful feels like…?
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. (Matthew 12:7)
Scrolls from the Soul
3/9/15
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Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. (Proverbs 14:21)
Sometimes we can turn a blind eye to those in need…
Simply write it off by saying it is just a scam…
If we do…
Than how will we ever know what being merciful feels like…?
But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. (Matthew 12:7)
Scrolls from the Soul
3/9/15
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Pure in Heart
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
A Pure Heart is a trait normally associate with a very young child…
This child can be innocent because they do not know anything else…
Unfortunately, somewhere along the way every child is exposed to the forbidden fruit…
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. (Psalm 24:4)
In Jewish law there are many things that if touched can make one “unclean”…
By following a set of rules this person’s hands can become clean again…
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
We can lust after anything: money, power, fame... Anything...
Lust is such a gut reaction that it often feels like it comes from out of nowhere…
So is it even possible to have a pure heart…?
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)
Each time we ask for forgiveness our heart is made pure once again…
(And again, and again and again...)
Scrolls from the Soul
3/12/15 (B1)(cd1)
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The Ultimate Peacemaker
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
(Matthew 5:9)
There are basically two kinds of peace at work here…
The peace between one person and another…
The peace between us and God…
Old Testament
Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God: for the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. (Zephaniah 1:7)
New Testament
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Zephaniah and John are both letting us know that God has chosen His son to be the ultimate peacemaker…
It is up to us to accept God’s sacrifice… or not…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/13/15
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Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
(Matthew 5:9)
There are basically two kinds of peace at work here…
The peace between one person and another…
The peace between us and God…
Old Testament
Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God: for the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. (Zephaniah 1:7)
New Testament
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Zephaniah and John are both letting us know that God has chosen His son to be the ultimate peacemaker…
It is up to us to accept God’s sacrifice… or not…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/13/15
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The Antagonist
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
We all have that one person in our life whose only goal is to get a reaction…
They will go to almost any length to make us angry or upset…
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.(Psalm 119:161 )
Faith is everything…
If we stand strong in God’s word…
The only reaction these people will get… is graceful smile…
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)
Scrolls from the Soul
3/15/15
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Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
We all have that one person in our life whose only goal is to get a reaction…
They will go to almost any length to make us angry or upset…
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.(Psalm 119:161 )
Faith is everything…
If we stand strong in God’s word…
The only reaction these people will get… is graceful smile…
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)
Scrolls from the Soul
3/15/15
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Satan Wins
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (Matthew 5:14-15)
A city on a hill can always be seen from far away and there will always be those people who want to knock it down…
A candle can light up a whole room...
There will always be someone who wants to blow it out…
When we stand up for what we believe in...
There are always going to be those who want to knock us down…
Most of the time these attacks are not personnel…
If we are getting any kind of attention there will always be someone who wants to take it away…
They may not even want it…
They just do not want anyone else to have it…
How do we defend ourselves against this kind of attack?
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:12-13)
The same as any other…
Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation and The Spirit of God:
The attack may not be personal…
God protection always is…
Once again Satan wants to use our emotions against us…
If we take these attacks personally we are more likely to get upset…
If we do Satan wins…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/31/17
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Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (Matthew 5:14-15)
A city on a hill can always be seen from far away and there will always be those people who want to knock it down…
A candle can light up a whole room...
There will always be someone who wants to blow it out…
When we stand up for what we believe in...
There are always going to be those who want to knock us down…
Most of the time these attacks are not personnel…
If we are getting any kind of attention there will always be someone who wants to take it away…
They may not even want it…
They just do not want anyone else to have it…
How do we defend ourselves against this kind of attack?
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:12-13)
The same as any other…
Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation and The Spirit of God:
The attack may not be personal…
God protection always is…
Once again Satan wants to use our emotions against us…
If we take these attacks personally we are more likely to get upset…
If we do Satan wins…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/31/17
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Those Who Do Not Ask
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. (Matthew 5:42)
The Bible tells us to give to people who ask…
This can be anywhere from a major thrift store to someone standing on the street corner…
What about the people who never ask…
A neighbor who has always kept a nice yard…
One day we notice the yard looking very shabby…
A woman is standing in front of us at the checkout lane…
She is digging out change and coming up short…
Do we have the heart to offer a helping hand…?
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Scrolls from the Soul
3/26/15(cd1)
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Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. (Matthew 5:42)
The Bible tells us to give to people who ask…
This can be anywhere from a major thrift store to someone standing on the street corner…
What about the people who never ask…
A neighbor who has always kept a nice yard…
One day we notice the yard looking very shabby…
A woman is standing in front of us at the checkout lane…
She is digging out change and coming up short…
Do we have the heart to offer a helping hand…?
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Scrolls from the Soul
3/26/15(cd1)
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A Simple Yes or No
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. Matthew 5: 36-37
At first glance we might think Jesus is talking about telling the truth…
However, there is something more here…
This is also about keeping our word…
When we make an agreement or a promise we are expected to keep it…
There is no need to "Swear to God" or "Cross my heart"...
Jesus is saying all the extra words are nothing but trouble…
Remember, If the task is more then we can handle we can say no...
It is better to say no upfront then to disappoint someone we care about...
The bottom line is…
The only words we need are a simple yes or no…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/6/14
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Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. Matthew 5: 36-37
At first glance we might think Jesus is talking about telling the truth…
However, there is something more here…
This is also about keeping our word…
When we make an agreement or a promise we are expected to keep it…
There is no need to "Swear to God" or "Cross my heart"...
Jesus is saying all the extra words are nothing but trouble…
Remember, If the task is more then we can handle we can say no...
It is better to say no upfront then to disappoint someone we care about...
The bottom line is…
The only words we need are a simple yes or no…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/6/14
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Hunger and Thirst
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
When our need for God is to get direction in life,
Then we shall know what it means to seek after righteousness...
When our need for God is to bring us through the hard times in life,
Then we shall know what it means to hope after righteousness...
When our need for God is to bring us joy in life,
Then we shall know what it means to pursue righteousness...
When our need for God becomes a daily necessity of life,
Then we shall know what it means to hunger and thirst after righteousness...
Scrolls from the Soul
4/14(cd1)
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Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
When our need for God is to get direction in life,
Then we shall know what it means to seek after righteousness...
When our need for God is to bring us through the hard times in life,
Then we shall know what it means to hope after righteousness...
When our need for God is to bring us joy in life,
Then we shall know what it means to pursue righteousness...
When our need for God becomes a daily necessity of life,
Then we shall know what it means to hunger and thirst after righteousness...
Scrolls from the Soul
4/14(cd1)
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The Peacemaker
Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matt 5:24)
How often we have dreamed of bringing peace to a war torn world and yet we cannot be at peace with our own brothers...
Wars are not between one nation and another. They are between one man and another...
Each man must choose if he will lift his sword against his brother...
Peace is not a matter of who is right and who is wrong. It is a matter of forgiveness...
The true peacemaker is the man who is humble enough to ask for forgiveness from his brother and merciful enough to grant it unto him...
Scrolls from the Soul
4/14 (B1)(cd1)
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Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matt 5:24)
How often we have dreamed of bringing peace to a war torn world and yet we cannot be at peace with our own brothers...
Wars are not between one nation and another. They are between one man and another...
Each man must choose if he will lift his sword against his brother...
Peace is not a matter of who is right and who is wrong. It is a matter of forgiveness...
The true peacemaker is the man who is humble enough to ask for forgiveness from his brother and merciful enough to grant it unto him...
Scrolls from the Soul
4/14 (B1)(cd1)
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The Fine Line
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew (6:1-2)
Alms are often confused with donations given to the church…
Alms are actually things given to the poor (money, food, clothes)…
Money given to the church was considered a requirement…
Alms were gifts given to those in need…
There is a big difference between giving out of love and giving out of pride…
I often find myself on the wrong side of that coin…
I want to do the right thing…
The problem is I also want people to know I am doing the right thing…
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.(1 Corinthians 13:13)
Scrolls from the Soul
9/30/17
**************************************************************
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew (6:1-2)
Alms are often confused with donations given to the church…
Alms are actually things given to the poor (money, food, clothes)…
Money given to the church was considered a requirement…
Alms were gifts given to those in need…
There is a big difference between giving out of love and giving out of pride…
I often find myself on the wrong side of that coin…
I want to do the right thing…
The problem is I also want people to know I am doing the right thing…
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.(1 Corinthians 13:13)
Scrolls from the Soul
9/30/17
**************************************************************
Distracted Prayer
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (Matthew 6:5-7)
These are the verses that come just before The Lord’s Prayer…
Distracted driving is a very big issue in our lives today…
Talking on a cell phone…
Texting…
Eating…
Countless other things that affect our ability to focus…
So what kind of things might distract us from our prayers…?
Talking on a cell phone…
Texting…
Eating…
Countless other things that affect our ability to focus …
The initial distraction is only first part of the problem…
Part two is finding our way back…
The answer to both problems is to remove as many of these distractions as possible…
Our personnel prayers are just between us and God…
We should never allow any distractions…
Most important of all… pride…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/26/17
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And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (Matthew 6:5-7)
These are the verses that come just before The Lord’s Prayer…
Distracted driving is a very big issue in our lives today…
Talking on a cell phone…
Texting…
Eating…
Countless other things that affect our ability to focus…
So what kind of things might distract us from our prayers…?
Talking on a cell phone…
Texting…
Eating…
Countless other things that affect our ability to focus …
The initial distraction is only first part of the problem…
Part two is finding our way back…
The answer to both problems is to remove as many of these distractions as possible…
Our personnel prayers are just between us and God…
We should never allow any distractions…
Most important of all… pride…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/26/17
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Ask
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (Matthew 6:7)
The lack of faith, is not why we do not get the things we ask for…
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (Matthew 6:8)
The lack of faith, is that we do not accept that God has a good reason for not giving us what we are asking for…
That does not mean that we should stop asking…
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
(Matthew 7:11)
We just need to remember God knows what is good for us and what is not..
Scrolls from the Soul
3/29/15
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But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (Matthew 6:7)
The lack of faith, is not why we do not get the things we ask for…
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (Matthew 6:8)
The lack of faith, is that we do not accept that God has a good reason for not giving us what we are asking for…
That does not mean that we should stop asking…
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
(Matthew 7:11)
We just need to remember God knows what is good for us and what is not..
Scrolls from the Soul
3/29/15
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Unconditional Forgiveness
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)
These verses tell us we need to forgive anyone who has wronged us in some way…
What they do not say is that we must only forgive them if they ask us too…
Unconditional Love must include Unconditional Forgiveness...
God will not ask us to do the impossible…
However, He does ask us to do difficult things…
If someone harms us in some way it can leave us angry and bitter…
If we forgive them unconditionally this burden will be lifted from us…
Unconditionally means they are not required to do anything…
That way we are not dependent on them for God forgiving us…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/5/18(cd1)
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For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)
These verses tell us we need to forgive anyone who has wronged us in some way…
What they do not say is that we must only forgive them if they ask us too…
Unconditional Love must include Unconditional Forgiveness...
God will not ask us to do the impossible…
However, He does ask us to do difficult things…
If someone harms us in some way it can leave us angry and bitter…
If we forgive them unconditionally this burden will be lifted from us…
Unconditionally means they are not required to do anything…
That way we are not dependent on them for God forgiving us…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/5/18(cd1)
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Storing Up
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:21)
There are no 401ks in Heaven…
There are no stocks or bonds to trade…
So, what are the treasures we are told to store up in Heaven…?
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (Matthew 12:35)
So, just what are the good treasures of the heart…?
Love, hope, kindness and caring just to name a few…
So, how do we store up these treasures…?
Simple enough, we just share these things with the people around us…
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
Where do wisdom and knowledge fit into the program…
Knowledge is understanding the treasures of our heart…
Wisdom is knowing where and when to share these treasures…
In the end love is the key…
The more of these treasures we share the more treasures will be waiting for us in Heaven…
Scrolls from the Soul
11/1/15 (B1)
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For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:21)
There are no 401ks in Heaven…
There are no stocks or bonds to trade…
So, what are the treasures we are told to store up in Heaven…?
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (Matthew 12:35)
So, just what are the good treasures of the heart…?
Love, hope, kindness and caring just to name a few…
So, how do we store up these treasures…?
Simple enough, we just share these things with the people around us…
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
Where do wisdom and knowledge fit into the program…
Knowledge is understanding the treasures of our heart…
Wisdom is knowing where and when to share these treasures…
In the end love is the key…
The more of these treasures we share the more treasures will be waiting for us in Heaven…
Scrolls from the Soul
11/1/15 (B1)
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Are We Willing
Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6: 21-22)
This world offers many treasures to those who are willing to take the risk. The question is: "How far are we willing to go?"...
W could take a ship out upon a stormy sea and dive deep into the darkness of the unforgiving waters to explore for sunken treasure.
Are we willing?
We could venture deep into the darkest jungle fighting off deadly diseases and savage beasts to search for a lost city of gold.
Are we willing?
To receive all the treasures of Heaven you must travel the toughest 24" on earth from our feet to your knees.
Are we willing?
Scrolls from the Soul 3/6/14 (B1)(cd1)
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Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6: 21-22)
This world offers many treasures to those who are willing to take the risk. The question is: "How far are we willing to go?"...
W could take a ship out upon a stormy sea and dive deep into the darkness of the unforgiving waters to explore for sunken treasure.
Are we willing?
We could venture deep into the darkest jungle fighting off deadly diseases and savage beasts to search for a lost city of gold.
Are we willing?
To receive all the treasures of Heaven you must travel the toughest 24" on earth from our feet to your knees.
Are we willing?
Scrolls from the Soul 3/6/14 (B1)(cd1)
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Just a Little Bit More
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)
This one is personal…
Day in and day out I find myself asking God for more money…
I give Him many reasons why I need it…
I tell Him all the great things the money will be used for…
I already have a nice home, good food and clean water…
I always say with just a little more things would be so much better…
No matter how much I have it is never enough, I need just a little bit more…
Is this how it feels to have an addiction…?
Scrolls from the Soul
8/8/14 (B1)(cd1)
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No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)
This one is personal…
Day in and day out I find myself asking God for more money…
I give Him many reasons why I need it…
I tell Him all the great things the money will be used for…
I already have a nice home, good food and clean water…
I always say with just a little more things would be so much better…
No matter how much I have it is never enough, I need just a little bit more…
Is this how it feels to have an addiction…?
Scrolls from the Soul
8/8/14 (B1)(cd1)
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Lilies
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matthew 6:28-29)
For the last three months I have been in a pitched battle with the flowerbed…
Planting, replanting, weeding and watering…
All of my efforts have seemed fruitless…
Giving up was the only option…
Today, there was a few hours of much needed rain…
Right before my eyes wilted plants stood up and brown grass turned green…
God is a far better gardener than I could ever hope to be…
He cares for the lilies of the field and the ones outside our front door…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/22/16 (B1)
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And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matthew 6:28-29)
For the last three months I have been in a pitched battle with the flowerbed…
Planting, replanting, weeding and watering…
All of my efforts have seemed fruitless…
Giving up was the only option…
Today, there was a few hours of much needed rain…
Right before my eyes wilted plants stood up and brown grass turned green…
God is a far better gardener than I could ever hope to be…
He cares for the lilies of the field and the ones outside our front door…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/22/16 (B1)
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Worry Wart
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (Matthew 6:34)
Worry is another form of fear…
It is the nagging little things that get under our skin…
Most of the time we worry about things that have not happened yet…
Worst yet we worry about things that will probably never happen…
These fears can dominate huge chunks of our time…
They can be as simple as worrying if we will run out of toilet paper before payday…
Sounds silly right…?
Match it up against some of the things we worry about every day…
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
Satan loves a worry wart…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/14/15 (B1)(cd1)
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Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (Matthew 6:34)
Worry is another form of fear…
It is the nagging little things that get under our skin…
Most of the time we worry about things that have not happened yet…
Worst yet we worry about things that will probably never happen…
These fears can dominate huge chunks of our time…
They can be as simple as worrying if we will run out of toilet paper before payday…
Sounds silly right…?
Match it up against some of the things we worry about every day…
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
Satan loves a worry wart…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/14/15 (B1)(cd1)
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Burden of Guilt
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (Matthew 7:3)
Have you ever noticed that the sins that plagues our life the most are the ones we look for in the lives of others?
We always seem to project our own sins on the people we meet…
If we often lie to others…
we expect others to lie to us…
If we are inclined to steal…
we expect others to steal from us…
Is the burden of guilt we carry so heavy that we must dump some on everyone we meet…?
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
It would seem that if we want to trust others…
We must first trust that our sins have already been forgiven...
Scrolls from the Soul
4/30/14 (B1)
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And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (Matthew 7:3)
Have you ever noticed that the sins that plagues our life the most are the ones we look for in the lives of others?
We always seem to project our own sins on the people we meet…
If we often lie to others…
we expect others to lie to us…
If we are inclined to steal…
we expect others to steal from us…
Is the burden of guilt we carry so heavy that we must dump some on everyone we meet…?
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
It would seem that if we want to trust others…
We must first trust that our sins have already been forgiven...
Scrolls from the Soul
4/30/14 (B1)
***************************************************************
Seek and Find
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)
All too often what we find very much depends on just what it is we are seeking…
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. (Matthew 13:24-26)
If all we seek in this world are the tares that is all we will ever find…
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.(Matthew 13:30)
Remember, the wheat is still out there…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/10/17
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Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)
All too often what we find very much depends on just what it is we are seeking…
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. (Matthew 13:24-26)
If all we seek in this world are the tares that is all we will ever find…
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.(Matthew 13:30)
Remember, the wheat is still out there…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/10/17
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No Passports Required
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. (Matthew 8:8-9)
Sometimes we miss the point here…
A centurion is a commander in the Roman military…
This man is in charge of one hundred Roman soldiers…
At this point in time the Romans and the Jews are sworn enemies…
It is obvious he had heard about the miracles Jesus had been doing…
He was risking everything by coming to Jesus and asking for help…
For a servant…
When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 8:10-11)
Once again Jesus is pointing out that there are no bounties between God and any of his children…
There are no passports required to get into Heaven…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/15/17
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The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. (Matthew 8:8-9)
Sometimes we miss the point here…
A centurion is a commander in the Roman military…
This man is in charge of one hundred Roman soldiers…
At this point in time the Romans and the Jews are sworn enemies…
It is obvious he had heard about the miracles Jesus had been doing…
He was risking everything by coming to Jesus and asking for help…
For a servant…
When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 8:10-11)
Once again Jesus is pointing out that there are no bounties between God and any of his children…
There are no passports required to get into Heaven…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/15/17
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Faith: Here Today Gone Tomorrow
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
(Matthew 8:26)
How easy it is to have faith when it looks like God is going to give us something we have been longing for...
How easy it is to lose that faith when we are face with something that seems humanly impossible...
The Children of Israel praised God when Moses came to deliver them out of bondage...
They were ready to stone Moses when pharaoh told them to make bricks without straw...
They praised God when Moses led them out of the gates of Egypt...
They cursed Moses when they were standing face to face with Egyptian chariots...
They praised God when Moses showed them the land flowing with milk and honey...
They trembled in fear when they saw the people that lived there...
When we are faced with things that seem humanly impossible, how often we forget...
God is not human...
Scrolls from the Soul 5//14
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And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
(Matthew 8:26)
How easy it is to have faith when it looks like God is going to give us something we have been longing for...
How easy it is to lose that faith when we are face with something that seems humanly impossible...
The Children of Israel praised God when Moses came to deliver them out of bondage...
They were ready to stone Moses when pharaoh told them to make bricks without straw...
They praised God when Moses led them out of the gates of Egypt...
They cursed Moses when they were standing face to face with Egyptian chariots...
They praised God when Moses showed them the land flowing with milk and honey...
They trembled in fear when they saw the people that lived there...
When we are faced with things that seem humanly impossible, how often we forget...
God is not human...
Scrolls from the Soul 5//14
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Refusing to be Forgiven
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. (Matthew 9:2)
We are all familiar with this verse…
Jesus has just told this man his sins are forgiven and the scribes are not happy about it…
The words we want to take a closer look at are “Son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee”…
Jesus wants us to be happy that our sins are forgiven…
All too often our reaction is just the opposite…
No, no! I must suffer for what I have done…
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. (Romans 4:6-7)
God is saying it’s OK, I really do have this one covered, your sins are forgiven…
Of course we are not going down without a fight…
In the Dark Ages monks would walk around hitting themselves with boards…
Martin Luther climbed up the stone stairs to the chapel on his knees…
Forgiveness of sins is a gift from God and was willingly paid for by Jesus…
If we refuse the gift we will continue to carry around the guilt…
Accepting forgiveness is an act of faith…
Nothing more, nothing less…
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
“Son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee…”
Scrolls from the Soul
6/11/15 (B1)(cd1)
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And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. (Matthew 9:2)
We are all familiar with this verse…
Jesus has just told this man his sins are forgiven and the scribes are not happy about it…
The words we want to take a closer look at are “Son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee”…
Jesus wants us to be happy that our sins are forgiven…
All too often our reaction is just the opposite…
No, no! I must suffer for what I have done…
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. (Romans 4:6-7)
God is saying it’s OK, I really do have this one covered, your sins are forgiven…
Of course we are not going down without a fight…
In the Dark Ages monks would walk around hitting themselves with boards…
Martin Luther climbed up the stone stairs to the chapel on his knees…
Forgiveness of sins is a gift from God and was willingly paid for by Jesus…
If we refuse the gift we will continue to carry around the guilt…
Accepting forgiveness is an act of faith…
Nothing more, nothing less…
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
“Son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee…”
Scrolls from the Soul
6/11/15 (B1)(cd1)
***************************************************************
Asking for Miracles
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. (Matthew 9:22)
This is a very common thing for Jesus to say…
The faith of the person being healed was very important…
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. (Acts 3:2-5)
This man was not asking to be healed…
In fact he had no expectation of being healed…
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
(Acts 3:6-7)
OK, so what is happening here…?
Peter asked Jesus to heal this man…
Later on in the chapter Peter and John go on to say that they did not heal this man…
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? (Acts 3:12)
So, it is possible for our faith to be strong enough to ask for miracles…
My faith has never reached that point…
However…
I do believe there are those who have…
And there will be others that will…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/16/17
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But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. (Matthew 9:22)
This is a very common thing for Jesus to say…
The faith of the person being healed was very important…
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. (Acts 3:2-5)
This man was not asking to be healed…
In fact he had no expectation of being healed…
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
(Acts 3:6-7)
OK, so what is happening here…?
Peter asked Jesus to heal this man…
Later on in the chapter Peter and John go on to say that they did not heal this man…
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? (Acts 3:12)
So, it is possible for our faith to be strong enough to ask for miracles…
My faith has never reached that point…
However…
I do believe there are those who have…
And there will be others that will…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/16/17
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Chess Master
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matt 10:30
The Chess Master is regarded as having the highest level of intelligent on Earth. This person can predict all the possible moves of Thirty Two chess pieces.
Then again, God keeps track of over Six Billion people, who each have a mind of their own...
Scrolls from the Soul
4/16/14 (B1)
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But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matt 10:30
The Chess Master is regarded as having the highest level of intelligent on Earth. This person can predict all the possible moves of Thirty Two chess pieces.
Then again, God keeps track of over Six Billion people, who each have a mind of their own...
Scrolls from the Soul
4/16/14 (B1)
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Out of Place
Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: (Matthew 11:2-4)
Jesus is about to list several things that prove He is the one sent by God…
Read the list carefully…
One of these things seems to be out of place…
The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. (Matthew 11:5)
“The poor have the gospel preached to them…”
Jesus has put this on the same level as all of the healing miracles…
The Gospel has nothing to do with Physical healing…
It has everything to do with Spiritual healing…
Jesus wanted John to know He was sent to care for the Flesh and the Spirit of those He touched…
Jesus also tried to explain this to Nicodemus…
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:5-6)
I am not sure he ever really understood…
The more important question is…
Do I truly understand…?
Scrolls from the Soul
12/29/17
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Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: (Matthew 11:2-4)
Jesus is about to list several things that prove He is the one sent by God…
Read the list carefully…
One of these things seems to be out of place…
The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. (Matthew 11:5)
“The poor have the gospel preached to them…”
Jesus has put this on the same level as all of the healing miracles…
The Gospel has nothing to do with Physical healing…
It has everything to do with Spiritual healing…
Jesus wanted John to know He was sent to care for the Flesh and the Spirit of those He touched…
Jesus also tried to explain this to Nicodemus…
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:5-6)
I am not sure he ever really understood…
The more important question is…
Do I truly understand…?
Scrolls from the Soul
12/29/17
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Sounds Right
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. (Matthew 11:18-19)
At a very young age I learned a card trick where a card was placed face down on the table…
I knew what the card was but the other person did not…
Through a series of positive and negative statement I could direct that person directly to that card...
This is what the priests were using on the people to keep them confused…
This practice is used today in everything from magic to advertising…
Satan is an absolute master of this trick…
He used it against Eve…
He even tried to use it on Jesus…
Jesus was able to see through Satan’s attempted because He knew scripture better then Satan did…
My memory is not that good…
When someone starts quoting scripture to prove a point the best thing we can do is call a time out and go look it up…
Even if it sounds right…
Especially if it only sounds right…
(Footnote: Please apply this standard to everything I have ever written.)
Scrolls from the Soul
5/27/17
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For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. (Matthew 11:18-19)
At a very young age I learned a card trick where a card was placed face down on the table…
I knew what the card was but the other person did not…
Through a series of positive and negative statement I could direct that person directly to that card...
This is what the priests were using on the people to keep them confused…
This practice is used today in everything from magic to advertising…
Satan is an absolute master of this trick…
He used it against Eve…
He even tried to use it on Jesus…
Jesus was able to see through Satan’s attempted because He knew scripture better then Satan did…
My memory is not that good…
When someone starts quoting scripture to prove a point the best thing we can do is call a time out and go look it up…
Even if it sounds right…
Especially if it only sounds right…
(Footnote: Please apply this standard to everything I have ever written.)
Scrolls from the Soul
5/27/17
**************************************************************
A Word Once Spoken
But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment, for by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned . . .Matthew 12:36-37
There was a time when people believed that the tongue gave life to each word spoken. . .
It was understood that once a word was spoken it was set free to bring Joy or Sorrow to the lives of all who were touched by it. . .
Once set free words can never be captured again and will live forever in the minds of God and men. . .
Will my words be creatures of Joy. . .Or creatures of Sorrow?
Scrolls from the Soul
4/14 (B1)
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But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment, for by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned . . .Matthew 12:36-37
There was a time when people believed that the tongue gave life to each word spoken. . .
It was understood that once a word was spoken it was set free to bring Joy or Sorrow to the lives of all who were touched by it. . .
Once set free words can never be captured again and will live forever in the minds of God and men. . .
Will my words be creatures of Joy. . .Or creatures of Sorrow?
Scrolls from the Soul
4/14 (B1)
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Four Letter Words
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.. (Matthew 12:36-37)
Nowadays “Four Letter Words” are all around us…
There seems to be no limit to what can be put in TV, Radio or Movies…
Do our children even know the difference between good words and bad words…?
For that matter, do we really know…?
Once again it is the thought that counts...
In a moment of anger it is not what words we use...
It is why we say them that matters...
God knows the number of hairs on our head and every swear word we have ever said…
We have to wonder, which one has the greater number…?
Scrolls from the Soul
8/11/14 (B1)
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But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.. (Matthew 12:36-37)
Nowadays “Four Letter Words” are all around us…
There seems to be no limit to what can be put in TV, Radio or Movies…
Do our children even know the difference between good words and bad words…?
For that matter, do we really know…?
Once again it is the thought that counts...
In a moment of anger it is not what words we use...
It is why we say them that matters...
God knows the number of hairs on our head and every swear word we have ever said…
We have to wonder, which one has the greater number…?
Scrolls from the Soul
8/11/14 (B1)
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Students
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (Matthew 13:9-11)
Disciples are students…
A student’s job is to listen, learn and understand…
We can all be disciples, all we have to do is focus on the Bible and pray…
If we are willing to do that much God will teach us how to learn and understand…
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/3/16
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Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (Matthew 13:9-11)
Disciples are students…
A student’s job is to listen, learn and understand…
We can all be disciples, all we have to do is focus on the Bible and pray…
If we are willing to do that much God will teach us how to learn and understand…
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/3/16
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Because of It
But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (Matthew 13:20-21)
Jesus is in the middle of the parable of the sower…
Here is where our emotions are fully in play…
Remember, these verses are all about “The Word of God”…
Joy is the easy one…
Forgiveness from sin and eternal life are great things to get excited about…
On the other hand being offended has its roots embedded in anger…
People are always going to challenge the word of God…
Then they begin to challenge us for believing it those words…
This kind heat can cause serious damage to the very roots of our faith…
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matthew 13:23)
Yes I have skipped to the end of the story…
There are two words here that we need to focus on…
“understandeth it”…
If we truly understand the “Word of God” we will never be offended because of It…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/14/18
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But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (Matthew 13:20-21)
Jesus is in the middle of the parable of the sower…
Here is where our emotions are fully in play…
Remember, these verses are all about “The Word of God”…
Joy is the easy one…
Forgiveness from sin and eternal life are great things to get excited about…
On the other hand being offended has its roots embedded in anger…
People are always going to challenge the word of God…
Then they begin to challenge us for believing it those words…
This kind heat can cause serious damage to the very roots of our faith…
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matthew 13:23)
Yes I have skipped to the end of the story…
There are two words here that we need to focus on…
“understandeth it”…
If we truly understand the “Word of God” we will never be offended because of It…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/14/18
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Personal History
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.(Matthew 13: 25-26)
I enjoy working in the flower bed around the house…
The thing that drives me crazy is looking down at something green and not knowing if it is a plant or a weed…
I have a great aversion to pulling up any living thing for the fear it might be something I planted …
By the time it is big enough to identify pulling it up might do more harm than good…
The sad thing is that even a weed can have a very beautiful flower and still cause a great deal of damage…
There are many sins in my past that seemed innocent enough…
To this day Satan can still use them to rattle my cage from time to time…
We know that our sins have been forgiven, so why doesn’t God purge them from our memory…?
Just how does that saying go…?
“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it” (Winston Churchill)…
This is just as true for our personal history…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/26/18
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But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.(Matthew 13: 25-26)
I enjoy working in the flower bed around the house…
The thing that drives me crazy is looking down at something green and not knowing if it is a plant or a weed…
I have a great aversion to pulling up any living thing for the fear it might be something I planted …
By the time it is big enough to identify pulling it up might do more harm than good…
The sad thing is that even a weed can have a very beautiful flower and still cause a great deal of damage…
There are many sins in my past that seemed innocent enough…
To this day Satan can still use them to rattle my cage from time to time…
We know that our sins have been forgiven, so why doesn’t God purge them from our memory…?
Just how does that saying go…?
“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it” (Winston Churchill)…
This is just as true for our personal history…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/26/18
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Who is Without Doubt
And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew 14:31KJV)
In Satan’s entire arsenal his favorite weapon must be doubt...
He has used it on every person that has ever lived...
Moses once said, "Who am I, Lord, that You should send me?"
Is this a man without doubt...?
Gideon threw his fleece upon the ground, not once... but twice.
Is this a man without doubt...?
John the Baptist sent two men to ask Jesus if He was the One.
Is this a man without doubt...?
God did not turn His back on these men in their time of doubt...
When our time of doubt comes, He will be there for us as well...
Scrolls from the Soul
3/18/14 (B1)
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And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew 14:31KJV)
In Satan’s entire arsenal his favorite weapon must be doubt...
He has used it on every person that has ever lived...
Moses once said, "Who am I, Lord, that You should send me?"
Is this a man without doubt...?
Gideon threw his fleece upon the ground, not once... but twice.
Is this a man without doubt...?
John the Baptist sent two men to ask Jesus if He was the One.
Is this a man without doubt...?
God did not turn His back on these men in their time of doubt...
When our time of doubt comes, He will be there for us as well...
Scrolls from the Soul
3/18/14 (B1)
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Church History
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16: 17-18)
Over the course of my life I moved all over the USA and attended many churches.
I grow up in a Conservative Baptist church where I learned about salvation.
I spent time in an Italian family church where I learned the power of prayer.
I spent time in a United Brethren church where I learned the importance of serving God.
I spent time in a Lutheran church where I learn to be humble before God.
I spent long periods of time attending no church at all where I later learned God had protected me the most.
Scrolls from the Soul
11/12/16
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And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16: 17-18)
Over the course of my life I moved all over the USA and attended many churches.
I grow up in a Conservative Baptist church where I learned about salvation.
I spent time in an Italian family church where I learned the power of prayer.
I spent time in a United Brethren church where I learned the importance of serving God.
I spent time in a Lutheran church where I learn to be humble before God.
I spent long periods of time attending no church at all where I later learned God had protected me the most.
Scrolls from the Soul
11/12/16
***************************************************************
Faith of a Child
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 18: 3-4)(cd1)
When I was a child I would watch the snow fall and my mother would tell me "God created the snow for us"...
With the faith of a child I believed...
When I was a child I would climb a tree and my mother would tell me "God created that tree for us"...
With the faith of a child I believed...
When I was a child I would wish upon the first star of the night and my mother would tell me "God created the stars in the sky for us"...
With the faith of a child I believed...
Then my teacher told me that snow comes from the clouds and I began to question my faith...
Because I had some doubts...
Then my teacher told me that trees come from seeds and my faith became weak...
Because I had even more doubts...
Then my teacher told me that stars are balls of burning gas far away and I lost my faith...
Because I was filled with doubts...
Then one crystal clear night I stood on the side of a mountain, above snow covered trees, under the shimmering glow of the Milky Way...
A voice deep inside me said "God created the heavens and the earth" and with the faith of a child I believed...
For me there will never be another doubt...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14/14 (B1)(cd1)
***************************************************************
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 18: 3-4)(cd1)
When I was a child I would watch the snow fall and my mother would tell me "God created the snow for us"...
With the faith of a child I believed...
When I was a child I would climb a tree and my mother would tell me "God created that tree for us"...
With the faith of a child I believed...
When I was a child I would wish upon the first star of the night and my mother would tell me "God created the stars in the sky for us"...
With the faith of a child I believed...
Then my teacher told me that snow comes from the clouds and I began to question my faith...
Because I had some doubts...
Then my teacher told me that trees come from seeds and my faith became weak...
Because I had even more doubts...
Then my teacher told me that stars are balls of burning gas far away and I lost my faith...
Because I was filled with doubts...
Then one crystal clear night I stood on the side of a mountain, above snow covered trees, under the shimmering glow of the Milky Way...
A voice deep inside me said "God created the heavens and the earth" and with the faith of a child I believed...
For me there will never be another doubt...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14/14 (B1)(cd1)
***************************************************************
Two Brothers
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. (Matthew 18:13)
I have two brothers…
My older brother was mentally handicapped ...
My younger brother had Cystic Fibrosis…
As you might have guessed things around our home were a bit different…
However, to us, this all seemed very natural…
It was not until I was older that I start to notice how “normal people” acted around my brothers…
People would keep their distance…
Even adults were afraid that my brothers might just touch them…
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:14)
We should not fear these children…
Cystic Fibrosis is not contagious…
Mental issues are not contagious…
Cancer is not contagious…
And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. (Matthew 18:15)
These children need more than just medical attention…
They also need a loving hand to hold…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/16/15 (B1)(cd1)
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Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. (Matthew 18:13)
I have two brothers…
My older brother was mentally handicapped ...
My younger brother had Cystic Fibrosis…
As you might have guessed things around our home were a bit different…
However, to us, this all seemed very natural…
It was not until I was older that I start to notice how “normal people” acted around my brothers…
People would keep their distance…
Even adults were afraid that my brothers might just touch them…
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:14)
We should not fear these children…
Cystic Fibrosis is not contagious…
Mental issues are not contagious…
Cancer is not contagious…
And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. (Matthew 18:15)
These children need more than just medical attention…
They also need a loving hand to hold…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/16/15 (B1)(cd1)
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Little Ones
And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:13-14)
When I was in the basement today there was a scratching noise coming from the furnace vent…
A tiny bird had entered the vent on the roof during a storm…
It had fallen all the way down and was now trapped…
I reached into the vent and pulled it out…
It was completely covered in black sot and could not see…
We cleaned it up and gave it some food and water…
After letting it rest in a warm dark place for several hours I carried it outside and set it on the ground…
For a few seconds it just stood there…
Then suddenly it shot thirty feet straight up and landed in a huge tree…
Thousands of birds fly over our house every year…
This one tiny bird means more to us than any of them…
This must be how God feels about every one of us that has ever been rescued by His son…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/10/17(cd1)
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And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:13-14)
When I was in the basement today there was a scratching noise coming from the furnace vent…
A tiny bird had entered the vent on the roof during a storm…
It had fallen all the way down and was now trapped…
I reached into the vent and pulled it out…
It was completely covered in black sot and could not see…
We cleaned it up and gave it some food and water…
After letting it rest in a warm dark place for several hours I carried it outside and set it on the ground…
For a few seconds it just stood there…
Then suddenly it shot thirty feet straight up and landed in a huge tree…
Thousands of birds fly over our house every year…
This one tiny bird means more to us than any of them…
This must be how God feels about every one of us that has ever been rescued by His son…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/10/17(cd1)
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How Deep
...and Jesus said "You must forgive them seventy times seven" (Matthew 18: 21)
If a child hits a baseball through our bedroom window...
We can find forgiveness on the surface of our heart...
If a friend brings us to tears with a harsh word carelessly spoken...
We can find forgiveness by scraping the surface of our heart...
If a sister or brother turns their back on us in time of need...
We can find forgiveness by cutting away the surface of our heart...
It can be painful to forgive others for what they have done...
The most painful part of forgiveness is deciding...
How deep the cut must be to forgive ourselves… For what we have done to others...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)(cd1)
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...and Jesus said "You must forgive them seventy times seven" (Matthew 18: 21)
If a child hits a baseball through our bedroom window...
We can find forgiveness on the surface of our heart...
If a friend brings us to tears with a harsh word carelessly spoken...
We can find forgiveness by scraping the surface of our heart...
If a sister or brother turns their back on us in time of need...
We can find forgiveness by cutting away the surface of our heart...
It can be painful to forgive others for what they have done...
The most painful part of forgiveness is deciding...
How deep the cut must be to forgive ourselves… For what we have done to others...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)(cd1)
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What Lack I
The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (Matthew 19:20)
This young man wants to become one of Jesus’ followers…
He is telling Jesus that he has kept all of God’s commandments since he was a child…
The answer he received was not at all what he was expecting…
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
(Matthew 19:21)
A man asked me “There is no commandment that says we must give away all of our money, so why did Jesus say this to him?”
I have to admit I was stumped…
For years I was not able to come up with an answer that I could accept…
Until now…
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)
It is not only one of the commandments it is the first one…
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (Matthew 19:22)
The Money was not the problem…
Choosing between money and God was…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/12/16 (B1)
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The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (Matthew 19:20)
This young man wants to become one of Jesus’ followers…
He is telling Jesus that he has kept all of God’s commandments since he was a child…
The answer he received was not at all what he was expecting…
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
(Matthew 19:21)
A man asked me “There is no commandment that says we must give away all of our money, so why did Jesus say this to him?”
I have to admit I was stumped…
For years I was not able to come up with an answer that I could accept…
Until now…
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3)
It is not only one of the commandments it is the first one…
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (Matthew 19:22)
The Money was not the problem…
Choosing between money and God was…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/12/16 (B1)
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Believing and Faith
Believing and Faith are two very different things…
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
Believing says that we know God can do anything…
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
Faith says that we trust God to do the right thing…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/28/15 (B1)
And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. (Mark 14:36)
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Believing and Faith are two very different things…
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
Believing says that we know God can do anything…
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
Faith says that we trust God to do the right thing…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/28/15 (B1)
And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. (Mark 14:36)
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And The Other Left
Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. (Matthew 24:41)
When we think about the “second coming” Matthew is not always the first book we turn to …
When it comes to the “tribulation” and the “second coming” there are many different points of view…
There are Pre-trib, Mid-trib and Post-trib…
Will the people left behind have another chance…?
What about the people who have died before the “second coming”…?
Often the best answers are the simple ones…
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:42-44)
Jesus makes it very simple…
We are not going to know the answers so just be ready…
All the time…
Why are we talking about this at Christmas time…?
Jesus did not bring us the Gift of Salvation…
He is the Gift of Salvation…!
If He had not come the first time we would all be left behind…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/10/15
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Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. (Matthew 24:41)
When we think about the “second coming” Matthew is not always the first book we turn to …
When it comes to the “tribulation” and the “second coming” there are many different points of view…
There are Pre-trib, Mid-trib and Post-trib…
Will the people left behind have another chance…?
What about the people who have died before the “second coming”…?
Often the best answers are the simple ones…
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:42-44)
Jesus makes it very simple…
We are not going to know the answers so just be ready…
All the time…
Why are we talking about this at Christmas time…?
Jesus did not bring us the Gift of Salvation…
He is the Gift of Salvation…!
If He had not come the first time we would all be left behind…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/10/15
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Fight or Flight
Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. (Matthew 26:31)
We want to hold the disciples to a higher standard…
The problem is that they are normal people just like us…
They react to fear the same way we do…
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. (Matthew 26:35)
There is a lot testosterone in the air right now…
I like Peter, he and I are a lot alike…
We are both high strung and neither one of us knows when to keep our mouth shut…
Peter is in a fight or flight situation…
He is surrounded by angry Priests, Pharisees and Scribe…
He was truly afraid for his life…
Fight or Flight…
Do we really have a choice...?
Fear is a very powerful motivator, when it says run we run…
Choice or not we can still end up feeling guilty...
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
(Matthew 26:75)
Scrolls from the Soul
8/18/14
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Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. (Matthew 26:31)
We want to hold the disciples to a higher standard…
The problem is that they are normal people just like us…
They react to fear the same way we do…
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. (Matthew 26:35)
There is a lot testosterone in the air right now…
I like Peter, he and I are a lot alike…
We are both high strung and neither one of us knows when to keep our mouth shut…
Peter is in a fight or flight situation…
He is surrounded by angry Priests, Pharisees and Scribe…
He was truly afraid for his life…
Fight or Flight…
Do we really have a choice...?
Fear is a very powerful motivator, when it says run we run…
Choice or not we can still end up feeling guilty...
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
(Matthew 26:75)
Scrolls from the Soul
8/18/14
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Beyond God’s Mercy
And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. (Matthew 27:5-6)
OK… Let’s try to understand this clearly…
They can’t take the money back because it is “Blood Money”…
They had no problem giving him the money in the first place…
It should be no surprise that Jesus said…
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess…
(Matthew 23:25)
Remember these are just people...
They have made some bad choices but, they are still just people…
Are they so far gone that there is no hope for them…?
Saul became Paul did he not…?
Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. (Acts 13:9)
No one is beyond the reach of God’s Mercy…
Not even you nor I…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/22/14 (B1)
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And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. (Matthew 27:5-6)
OK… Let’s try to understand this clearly…
They can’t take the money back because it is “Blood Money”…
They had no problem giving him the money in the first place…
It should be no surprise that Jesus said…
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess…
(Matthew 23:25)
Remember these are just people...
They have made some bad choices but, they are still just people…
Are they so far gone that there is no hope for them…?
Saul became Paul did he not…?
Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. (Acts 13:9)
No one is beyond the reach of God’s Mercy…
Not even you nor I…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/22/14 (B1)
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Scared to Death
And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. (Matthew 28:12-13
These men were eyewitness to the resurrection of Christ…
The chief priests were so upset by this news that they were willing to payout a large sum of money to cover it up…
These guards were willing to tell their commanding officer that all of them fell asleep while on duty…
Normally they would have been put to death for this...
What is it about Jesus that terrifies all of these people…?
If they did not know for sure before, they do now…
They have just put to death the Son of God…
That thought would be enough...
To scare me to death…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/24/14
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And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. (Matthew 28:12-13
These men were eyewitness to the resurrection of Christ…
The chief priests were so upset by this news that they were willing to payout a large sum of money to cover it up…
These guards were willing to tell their commanding officer that all of them fell asleep while on duty…
Normally they would have been put to death for this...
What is it about Jesus that terrifies all of these people…?
If they did not know for sure before, they do now…
They have just put to death the Son of God…
That thought would be enough...
To scare me to death…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/24/14
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What New Doctrine
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. (Mark 1:27-28)
This is the difference between listening to someone reading a book about Africa Vs listening to someone who grew up in Africa…
Jesus could speak about the glory of heaven with a passion that no scribe could ever feel…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/7/17
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And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. (Mark 1:27-28)
This is the difference between listening to someone reading a book about Africa Vs listening to someone who grew up in Africa…
Jesus could speak about the glory of heaven with a passion that no scribe could ever feel…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/7/17
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Without Faith
Faith is a head to head battle we face every single day of our lives…
During this fight there are some things we must always remember…
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. (Mark 2:5)
Without Faith there is no forgiveness…
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew 14:31)
Without Faith there is no trust…
Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? (Matthew 16:8)
Without Faith there is no understanding…
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
(Mark 4:40)
Without Faith there is no courage…
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)
Without Faith there is
No salvation….
Scrolls from the Soul
12/4/17
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Faith is a head to head battle we face every single day of our lives…
During this fight there are some things we must always remember…
When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. (Mark 2:5)
Without Faith there is no forgiveness…
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew 14:31)
Without Faith there is no trust…
Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? (Matthew 16:8)
Without Faith there is no understanding…
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
(Mark 4:40)
Without Faith there is no courage…
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)
Without Faith there is
No salvation….
Scrolls from the Soul
12/4/17
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My House
And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mark 2:16-17)
Yes, I could see Jesus stopping by my house for dinner…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/11/16
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And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mark 2:16-17)
Yes, I could see Jesus stopping by my house for dinner…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/11/16
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Not Be An Option
And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. (Mark 3:3-4)
We all know what is about to happen…
But first Jesus has asked a question…
And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. (Mark 3:5)
This verse talks about Jesus being angry…
Why…?
The Pharisees were supposed to be the ones defending God’s Commandments…
They should have taken a stand one way or the other…
They have spent years telling people the answer to this question…
So, why did they not take a stand…?
Did they know Jesus was right…?
Or were they afraid of how the people would react…?
We have all been in this situation…
And we will be again…
This is where fear jumps in...
Believe me I know...
I have backed down many times...
And Satan has never let me forget a single one...
If we truly believe in Christ we need to take a stand…
Keeping silent should not be an option…
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16)
Scroll from the Soul
12/6/17
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And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. (Mark 3:3-4)
We all know what is about to happen…
But first Jesus has asked a question…
And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. (Mark 3:5)
This verse talks about Jesus being angry…
Why…?
The Pharisees were supposed to be the ones defending God’s Commandments…
They should have taken a stand one way or the other…
They have spent years telling people the answer to this question…
So, why did they not take a stand…?
Did they know Jesus was right…?
Or were they afraid of how the people would react…?
We have all been in this situation…
And we will be again…
This is where fear jumps in...
Believe me I know...
I have backed down many times...
And Satan has never let me forget a single one...
If we truly believe in Christ we need to take a stand…
Keeping silent should not be an option…
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16)
Scroll from the Soul
12/6/17
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Is It Lawful to do Good
And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. (Mark 3:4-5)
The Jewish laws had become so over whelming that they had lost sight of Gods will…
Today we seem to have fallen in to the same trap…
Volunteer Protection Acts and Good Samaritan Laws
Good Samaritan laws are found at the state level and can provide liability protection to volunteers who are near an emergency event and respond to help victims. Some Good Samaritan laws apply to entities or organizations that assist in an emergency response.
(astho-Association of state and territorial health officials)
Why does our right to do the right thing require laws to protect us…?
When we get right down to it there are only two laws...
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
(Matthew 22:37-40)
We are often told that we should follow our heart…
What we should be doing is following God’s heart…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/25/15 (B1)
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And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. (Mark 3:4-5)
The Jewish laws had become so over whelming that they had lost sight of Gods will…
Today we seem to have fallen in to the same trap…
Volunteer Protection Acts and Good Samaritan Laws
Good Samaritan laws are found at the state level and can provide liability protection to volunteers who are near an emergency event and respond to help victims. Some Good Samaritan laws apply to entities or organizations that assist in an emergency response.
(astho-Association of state and territorial health officials)
Why does our right to do the right thing require laws to protect us…?
When we get right down to it there are only two laws...
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
(Matthew 22:37-40)
We are often told that we should follow our heart…
What we should be doing is following God’s heart…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/25/15 (B1)
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Blinded by Emotions
And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. (Mark 3:4-6)
These Pharisees have just witness a miracle…
Were they amazed… No…
Were they joyful… No…
Were they respectful… No…
They wanted to destroy Him…
Once again emotions have ruled the day…
The Pharisees have been blinded by Pride and Greed…
May we never be so blind…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/30/14 (B1)
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And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. (Mark 3:4-6)
These Pharisees have just witness a miracle…
Were they amazed… No…
Were they joyful… No…
Were they respectful… No…
They wanted to destroy Him…
Once again emotions have ruled the day…
The Pharisees have been blinded by Pride and Greed…
May we never be so blind…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/30/14 (B1)
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All About Our Emotions
The sower soweth the word. (Mark 4:14)
Remember the Bible deals with our emotions…
They are the key to understanding…
And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. (Mark 4:15)
This is all about doubt…
Satan gets in there and says “You really do not believe this do you?”…
And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. ((Mark 4:16-17)
This is all about pride and fear…
We are no longer accepted by our friends…
Our friends just look at us and shake their heads and that is all it takes…
And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. ((Mark 4:18-19)
This is all about instant gratification…
It is great for the moment but only until something better comes along…
And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. (Mark 4:20)
This all about hope and peace…
There is a certain peace that comes with knowing there is something better out there waiting for us…
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. (Psalm 16:9)
Scroll from the Soul
4/10/17
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Fantasy or Foolishness
And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (Mark 4:18-19)
Daydreaming is something we all do from time to time…
In my case more time than I am willing to admit…
We rehearse over and over again what we would do if…
In this case Jesus is warning us about the deceitfulness of riches (among other things)…
If you are anything like me you might start by thinking how great it would be if received $1,000 per week…
Than the dream expands to $10,000 or $50,000…
We want to believe that we know what we would do in the case of an emergency…
We also want to believe we would take this money and do great things for people in need…
In either case we honestly do not know how we would react…
Satan has the advantage here…
The more time we spend daydreaming the less time we are focused on God…
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15)
So, is our daydreaming Fantasy or Foolishness…?
Scrolls from the Soul
7/28/15 (B1)
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And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (Mark 4:18-19)
Daydreaming is something we all do from time to time…
In my case more time than I am willing to admit…
We rehearse over and over again what we would do if…
In this case Jesus is warning us about the deceitfulness of riches (among other things)…
If you are anything like me you might start by thinking how great it would be if received $1,000 per week…
Than the dream expands to $10,000 or $50,000…
We want to believe that we know what we would do in the case of an emergency…
We also want to believe we would take this money and do great things for people in need…
In either case we honestly do not know how we would react…
Satan has the advantage here…
The more time we spend daydreaming the less time we are focused on God…
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15)
So, is our daydreaming Fantasy or Foolishness…?
Scrolls from the Soul
7/28/15 (B1)
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Man Became a Living Soul
It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: but when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. (Mark 4:31-2)
Just how many cells are there in a mustard seed…?
A hundred… A thousand…
All of the information that is needed for that seed to grow to full size comes from that seed…
But at what point is life added…?
Each of us begins as a single cell…
Too that cell a second cell is added…
All of the information that is needed for us to grow to full size comes from those two cells…
But at what point is life added…?
Life was already in the seed just as life was already in the cells…
But at what point was the soul added…?
At conception…?
At our first breath…?
Or was our soul handed down by God from that very first breath of life…?
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)
It does not say Adam...
It says man became a living soul…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/19/18
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It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: but when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. (Mark 4:31-2)
Just how many cells are there in a mustard seed…?
A hundred… A thousand…
All of the information that is needed for that seed to grow to full size comes from that seed…
But at what point is life added…?
Each of us begins as a single cell…
Too that cell a second cell is added…
All of the information that is needed for us to grow to full size comes from those two cells…
But at what point is life added…?
Life was already in the seed just as life was already in the cells…
But at what point was the soul added…?
At conception…?
At our first breath…?
Or was our soul handed down by God from that very first breath of life…?
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)
It does not say Adam...
It says man became a living soul…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/19/18
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All or Nothing
And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. (Mark 5:7-9)
We can not pick and choose what is real and what is not…
We all want believe that God and His angels are real…
Then we must accept that Satan and his demons are just as real…
All of the above are still active in the world around us…
What this verse clearly points out…
is that all of the above must answer to God…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/3/14 (B1)
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And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. (Mark 5:7-9)
We can not pick and choose what is real and what is not…
We all want believe that God and His angels are real…
Then we must accept that Satan and his demons are just as real…
All of the above are still active in the world around us…
What this verse clearly points out…
is that all of the above must answer to God…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/3/14 (B1)
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From the Heart
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Mark 7:21-23)
This is not only true for negative feeling, but positive as well…
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Emotions are the great equalizer…
Every man, women and child that has ever lived has dealt with same emotions…
For there is no respect of persons with God (Romans 2:11)
This means that God does not look at the person,
He looks at the heart where everyone is equal…
The very essence of the Bible is to help us deal with emotions…
Not only ours, but the billions of people that we share them with…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/6/14 (B1)
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For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Mark 7:21-23)
This is not only true for negative feeling, but positive as well…
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Emotions are the great equalizer…
Every man, women and child that has ever lived has dealt with same emotions…
For there is no respect of persons with God (Romans 2:11)
This means that God does not look at the person,
He looks at the heart where everyone is equal…
The very essence of the Bible is to help us deal with emotions…
Not only ours, but the billions of people that we share them with…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/6/14 (B1)
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Pray Then Panic
And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread. And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve. And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven. (Mark 8:16-20)
I can not tell you how many times I have fallen into this pattern…
I get upset… I pray… then I panic…
Time and time again the Disciples have seen Jesus do amazing things…
And yet when the smallest thing goes wrong they panic…
I am just as bad…
If I told you some of the things God as done for me you would think my faith should be so strong…
And yet… unto this day I still panic…
There are things in my life that I can not explain…
Am I willing to accept that God had a hand in them…?
More importantly am I willing to believe He will do it again…?
And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand? (Mark 8:21)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/14/17
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And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread. And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve. And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven. (Mark 8:16-20)
I can not tell you how many times I have fallen into this pattern…
I get upset… I pray… then I panic…
Time and time again the Disciples have seen Jesus do amazing things…
And yet when the smallest thing goes wrong they panic…
I am just as bad…
If I told you some of the things God as done for me you would think my faith should be so strong…
And yet… unto this day I still panic…
There are things in my life that I can not explain…
Am I willing to accept that God had a hand in them…?
More importantly am I willing to believe He will do it again…?
And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand? (Mark 8:21)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/14/17
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What is our Cross
And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mark 8:34)
Jesus is calling for people to take up their cross…
So just what is our Cross…?
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
It is not our sins because our sins can be forgiven and will no longer be a burden for us to carry…
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:10)
It can not be a physical illness because we do not have a choice to carry them or not…
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Mark 2:17)
Jesus’ greatest task on Earth was to bring sinners to repentance…
Is this the “Cross” we are being asked to “take up”…?
Scrolls from the Soul
3/26/16 (B1)
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And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mark 8:34)
Jesus is calling for people to take up their cross…
So just what is our Cross…?
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
It is not our sins because our sins can be forgiven and will no longer be a burden for us to carry…
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:10)
It can not be a physical illness because we do not have a choice to carry them or not…
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Mark 2:17)
Jesus’ greatest task on Earth was to bring sinners to repentance…
Is this the “Cross” we are being asked to “take up”…?
Scrolls from the Soul
3/26/16 (B1)
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Stop Talking and Listen
And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. (Mark 9:5-6)
I have often compared myself to Peter, (always on his bad days)…
In this case Peter is once again letting his emotions do the talking…
Fear and confusion love to talk…
These are not always the words people want to hear…
And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. (Mark 9:7)
Have you ever noticed that dark clouds always seem angry…?
Now we add a voice coming out of this cloud…
God now has Peter’s attention and He is delivering this very short message…
Stop talking and listen…!
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: (Proverbs 1:5)
I love to talk...
Like Peter listening is not my best attribute...
Scrolls from the Soul
9/6/15 (B1)
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And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. (Mark 9:5-6)
I have often compared myself to Peter, (always on his bad days)…
In this case Peter is once again letting his emotions do the talking…
Fear and confusion love to talk…
These are not always the words people want to hear…
And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. (Mark 9:7)
Have you ever noticed that dark clouds always seem angry…?
Now we add a voice coming out of this cloud…
God now has Peter’s attention and He is delivering this very short message…
Stop talking and listen…!
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: (Proverbs 1:5)
I love to talk...
Like Peter listening is not my best attribute...
Scrolls from the Soul
9/6/15 (B1)
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Help My Unbelief
And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. (Mark 9:21-22)
This very caring father is desperately looking for someone to help his son…
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:23-24)
This is one of the most powerful statements of faith in the entire Bible…
All too often it is simply over looked…
Jesus says to this man you must believe…
This father knows that no matter how hard he tries to believe there will always be that lingering doubt…
He understands he can not get there on his own so he calls on Jesus for help…
This level of faith is nothing short of amazing…
He is not only asking Jesus to heal his child…
He is also asking Jesus to grant him the faith to believe…
(foot note: there are some who say the child was not possessed by demons he just had epilepsy. If they wish to believe this then they must except that Jesus just cured this child. Either way it is still a miracle…)
Scrolls from the Soul
9/22/14 (B1)(cd1)
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And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. (Mark 9:21-22)
This very caring father is desperately looking for someone to help his son…
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:23-24)
This is one of the most powerful statements of faith in the entire Bible…
All too often it is simply over looked…
Jesus says to this man you must believe…
This father knows that no matter how hard he tries to believe there will always be that lingering doubt…
He understands he can not get there on his own so he calls on Jesus for help…
This level of faith is nothing short of amazing…
He is not only asking Jesus to heal his child…
He is also asking Jesus to grant him the faith to believe…
(foot note: there are some who say the child was not possessed by demons he just had epilepsy. If they wish to believe this then they must except that Jesus just cured this child. Either way it is still a miracle…)
Scrolls from the Soul
9/22/14 (B1)(cd1)
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Who has our Faith?
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. (Mark 11:22)
People often say that they cannot have faith in things they have never seen…
Millions of people read newspapers every day and with faith in nothing more than paper and ink they believe…
and yet...
Hand them a Bible and they refuse to believe...
Everyday people receive the newest artificial heart, and with faith in the doctors willingly hand over their lives…
and yet...
God's miracles they will not accept...
People walk on to airplanes every day without a second thought and with faith in a pilot they have never seen they simply go on with their day…
and yet...
Trust in God? Someone they do not know...?
There is no doubt that we are a people of great faith...
The question is...
Who has our Faith…?
Scrolls from the Soul
6/2/14 (B1)
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And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. (Mark 11:22)
People often say that they cannot have faith in things they have never seen…
Millions of people read newspapers every day and with faith in nothing more than paper and ink they believe…
and yet...
Hand them a Bible and they refuse to believe...
Everyday people receive the newest artificial heart, and with faith in the doctors willingly hand over their lives…
and yet...
God's miracles they will not accept...
People walk on to airplanes every day without a second thought and with faith in a pilot they have never seen they simply go on with their day…
and yet...
Trust in God? Someone they do not know...?
There is no doubt that we are a people of great faith...
The question is...
Who has our Faith…?
Scrolls from the Soul
6/2/14 (B1)
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This Time
And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. (Mark 13:7)
We are very familiar with the first part of this verse…
It is the second half we tend to forget…
There have always been wars and rumours of war…
Vietnam…
Korea…
World Wars 1 & 2…
The Roman Empire…
The question we tend to ask is “Are these the end times…
This time?”
Throughout history whenever there have been “Hard Times” people tend to return to God…
The reality is that in the “Good Times” is when people tend to turn away from God…
I do not believe God starts wars to bring us back to Him...
It is when we turn our backs on God we start fight among ourselves...
Sooner or later the “End Times” will come…
Until then we must remember to be vigilant…
During the “Good Times”…
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32)
Scrolls from the Soul
9/16/17
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And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. (Mark 13:7)
We are very familiar with the first part of this verse…
It is the second half we tend to forget…
There have always been wars and rumours of war…
Vietnam…
Korea…
World Wars 1 & 2…
The Roman Empire…
The question we tend to ask is “Are these the end times…
This time?”
Throughout history whenever there have been “Hard Times” people tend to return to God…
The reality is that in the “Good Times” is when people tend to turn away from God…
I do not believe God starts wars to bring us back to Him...
It is when we turn our backs on God we start fight among ourselves...
Sooner or later the “End Times” will come…
Until then we must remember to be vigilant…
During the “Good Times”…
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32)
Scrolls from the Soul
9/16/17
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Is It I
And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
(Mark 14:17-18)
We all know that it was Judas that betrayed Jesus…
It is the next verse that we tend to overlook…
And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? (Mark 14:19)
Judas knew he was the one, but why were the other eleven so unsure of themselves…?
This came before Jesus told them they would all be offended…
And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. (Mark 14:27)
This was even before he Jesus told Peter he would deny Him three times…
And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Mark 14:30)
Why was there so much fear around that table…?
And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. (Luke 8:25)
All too often our fear is stronger than our faith…
If we were at that table would we be asking; Is It I…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/8/15
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And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
(Mark 14:17-18)
We all know that it was Judas that betrayed Jesus…
It is the next verse that we tend to overlook…
And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? (Mark 14:19)
Judas knew he was the one, but why were the other eleven so unsure of themselves…?
This came before Jesus told them they would all be offended…
And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. (Mark 14:27)
This was even before he Jesus told Peter he would deny Him three times…
And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Mark 14:30)
Why was there so much fear around that table…?
And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. (Luke 8:25)
All too often our fear is stronger than our faith…
If we were at that table would we be asking; Is It I…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/8/15
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Never Rule It Out
According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. (Luke 1:9-10)
It was Zacharias’ job to go inside temple and burn incense while the people outside prayed…
He had done this for years, possibly decades…
In all that time nothing unusual had ever happened… until today…
And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. (Luke 1: 11-12)
In the Bible Angels have appeared too a number of people...
Most of the time the reaction is fear followed by doubt…
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. (Luke 1: 18)
Sound familiar…?
Abraham had the very same reaction when he was told the same thing…
I have been asked if I believe in ghosts…
I said no…
I do however believe in Angels and Demons…
Will we ever be visited by either of these…?
We should never rule it out…
They were not expecting it either...
Scrolls from the Soul
11/28/15
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According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. (Luke 1:9-10)
It was Zacharias’ job to go inside temple and burn incense while the people outside prayed…
He had done this for years, possibly decades…
In all that time nothing unusual had ever happened… until today…
And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. (Luke 1: 11-12)
In the Bible Angels have appeared too a number of people...
Most of the time the reaction is fear followed by doubt…
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. (Luke 1: 18)
Sound familiar…?
Abraham had the very same reaction when he was told the same thing…
I have been asked if I believe in ghosts…
I said no…
I do however believe in Angels and Demons…
Will we ever be visited by either of these…?
We should never rule it out…
They were not expecting it either...
Scrolls from the Soul
11/28/15
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Believe it or Not
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. (Luke 1:18-19)
Is it me or does Gabriel seems a bit ticked off…?
This does seem oddly familiar somehow…
And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
(Genesis 17:16-17)
We know that none of us can really be sure how we would react in this situation…
Laughing at God does seem a little disrespectful…
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? (Luke 1:31-34)
God must be shaking head and saying,
“WHY WILL YOU PEOPLE NOT BELIEVE ME!”…
God must have an incredible amount of patience to deal with us all the time…
This must be what unconditional love is all about…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/15/14
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And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. (Luke 1:18-19)
Is it me or does Gabriel seems a bit ticked off…?
This does seem oddly familiar somehow…
And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
(Genesis 17:16-17)
We know that none of us can really be sure how we would react in this situation…
Laughing at God does seem a little disrespectful…
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? (Luke 1:31-34)
God must be shaking head and saying,
“WHY WILL YOU PEOPLE NOT BELIEVE ME!”…
God must have an incredible amount of patience to deal with us all the time…
This must be what unconditional love is all about…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/15/14
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Mary the Mother
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. (Luke 1:26-28)
One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Mary did you know”…
It asks just how much did Mary know about the baby Jesus…
Much of what we know about Mary is contained in these few verses…
When He was sad did she comfort Him …?
When He skinned His knees did she wipe away His tears…?
When she held Him did she tell Him she loved Him…?
I truly believe she did…
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/22/16
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And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. (Luke 1:26-28)
One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Mary did you know”…
It asks just how much did Mary know about the baby Jesus…
Much of what we know about Mary is contained in these few verses…
When He was sad did she comfort Him …?
When He skinned His knees did she wipe away His tears…?
When she held Him did she tell Him she loved Him…?
I truly believe she did…
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/22/16
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Lighten The Gentiles?
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, (Luke 2:28-30)
Just how long Simeon had been waiting for this moment is unclear…
We do know that it was the greatest moment in his life…
He lifted up this child and praising God…
We can almost see him dancing around the room…
Everyone in the room must have been caught up in the moment…
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:32)
Stop…? Hold on just a minute…
Did he say “a light to lighten the Gentiles”…?
Remember, everyone in this room is Jewish…
To them Jesus is the future King and their Salvation from the Romans…
Are they really ready to share Him with the likes of the Gentiles…?
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. (Luke 2:33)
As far as we know, no one in that room objected to what Simeon said…
If we were in the middle of an energized praise session and a person who is not "part of our faith" joined in how would we react…?
The question is not so much what would we do, as it is how would we feel…?
Would the energy or focus of our praise change…?
If it does we need to take a closer look at our relationship with God…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/3/15
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Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, (Luke 2:28-30)
Just how long Simeon had been waiting for this moment is unclear…
We do know that it was the greatest moment in his life…
He lifted up this child and praising God…
We can almost see him dancing around the room…
Everyone in the room must have been caught up in the moment…
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:32)
Stop…? Hold on just a minute…
Did he say “a light to lighten the Gentiles”…?
Remember, everyone in this room is Jewish…
To them Jesus is the future King and their Salvation from the Romans…
Are they really ready to share Him with the likes of the Gentiles…?
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. (Luke 2:33)
As far as we know, no one in that room objected to what Simeon said…
If we were in the middle of an energized praise session and a person who is not "part of our faith" joined in how would we react…?
The question is not so much what would we do, as it is how would we feel…?
Would the energy or focus of our praise change…?
If it does we need to take a closer look at our relationship with God…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/3/15
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Faith Came First
And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee (Luke 5:20)
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. (Luke 7:50)
And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. (Luke 8:48)
And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (Luke 17:19)
What do all of these miracles have in common…?
The faith came first…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/24/16
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And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee (Luke 5:20)
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. (Luke 7:50)
And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. (Luke 8:48)
And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (Luke 17:19)
What do all of these miracles have in common…?
The faith came first…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/24/16
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Listening With Our Eyes
And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. (Luke 7:24-27)
The question Jesus is asking is this:
When will you stop listening to your eyes and start listening to your soul…?
He is still asking…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/27/17
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And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. (Luke 7:24-27)
The question Jesus is asking is this:
When will you stop listening to your eyes and start listening to your soul…?
He is still asking…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/27/17
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Where is?
And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. (Luke 8:25)
Do you remember roller skating on a broken sidewalk when you knew you were not supposed to..?
When you fell and skinned your knee, did you hear your father's voice saying "Where is your brain..?"
Do you remember walking out into the night without a coat and hat...?
When rain poured down and your body shivered did you hear your mother's voice saying "Where is your common sense?"
Do your ever feel as if your life is being tossed about like the disciples upon the Red Sea? Even though Christ is with you, do you feel like all is lost and you cannot go on?
Do you not hear the voice of Jesus saying "Where is your Faith?"
Scrolls from the Soul
12/15/14
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And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. (Luke 8:25)
Do you remember roller skating on a broken sidewalk when you knew you were not supposed to..?
When you fell and skinned your knee, did you hear your father's voice saying "Where is your brain..?"
Do you remember walking out into the night without a coat and hat...?
When rain poured down and your body shivered did you hear your mother's voice saying "Where is your common sense?"
Do your ever feel as if your life is being tossed about like the disciples upon the Red Sea? Even though Christ is with you, do you feel like all is lost and you cannot go on?
Do you not hear the voice of Jesus saying "Where is your Faith?"
Scrolls from the Soul
12/15/14
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All Flesh
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:6)
We tend to think that God was only the God of the Jews until Jesus came and changed everything...
This is not true…
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)
This is the time of the Jewish Kings…
Yet it goes back even farther…
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)
At this point there were not Jews or Gentiles…
God has been the God of everyone since the very beginning of time...
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
(Revelation 21:6)
He has never put any limitations on who is allowed to drink…
He is and always will be the God of all flesh...
Scrolls from the Soul
1/21/17
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And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:6)
We tend to think that God was only the God of the Jews until Jesus came and changed everything...
This is not true…
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (Jeremiah 32:27)
This is the time of the Jewish Kings…
Yet it goes back even farther…
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)
At this point there were not Jews or Gentiles…
God has been the God of everyone since the very beginning of time...
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
(Revelation 21:6)
He has never put any limitations on who is allowed to drink…
He is and always will be the God of all flesh...
Scrolls from the Soul
1/21/17
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Lie, cheat & steal
Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. (Luke 3: 12-14)
Publicans were the tax collectors and the soldiers were the law enforcement...
These groups did not show much kindness to the common people...
John does not tell them to quit their jobs or rebel against the government...
He simply says stop lying, cheating and stealing...
What God expects from us is not hard to understand...
Just hard to live up to sometimes…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/3/14 (B1)
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Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. (Luke 3: 12-14)
Publicans were the tax collectors and the soldiers were the law enforcement...
These groups did not show much kindness to the common people...
John does not tell them to quit their jobs or rebel against the government...
He simply says stop lying, cheating and stealing...
What God expects from us is not hard to understand...
Just hard to live up to sometimes…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/3/14 (B1)
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No Excuses
When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: (Luke 5: 8-9)
Jesus has just spent time teaching a large group of people from the back of Peter’s fishing boat…
Then Peter witnesses a miracle…
At this point Peter realizes he is standing face to face with God…
His first emotion hits him head on…
It was fear…
His first reaction was to drop to his knees and confess he was a sinner…
He blamed no one and offered no excuses…
It is not often that my confessions meet that standard...
Scrolls from the Soul
3/30/17
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When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: (Luke 5: 8-9)
Jesus has just spent time teaching a large group of people from the back of Peter’s fishing boat…
Then Peter witnesses a miracle…
At this point Peter realizes he is standing face to face with God…
His first emotion hits him head on…
It was fear…
His first reaction was to drop to his knees and confess he was a sinner…
He blamed no one and offered no excuses…
It is not often that my confessions meet that standard...
Scrolls from the Soul
3/30/17
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With Patience
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (Luke 8:15)
Jesus has just finished explaining the parable of the sower…
He has outlined all of the hazards a seed faces just to take root…
It is the final two words that we tend to overlook…
With Patience…
We are not willing to wait for a bus…
God is asking us to wait months or maybe even years for that seed to grow…
Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. (Luke 13:18-19)
That seed had to trust God to send the sun and the rain…
God also protected it from the animals and the storms…
Faith and understanding does not happen overnight…
Trusting God is a lifetime event for those who are willing to be...
Patient…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/23/15
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But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (Luke 8:15)
Jesus has just finished explaining the parable of the sower…
He has outlined all of the hazards a seed faces just to take root…
It is the final two words that we tend to overlook…
With Patience…
We are not willing to wait for a bus…
God is asking us to wait months or maybe even years for that seed to grow…
Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. (Luke 13:18-19)
That seed had to trust God to send the sun and the rain…
God also protected it from the animals and the storms…
Faith and understanding does not happen overnight…
Trusting God is a lifetime event for those who are willing to be...
Patient…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/23/15
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Old Enough
And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. (Luke 8:24-25)
Have you ever had a panic attack…?
Anyone can have one…
It is when our fear is stronger than our ability to think clearly…
This is when our faith is tested at its highest level…
I have failed this test many times…
Sometimes when I did something really dumb my parents would ask me:
Just how old are you…?
The correct response to this question was always:
Old enough to know better…
This is what Jesus was asking the disciples on the boat…
It is also what he keeps asking me…
Scrolls from the Soul
11/27/16
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And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. (Luke 8:24-25)
Have you ever had a panic attack…?
Anyone can have one…
It is when our fear is stronger than our ability to think clearly…
This is when our faith is tested at its highest level…
I have failed this test many times…
Sometimes when I did something really dumb my parents would ask me:
Just how old are you…?
The correct response to this question was always:
Old enough to know better…
This is what Jesus was asking the disciples on the boat…
It is also what he keeps asking me…
Scrolls from the Soul
11/27/16
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Also the Host
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (Luke 10:34-35)
We all remember the story of the Good Samaritan…
There is another person in the story we do not pay much attention to…
We know almost nothing about “The Host”…
Here is what we do know…
He was also willing to take care of the wounded man…
He also trusted the Samaritan…
There is no such thing as an insignificant person in the Bible…
To God there is also no insignificant person on Earth…
This includes you and I…
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise (Luke 10:36-37)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/12/18
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And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (Luke 10:34-35)
We all remember the story of the Good Samaritan…
There is another person in the story we do not pay much attention to…
We know almost nothing about “The Host”…
Here is what we do know…
He was also willing to take care of the wounded man…
He also trusted the Samaritan…
There is no such thing as an insignificant person in the Bible…
To God there is also no insignificant person on Earth…
This includes you and I…
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise (Luke 10:36-37)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/12/18
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The Perfect Prayer
...and it came to pass, that, as He was praying, in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught His disciples. (Luke 11: 1)
The disciples were looking for Jesus to teach them the perfect way to pray. They must have been prepared for hours of instruction. Imagine their amazement as Jesus spoke the 67 words of "The Lord's Prayer".
It begins with a statement of faith... "Our Father which art in heaven"
It praises the name of God... "Hallowed be Thy name"
It shows our submission to God's will..."Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven"
It admits our dependence on Him... "Give us this day our daily bread"
It requests His forgiveness for our sins... "and forgive us our debts"
It commits us to follow His example... "As we forgive our debtors"
It places our trust in Him... "and Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
And it closes by humbling us before God... "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen"
How often we mindlessly repeat these words...?
Do we really mean what we are praying...?
How seldom do we stop and truly listen to the perfect prayer...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)
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...and it came to pass, that, as He was praying, in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught His disciples. (Luke 11: 1)
The disciples were looking for Jesus to teach them the perfect way to pray. They must have been prepared for hours of instruction. Imagine their amazement as Jesus spoke the 67 words of "The Lord's Prayer".
It begins with a statement of faith... "Our Father which art in heaven"
It praises the name of God... "Hallowed be Thy name"
It shows our submission to God's will..."Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven"
It admits our dependence on Him... "Give us this day our daily bread"
It requests His forgiveness for our sins... "and forgive us our debts"
It commits us to follow His example... "As we forgive our debtors"
It places our trust in Him... "and Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
And it closes by humbling us before God... "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen"
How often we mindlessly repeat these words...?
Do we really mean what we are praying...?
How seldom do we stop and truly listen to the perfect prayer...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)
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Less Then Thankful
And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. (Luke 12:29-30)
I often ask God for the things that I want…
Most of the time He gives me just what I need…
All too often I am less than thankful for the gift…
Once again this is my greed overpowering my understanding…
Fear also plays a role here…
I am afraid what God has given me will not be enough…
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:34)
There is one question I keep asking myself…
Should not my faith be stronger than my checkbook…?
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.(Luke 12:31)
Scrolls from the Soul
11/24/17
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And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. (Luke 12:29-30)
I often ask God for the things that I want…
Most of the time He gives me just what I need…
All too often I am less than thankful for the gift…
Once again this is my greed overpowering my understanding…
Fear also plays a role here…
I am afraid what God has given me will not be enough…
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matthew 6:34)
There is one question I keep asking myself…
Should not my faith be stronger than my checkbook…?
But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.(Luke 12:31)
Scrolls from the Soul
11/24/17
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Lost and Found
And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
(Luke 15:3-4)
One of the most common fantasies we have is the saving of someone’s life…
Why is it we lack the same desire when it comes to saving someone’s soul…?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. (Luke 15:5)
If we save that life there is tremendous excitement…
If we save that soul the joy never seems to reach that same level…
When we save a life the results are seen immediately...
When it come to a soul not so much…
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (Matthew 6:19-20)
Both lives and souls are great treasures and we should rejoice when either one has been saved…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/18/16 (B1)
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And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
(Luke 15:3-4)
One of the most common fantasies we have is the saving of someone’s life…
Why is it we lack the same desire when it comes to saving someone’s soul…?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. (Luke 15:5)
If we save that life there is tremendous excitement…
If we save that soul the joy never seems to reach that same level…
When we save a life the results are seen immediately...
When it come to a soul not so much…
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (Matthew 6:19-20)
Both lives and souls are great treasures and we should rejoice when either one has been saved…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/18/16 (B1)
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Be of Good Cheer
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:31-32)
It may seem odd but it is Satan who uses our guilt against us…
He works hard to remind us of every bad thing we have ever thought, said or done…
This causes us depression, fear and in the end hopelessness…
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. (Matthew 9:2)
On the other hand it is God that is offering us the cure…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/26/18
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And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:31-32)
It may seem odd but it is Satan who uses our guilt against us…
He works hard to remind us of every bad thing we have ever thought, said or done…
This causes us depression, fear and in the end hopelessness…
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. (Matthew 9:2)
On the other hand it is God that is offering us the cure…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/26/18
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Moment of Darkness
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the vail of the temple was rent in the midst. (Luke 23: 44-45)
It was the sins of men that filled the sky with darkness...?
Just how much of that darkness belongs to me…?
For each lie I told did another dark cloud appear…?
For each harsh word I spoke did a moment of darkness draw near…?
For every evil deed or unclean thought,
was there placed upon that sun another black dot…?
Through the darkness of a single sin God cannot see...
So Jesus suffered the darkness all because of me...
Scrolls from the Soul
9/30/14 (B1)
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And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the vail of the temple was rent in the midst. (Luke 23: 44-45)
It was the sins of men that filled the sky with darkness...?
Just how much of that darkness belongs to me…?
For each lie I told did another dark cloud appear…?
For each harsh word I spoke did a moment of darkness draw near…?
For every evil deed or unclean thought,
was there placed upon that sun another black dot…?
Through the darkness of a single sin God cannot see...
So Jesus suffered the darkness all because of me...
Scrolls from the Soul
9/30/14 (B1)
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A Word to the Wise
And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. (Luke 11:29‑30)
It has been said the Sign of Jonah refers to the three days he spent in the belly of a fish...
That has been compared to Jesus spending three days in the belly of the Earth...
Then again maybe there is something more we have missed...
The sins of Nineveh were well known...
The whole world knew...
And so did the Ninevites...
When Jonah came to Nineveh he did no miracles...
There were no great signs in the heavens...
All he had was a message to deliver...
So why then did they repent...?
Is it possible that Jonah simply reminded them of something they already knew...?
Is it possible that there was just enough fear of God
left in Nineveh to make them stop and think...?
Is it possible that a word to the wise was sufficient...?
Jesus came with signs in the heavens and miracles...
Most of all He came with a simple message from God...
A reminder of something I already know...
A reminder of my sins...
Is there enough fear of God left in us so that we will stop and think?
Is a word to the wise still sufficient?
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14
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And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation. (Luke 11:29‑30)
It has been said the Sign of Jonah refers to the three days he spent in the belly of a fish...
That has been compared to Jesus spending three days in the belly of the Earth...
Then again maybe there is something more we have missed...
The sins of Nineveh were well known...
The whole world knew...
And so did the Ninevites...
When Jonah came to Nineveh he did no miracles...
There were no great signs in the heavens...
All he had was a message to deliver...
So why then did they repent...?
Is it possible that Jonah simply reminded them of something they already knew...?
Is it possible that there was just enough fear of God
left in Nineveh to make them stop and think...?
Is it possible that a word to the wise was sufficient...?
Jesus came with signs in the heavens and miracles...
Most of all He came with a simple message from God...
A reminder of something I already know...
A reminder of my sins...
Is there enough fear of God left in us so that we will stop and think?
Is a word to the wise still sufficient?
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14
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Faith is Everything
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3)
This is John, he is the spiritual one…
Reading his version of the life of Christ is like reading a different language…
Even thou it can be challenging there is a great deal that John has to teach us…
We are hit with a challenge to our faith right off the bat…
The Word is widely considered to be a reference to Jesus…
God and Jesus are two parts of the Trinity…
Believing in the Trinity is another core value of our faith …
To John Faith is Everything…
His goal is to show us why…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/4/14
****************************************************************
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3)
This is John, he is the spiritual one…
Reading his version of the life of Christ is like reading a different language…
Even thou it can be challenging there is a great deal that John has to teach us…
We are hit with a challenge to our faith right off the bat…
The Word is widely considered to be a reference to Jesus…
God and Jesus are two parts of the Trinity…
Believing in the Trinity is another core value of our faith …
To John Faith is Everything…
His goal is to show us why…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/4/14
****************************************************************
This Says it All
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
(John 1:17)
This says it all...
This may be one of the shortest verses in the Bible...
Without a doubt , it is one of the most powerful...
Scrolls from the Soul
10/5/14 (B1)
****************************************************************
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
(John 1:17)
This says it all...
This may be one of the shortest verses in the Bible...
Without a doubt , it is one of the most powerful...
Scrolls from the Soul
10/5/14 (B1)
****************************************************************
A Mother Knows
And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. (John 2:3-4)
As far as we know this is Jesus’ first miracle…
So, how does Mary know that Jesus can do anything to help…
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. (John 2:5)
Even after Jesus protests His mother told the servants to do whatever Jesus says…
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
(Luke 2:18-19)
So, I guess a mother always knows…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/23/16
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And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. (John 2:3-4)
As far as we know this is Jesus’ first miracle…
So, how does Mary know that Jesus can do anything to help…
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. (John 2:5)
Even after Jesus protests His mother told the servants to do whatever Jesus says…
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
(Luke 2:18-19)
So, I guess a mother always knows…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/23/16
***************************************************************
Who Am I Too Doubt
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. (John 2:11)
A month ago my sister was told by the doctors she was too weak to undergo any more cancer treatments…
They also told her if she did not get any treatment she only had two months to live…
Two days ago she went back to these same doctors and they said she was in remission…
Was I Happy...?
Was I Grateful…?
No…
I was angry, because I thought I looked like the boy who cried wolf (again)…
But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: (Daniel 5:20)
Once again my pride had blocked my vision…
Was this a miracle…?
Who am I too doubt what is or is not a miracle…?
My sister has been given an extension on her life…
From this point on every single day is a miracle…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/1/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. (John 2:11)
A month ago my sister was told by the doctors she was too weak to undergo any more cancer treatments…
They also told her if she did not get any treatment she only had two months to live…
Two days ago she went back to these same doctors and they said she was in remission…
Was I Happy...?
Was I Grateful…?
No…
I was angry, because I thought I looked like the boy who cried wolf (again)…
But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: (Daniel 5:20)
Once again my pride had blocked my vision…
Was this a miracle…?
Who am I too doubt what is or is not a miracle…?
My sister has been given an extension on her life…
From this point on every single day is a miracle…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/1/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
No One
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:7-8)
We have all wondered at one time or another where the wind starts and where it stops…
The same thing can be said of our spirit…
This not only applies to where but also when…
When my father died my sister was very upset...
She said that she did not know if she would see him in heaven...
She had talked to him about his salvation several times, but she was not sure...
I told her that no one truly knows what is in another person’s heart…
We often wonder about what happens to the baby that dies or the mentally ill person who’s mind seems to be beyond our reach…
It is the spirit that is in touch with God not the mind or the body…
We must remember that no one is beyond the reach of God… No one…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/6/14 (B1)
****************************************************************
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:7-8)
We have all wondered at one time or another where the wind starts and where it stops…
The same thing can be said of our spirit…
This not only applies to where but also when…
When my father died my sister was very upset...
She said that she did not know if she would see him in heaven...
She had talked to him about his salvation several times, but she was not sure...
I told her that no one truly knows what is in another person’s heart…
We often wonder about what happens to the baby that dies or the mentally ill person who’s mind seems to be beyond our reach…
It is the spirit that is in touch with God not the mind or the body…
We must remember that no one is beyond the reach of God… No one…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/6/14 (B1)
****************************************************************
Accepting the Gifts
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
This was and still is the ultimate gift…
All our life we have been told that God’s gifts are free…
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
God offers us total forgiveness of sin…
No payment required…
No works to complete…
There is one thing and only one thing we must do…
Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The Lord is righteous. ( 2 Chronicles 12:6)
We must be humble enough to reach out and accept the gifts...
For most of us, this is not as easy as it sounds…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/18/14 (B1)
****************************************************************
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
This was and still is the ultimate gift…
All our life we have been told that God’s gifts are free…
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)
God offers us total forgiveness of sin…
No payment required…
No works to complete…
There is one thing and only one thing we must do…
Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The Lord is righteous. ( 2 Chronicles 12:6)
We must be humble enough to reach out and accept the gifts...
For most of us, this is not as easy as it sounds…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/18/14 (B1)
****************************************************************
Agonizing
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
The other day I a met a man who said he could not understand why God would sacrifice his only son…
No matter how hard I tried to convince him that it was the ultimate act of love he just could not accept it…
He said that he would willing give his own life to save someone but he could never sacrifice his son…
Over the years I have heard many examples of how this could happen to someone here on earth…
The most common one is:
A man was operating a rail road switching station…
His son was playing on the tracks and got his foot caught…
Two trains were coming from opposite directions…
If the man were to throw the switch his son would be saved however dozens of people on the trains would be killed…
Of course we all know how the story ends…
The point of the story was to give us a strong emotional connection to the man and his son…
We have talked many times about God’s emotions…
He knew Jesus was going to suffer real pain...
So, I believe God's choice was every bit as agonizing…
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:17)
Scrolls from the Soul
9/23/17
**************************************************************
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
The other day I a met a man who said he could not understand why God would sacrifice his only son…
No matter how hard I tried to convince him that it was the ultimate act of love he just could not accept it…
He said that he would willing give his own life to save someone but he could never sacrifice his son…
Over the years I have heard many examples of how this could happen to someone here on earth…
The most common one is:
A man was operating a rail road switching station…
His son was playing on the tracks and got his foot caught…
Two trains were coming from opposite directions…
If the man were to throw the switch his son would be saved however dozens of people on the trains would be killed…
Of course we all know how the story ends…
The point of the story was to give us a strong emotional connection to the man and his son…
We have talked many times about God’s emotions…
He knew Jesus was going to suffer real pain...
So, I believe God's choice was every bit as agonizing…
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:17)
Scrolls from the Soul
9/23/17
**************************************************************
It’s Too Late for Me
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
One of the most difficult things we face when introducing someone to Christ is the phrase: "It is too late for me to be saved"…
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
We can not be saved by the good works we do in life…
Neither are we forever condemned for the evil deeds we have done…
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. (Luke 23:41-42)
The thief on the cross had done many evil things in his life…
The last thing he ever did was to admit he had sinned and ask Christ to accept him into Heaven…
While God does accept death bed confessions it is never wise to wait that long…
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)
Scrolls from the Soul
7/10/15 (B1)
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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
One of the most difficult things we face when introducing someone to Christ is the phrase: "It is too late for me to be saved"…
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
We can not be saved by the good works we do in life…
Neither are we forever condemned for the evil deeds we have done…
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. (Luke 23:41-42)
The thief on the cross had done many evil things in his life…
The last thing he ever did was to admit he had sinned and ask Christ to accept him into Heaven…
While God does accept death bed confessions it is never wise to wait that long…
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:43)
Scrolls from the Soul
7/10/15 (B1)
************************************************************************************
Context
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. (John 3:29)
These words may sound unfamiliar…
The ones that follow are deeply ingrained in our memory…
This is why context is so important…
As Christian we are supposed to get people’s attention and then direct them toward God…
I tend to be good at the first part…
There have been way too many times I did not finish the job…
Being in the spotlight is intoxicating…
Handing it off to the star of the show is very humbling…
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)
Scrolls from the Soul
11/30/17
*************************************************************
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. (John 3:29)
These words may sound unfamiliar…
The ones that follow are deeply ingrained in our memory…
This is why context is so important…
As Christian we are supposed to get people’s attention and then direct them toward God…
I tend to be good at the first part…
There have been way too many times I did not finish the job…
Being in the spotlight is intoxicating…
Handing it off to the star of the show is very humbling…
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)
Scrolls from the Soul
11/30/17
*************************************************************
Not Where But Who
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. (John 4:20)
Jesus is in Samaria speaking to the woman at the well…
The Jews and the Samarians both worshiped God; they just did it in different places…
This was one of the things that put them at odds with each other…
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. (John 4:21)
What Jesus is telling her and what He wants us to understand is that it is not important where we worship but who we worship…
This does not mean churches are bad…
No...
Getting together with other Christians helps us to focus our worship on God…
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:22-24)
Other Christians can teach us how to worship and there is strength in numbers…
What we must understand and remember is that true worship is between our spirit and God…
A direct connection to God has no time or place…
It is something to be lived and cherished every day of our lives…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/17/16
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Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. (John 4:20)
Jesus is in Samaria speaking to the woman at the well…
The Jews and the Samarians both worshiped God; they just did it in different places…
This was one of the things that put them at odds with each other…
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. (John 4:21)
What Jesus is telling her and what He wants us to understand is that it is not important where we worship but who we worship…
This does not mean churches are bad…
No...
Getting together with other Christians helps us to focus our worship on God…
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:22-24)
Other Christians can teach us how to worship and there is strength in numbers…
What we must understand and remember is that true worship is between our spirit and God…
A direct connection to God has no time or place…
It is something to be lived and cherished every day of our lives…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/17/16
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Atrophy
And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. (John 5:5)
Atrophy is defined as a wasting away or progressive decline…
This man has been ill for thirty-eight years…
He must be the poster child for atrophy…
When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. (John 5:6-7)
This man called Jesus “Sir”…
Not Lord or Christ…
It appears that he does not know who he is talking too…
We understand what physical atrophy is…
But is it possible to have “Spiritual Atrophy”…?
After thirty-eight years just how much faith could this man have left…?
Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. (John 5: 8-9)
This man who could not walk to the water in time just pick up his bed and walked away…
Where there is the smallest of faith there can still be hope…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/1/18
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And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. (John 5:5)
Atrophy is defined as a wasting away or progressive decline…
This man has been ill for thirty-eight years…
He must be the poster child for atrophy…
When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. (John 5:6-7)
This man called Jesus “Sir”…
Not Lord or Christ…
It appears that he does not know who he is talking too…
We understand what physical atrophy is…
But is it possible to have “Spiritual Atrophy”…?
After thirty-eight years just how much faith could this man have left…?
Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. (John 5: 8-9)
This man who could not walk to the water in time just pick up his bed and walked away…
Where there is the smallest of faith there can still be hope…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/1/18
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Read it for yourself
Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
(John 7:14-15)
The Jewish Priests greatest power over the people was the ability to read…
The people had no choice but to believe what they were being told…
Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7: 16-18)
Jesus is telling the people to compare His teaching to what the priests were telling them…
Jesus wanted the people to decide for themselves who was telling the truth…
Unlike the people in Bible times most of us can read…
The problem is that many times we choose not to…
We let other people tell us what the Bible says…
We all need to compare what we are being told to what the Bible says…
This includes everything on this website…
Our hope is that this website will encourage people to open the Bible and read it for themselves…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/18/14
****************************************************************
Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
(John 7:14-15)
The Jewish Priests greatest power over the people was the ability to read…
The people had no choice but to believe what they were being told…
Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7: 16-18)
Jesus is telling the people to compare His teaching to what the priests were telling them…
Jesus wanted the people to decide for themselves who was telling the truth…
Unlike the people in Bible times most of us can read…
The problem is that many times we choose not to…
We let other people tell us what the Bible says…
We all need to compare what we are being told to what the Bible says…
This includes everything on this website…
Our hope is that this website will encourage people to open the Bible and read it for themselves…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/18/14
****************************************************************
Is Peace an Emotion?
I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
Merriam – Webster defines Peace as: a state of tranquility or quiet:
This sounds like an emotion to me…
A troubled heart and afraid…
How often do we find ourselves in this situation…?
Here is something to try:
Several times during a day pause for a moment and ask yourself this question…
Is my heart troubled and/or what am I afraid of at this moment…?
If we are honest we may soon be afraid to ask the question…
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
After a while instead of asking the question we need to start asking for help…
After all Jesus did ask God to send us a “Comforter”…
It is often said we can endure many hardships if we know when they will end…
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:3)
There will be an end…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/17/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
Merriam – Webster defines Peace as: a state of tranquility or quiet:
This sounds like an emotion to me…
A troubled heart and afraid…
How often do we find ourselves in this situation…?
Here is something to try:
Several times during a day pause for a moment and ask yourself this question…
Is my heart troubled and/or what am I afraid of at this moment…?
If we are honest we may soon be afraid to ask the question…
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
After a while instead of asking the question we need to start asking for help…
After all Jesus did ask God to send us a “Comforter”…
It is often said we can endure many hardships if we know when they will end…
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:3)
There will be an end…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/17/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
From the Heart
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)
Have you ever noticed that people are the most honest when they are very happy or very angry…?
This is often called speaking from the heart…?
Is it possible that it is not the heart, but the spirit that hold our emotions…?
What does it mean to worship God “in spirit and in truth”?
Maybe what God is looking for is for us to worship Him from the “heart”…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/7/15
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But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)
Have you ever noticed that people are the most honest when they are very happy or very angry…?
This is often called speaking from the heart…?
Is it possible that it is not the heart, but the spirit that hold our emotions…?
What does it mean to worship God “in spirit and in truth”?
Maybe what God is looking for is for us to worship Him from the “heart”…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/7/15
***********************************************************************************
Never on the Sabbath
Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. (John 5:8-9)
We have all heard the term “Pushing Someone’s Buttons”…
Jesus is about to push the Jewish leader's buttons to the very limit…
Button # 1
Jesus knows that Jewish law says no one is supposed to do any work on the Sabbath day…
But He heals this man anyway…
Button #2
Jesus tells this man to take up his bed and walk…
Now Jesus has this man working on the Sabbath day…
And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:16-18)
Button #3
Jesus is now telling the Jewish leaders that He is the Son of God…
He has just push these guys right over the edge…
One thing is very clear…
Jesus wanted the attention of the Jewish leaders…
Over hundreds of years the Jews kept adding more and more laws…
Because of this they had lost sight of what God really intended…
Jesus is trying to set them straight…
Unfortunately the Jewish leaders preferred power over mercy…
The question we need to ask is "which do we prefer...?"
Scrolls from the Soul
10/8/14
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Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. (John 5:8-9)
We have all heard the term “Pushing Someone’s Buttons”…
Jesus is about to push the Jewish leader's buttons to the very limit…
Button # 1
Jesus knows that Jewish law says no one is supposed to do any work on the Sabbath day…
But He heals this man anyway…
Button #2
Jesus tells this man to take up his bed and walk…
Now Jesus has this man working on the Sabbath day…
And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:16-18)
Button #3
Jesus is now telling the Jewish leaders that He is the Son of God…
He has just push these guys right over the edge…
One thing is very clear…
Jesus wanted the attention of the Jewish leaders…
Over hundreds of years the Jews kept adding more and more laws…
Because of this they had lost sight of what God really intended…
Jesus is trying to set them straight…
Unfortunately the Jewish leaders preferred power over mercy…
The question we need to ask is "which do we prefer...?"
Scrolls from the Soul
10/8/14
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The Judgment Stops Here
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: (John 5:22)
This is what allows Jesus to die for our sins…
All sins and all judgment of sin must come through Jesus…
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:25)
Only Jesus has the power to forgive our sins…
Only Jesus stands between the Gates of Heaven and the Pits of Hell…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/13/14
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For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: (John 5:22)
This is what allows Jesus to die for our sins…
All sins and all judgment of sin must come through Jesus…
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:25)
Only Jesus has the power to forgive our sins…
Only Jesus stands between the Gates of Heaven and the Pits of Hell…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/13/14
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If Even Then
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. (John 7:24)
There are over six billion people on this planet…
Each and every one of them is an individual…
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
We cannot judge anyone until we get to know them personally…
If even then…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/20/17
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Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. (John 7:24)
There are over six billion people on this planet…
Each and every one of them is an individual…
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
We cannot judge anyone until we get to know them personally…
If even then…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/20/17
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Go and Sin No More
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (John 8:10-11)
This is a very well know passage from John…
Most of the time we think about the scribes and Pharisees that wanted to stone this woman…
Jesus’ last words to her were “go and sin no more”…
Talk about the impossible task…
God understands that it is just not that easy…
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:22)
That is why Jesus told Peter he must forgive others over and over again…
God takes it one step farther...
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
“Cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness” basically means that our sin count is set back to zero…
Remember God’s mercy is unlimited…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/22/14 (B1)
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When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (John 8:10-11)
This is a very well know passage from John…
Most of the time we think about the scribes and Pharisees that wanted to stone this woman…
Jesus’ last words to her were “go and sin no more”…
Talk about the impossible task…
God understands that it is just not that easy…
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:22)
That is why Jesus told Peter he must forgive others over and over again…
God takes it one step farther...
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
“Cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness” basically means that our sin count is set back to zero…
Remember God’s mercy is unlimited…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/22/14 (B1)
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Turning up the Heat
Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. (John 9:32)
By this time Jesus has done many miracles…
He has turned water into wine, healed the sick and yes cured the blind…
Now Jesus is turning up the heat on the high priest…
This was a first, until now no one that was blind from birth had ever been cured…
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. (John 10: 41-43)
And now He has raised a man from the dead…
So what was the high priest reaction to all of this…
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. (John 11: 49-50)
Expedient for us…?
The Jewish leaders have been so completely focused on themselves that they can see nothing else…
Jesus was pushing the Jewish leaders to the next level…
For our sins to be forgiven Jesus had to die on the cross…
And somebody had to put Him there…
Scrolls from the Soul 10/26/14 (B1)
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His Own Free Will
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father (John 10: 17-18)
We often talk about the fact that each of us has a free will…
Every day we make choices that affects our lives…
Our choices often affect the people around us…
We know that God sent Jesus to die for our sins…
What we do not think about is Jesus having a choice…
“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life”
Jesus had a choice…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/24/14
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Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father (John 10: 17-18)
We often talk about the fact that each of us has a free will…
Every day we make choices that affects our lives…
Our choices often affect the people around us…
We know that God sent Jesus to die for our sins…
What we do not think about is Jesus having a choice…
“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life”
Jesus had a choice…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/24/14
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Coveting a Person
Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. (John 11:50)
This is the very essence of coveting…
They wanted the people that Jesus had so much they were willing to kill him to get them…
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. (Exodus 20:17)
Remember, Coveting is a thought not an action…
Is there any wonder why coveting is listed more often in the ten commandments than any other sin…
Our lives are touch by this today just as much as there’s was the day Christ was crucified…
So, the most frightening thing is that I could be just as guilty as they were…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/17/16
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Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. (John 11:50)
This is the very essence of coveting…
They wanted the people that Jesus had so much they were willing to kill him to get them…
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. (Exodus 20:17)
Remember, Coveting is a thought not an action…
Is there any wonder why coveting is listed more often in the ten commandments than any other sin…
Our lives are touch by this today just as much as there’s was the day Christ was crucified…
So, the most frightening thing is that I could be just as guilty as they were…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/17/16
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Also to Death
But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. (John 12: 10-11)
Now the chief priests not only want to kill Jesus but Lazarus as well…
More and more people are beginning to believe that Jesus really is the Christ…
With each passing day the chief priests’ blood pressure is getting higher and higher…
Once again we see the emotions of anger and fear have taken over...
The question is...
Just how much of our lives are controlled by anger and fear...?
Scrolls from the Soul
10/26/14
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But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. (John 12: 10-11)
Now the chief priests not only want to kill Jesus but Lazarus as well…
More and more people are beginning to believe that Jesus really is the Christ…
With each passing day the chief priests’ blood pressure is getting higher and higher…
Once again we see the emotions of anger and fear have taken over...
The question is...
Just how much of our lives are controlled by anger and fear...?
Scrolls from the Soul
10/26/14
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Loving Hands
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. (John 13:8)
Peter stood beside Jesus as He reached out to touch the untouchable again and again...
These loving hands reached out for the white skin upon the hand of a man suffering from the hopelessness of leprosy...
These loving hands reached out to touch the tears running down the face of a lady locked in the loneliness found in twelve years of blood...
These loving hands reached out to the naked body of a man twisted and tormented by an entire legion of demons...
And yet when these loving hands reached down to wipe the dust from Peter's feet but he turned away for he felt unworthy...
These loving hands do more than reach out to heal the body...
They also reach out to heal the soul...
Scrolls from the Soul
7/5/14
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Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. (John 13:8)
Peter stood beside Jesus as He reached out to touch the untouchable again and again...
These loving hands reached out for the white skin upon the hand of a man suffering from the hopelessness of leprosy...
These loving hands reached out to touch the tears running down the face of a lady locked in the loneliness found in twelve years of blood...
These loving hands reached out to the naked body of a man twisted and tormented by an entire legion of demons...
And yet when these loving hands reached down to wipe the dust from Peter's feet but he turned away for he felt unworthy...
These loving hands do more than reach out to heal the body...
They also reach out to heal the soul...
Scrolls from the Soul
7/5/14
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In Loving Service
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:14-15)
When the multitudes were hungry Jesus fed them. . .
When the sick came to Jesus He healed them. . .
When the disciple’s feet were tired and sore Jesus washed them...
We may offer our services to those in need, but the blessing only comes if we do it expecting nothing in return…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/8/14
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If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (John 13:14-15)
When the multitudes were hungry Jesus fed them. . .
When the sick came to Jesus He healed them. . .
When the disciple’s feet were tired and sore Jesus washed them...
We may offer our services to those in need, but the blessing only comes if we do it expecting nothing in return…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/8/14
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The Storm
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you...
(John 13:34)
My wife and I were traveling home one evening after spending the day with family. All had gone well and the conversation was light, when suddenly a deep silence fell over the car as we saw what loomed before us...
An angry dark cloud seemed to reach up from the earth itself and place a black cloak over everything it touched...
Before the first raindrop fell, before the first bolt of lightning singed the ground, even before the first clap of thunder shook the earth, the fury of this powerful storm filled our hearts with fear...
Our hearts raced to keep time with windshield wipers that strained against the forces of wind and rain which felt as if they were driven by rage...
Even the sound of breathing stopped as darkness filled the car and the water that cascaded down our windshield blinded us from the road we traveled...
Out of this eerie darkness I heard my wife's voice speak these words...
"Lord, protect them"...
In the face of death and filled with fear my wife's prayer was for the people in the cars around us... O Lord, if only my love for others could be so pure...
Scrolls from the Soul
10/16/14 (B1)
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This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you...
(John 13:34)
My wife and I were traveling home one evening after spending the day with family. All had gone well and the conversation was light, when suddenly a deep silence fell over the car as we saw what loomed before us...
An angry dark cloud seemed to reach up from the earth itself and place a black cloak over everything it touched...
Before the first raindrop fell, before the first bolt of lightning singed the ground, even before the first clap of thunder shook the earth, the fury of this powerful storm filled our hearts with fear...
Our hearts raced to keep time with windshield wipers that strained against the forces of wind and rain which felt as if they were driven by rage...
Even the sound of breathing stopped as darkness filled the car and the water that cascaded down our windshield blinded us from the road we traveled...
Out of this eerie darkness I heard my wife's voice speak these words...
"Lord, protect them"...
In the face of death and filled with fear my wife's prayer was for the people in the cars around us... O Lord, if only my love for others could be so pure...
Scrolls from the Soul
10/16/14 (B1)
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…And Hope…
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)
Some people say that the scrolls pose many questions but they do not always offer the answers…
They were never meant too…
From time to time we have talked about the Cystic Fibrosis summer camp…
The camp was never used for medical research…
We were not looking for the “Cure”…
The goal was to bring these children together so they could see that they were not alone…
The true miracle of the camp was watching the older children helping the younger ones…
This is what the scrolls are all about…
Letting people know they are not alone…
We all face the same challenges…
We all face the same temptations…
Out of that comes strength and understanding and love…
…And Hope…
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)
We are not alone…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/1/17
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A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)
Some people say that the scrolls pose many questions but they do not always offer the answers…
They were never meant too…
From time to time we have talked about the Cystic Fibrosis summer camp…
The camp was never used for medical research…
We were not looking for the “Cure”…
The goal was to bring these children together so they could see that they were not alone…
The true miracle of the camp was watching the older children helping the younger ones…
This is what the scrolls are all about…
Letting people know they are not alone…
We all face the same challenges…
We all face the same temptations…
Out of that comes strength and understanding and love…
…And Hope…
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)
We are not alone…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/1/17
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The Only Path
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
It has been said there are many paths to God...
In truth there is only one path to God...
But how we travel that path is up to us...
We may march down the road announcing God’s grace with each step we take...
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 )
We may dance with joy singing praises to God in the light of the day...
And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. (2 Samuel 6:14 )
We may measure each step with awe and respect for God and humble words to say...
Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. (Psalms 33:8)
It is not how, but why we travel the path that matters...
If we are there to Honor God the path is right...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)
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Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
It has been said there are many paths to God...
In truth there is only one path to God...
But how we travel that path is up to us...
We may march down the road announcing God’s grace with each step we take...
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 )
We may dance with joy singing praises to God in the light of the day...
And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. (2 Samuel 6:14 )
We may measure each step with awe and respect for God and humble words to say...
Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. (Psalms 33:8)
It is not how, but why we travel the path that matters...
If we are there to Honor God the path is right...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)
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Another Comforter
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:15-16)
Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit as another comforter…
God the Father gave us comfort through strength…
He gave us comfort by setting directions and boundaries…
Jesus the Son gave us the comfort through love and hope…
He gave us comfort by showing us the strength of kindness and compassion…
The Holy Spirit gives us comfort through companionship…
He gives us comfort by guiding us though the day to day trials we face…
We often refer to God as the Three in One…
All three give us comfort in their own way…
The most important thing we can do is to stay in touch with all three...
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (2 Corinthians 1:3)
Scrolls from the Soul
5/7/16
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If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:15-16)
Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit as another comforter…
God the Father gave us comfort through strength…
He gave us comfort by setting directions and boundaries…
Jesus the Son gave us the comfort through love and hope…
He gave us comfort by showing us the strength of kindness and compassion…
The Holy Spirit gives us comfort through companionship…
He gives us comfort by guiding us though the day to day trials we face…
We often refer to God as the Three in One…
All three give us comfort in their own way…
The most important thing we can do is to stay in touch with all three...
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (2 Corinthians 1:3)
Scrolls from the Soul
5/7/16
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Master of Our Emotions
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (John 15:11-12)
The use of the word "commandment" makes it seem like we have some level of control…
However…We are not now nor will we ever be the master of our emotions…
Someone once told me that love is more than an emotion…
It is a choice and a commitment…
Emotions like Joy and Anger rise and fall like the tides on the seas…
Love is much more than that…
Love is like a large ship that rides upon the water…
It can remain on course even while the water below tosses and turns…
The love we have for one another is going to face good days and bad…
Maybe what Jesus is commanding us to do is weather the storms when they come…
And enjoy the calm seas while they last…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/24/17
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These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (John 15:11-12)
The use of the word "commandment" makes it seem like we have some level of control…
However…We are not now nor will we ever be the master of our emotions…
Someone once told me that love is more than an emotion…
It is a choice and a commitment…
Emotions like Joy and Anger rise and fall like the tides on the seas…
Love is much more than that…
Love is like a large ship that rides upon the water…
It can remain on course even while the water below tosses and turns…
The love we have for one another is going to face good days and bad…
Maybe what Jesus is commanding us to do is weather the storms when they come…
And enjoy the calm seas while they last…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/24/17
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I Have Called You Friends
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(John 15:12-13)
These verses are well known…
Many of the people who recite these words have no idea where they come from…
If we read a little farther we may find out something we did not know…
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:14-15)
This is a first…
Jesus is calling the disciples his friends…
This is the only place in the whole Bible where this happens…
Why now…?
Jesus knows what is about to happen…
Jesus wants the disciples to understand that dying on the cross is not just some chore God sent Him to do…
Jesus was willing laying down His life for His friends…
Which includes each of us as well…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/30/14
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This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(John 15:12-13)
These verses are well known…
Many of the people who recite these words have no idea where they come from…
If we read a little farther we may find out something we did not know…
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:14-15)
This is a first…
Jesus is calling the disciples his friends…
This is the only place in the whole Bible where this happens…
Why now…?
Jesus knows what is about to happen…
Jesus wants the disciples to understand that dying on the cross is not just some chore God sent Him to do…
Jesus was willing laying down His life for His friends…
Which includes each of us as well…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/30/14
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We Are Here
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. (John 17:17-19)
We often avoid the book of John because it can be hard to understand…
These next two verses are very clear…
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
(John 17:20 -21)
"but for them also which shall believe on me through their word"
I read this and suddenly realized Jesus is praying for us…
You and me…
O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. (John 17:25)
Many times we have talked about taking a leap of faith…
Believing that Jesus was sent by God to show us the way home is the very foundation of our Salvation…
It is one thing for us to know God is there…
The leap here is trusting that God knows we are here…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/31/17
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Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. (John 17:17-19)
We often avoid the book of John because it can be hard to understand…
These next two verses are very clear…
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
(John 17:20 -21)
"but for them also which shall believe on me through their word"
I read this and suddenly realized Jesus is praying for us…
You and me…
O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. (John 17:25)
Many times we have talked about taking a leap of faith…
Believing that Jesus was sent by God to show us the way home is the very foundation of our Salvation…
It is one thing for us to know God is there…
The leap here is trusting that God knows we are here…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/31/17
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What of Judas?
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. (John 18:1-3)
There are those who say Judas had no choice…
Other say he was doomed from birth…
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26:14-16)
Once again we see there is an ugly side to having freewill…
And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish. The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born. (Mark 14:20-21)
Judas was there when Jesus said this…
Some say Judas tried to repent…
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. (Matthew 27:3-4)
Judas thought that he could just undo everything by giving back the money…
Judas has spent the better part of the last three years with Jesus…
In all that time he never learned…
Sins can not be undone they can only be forgiven…
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11/1/14 (B1)
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When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. (John 18:1-3)
There are those who say Judas had no choice…
Other say he was doomed from birth…
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26:14-16)
Once again we see there is an ugly side to having freewill…
And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish. The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born. (Mark 14:20-21)
Judas was there when Jesus said this…
Some say Judas tried to repent…
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. (Matthew 27:3-4)
Judas thought that he could just undo everything by giving back the money…
Judas has spent the better part of the last three years with Jesus…
In all that time he never learned…
Sins can not be undone they can only be forgiven…
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11/1/14 (B1)
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The Warning Shot
Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
(John 18:4-6)
Why did these men fall over backwards…?
Let say this was just a warning shot…
Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: (John 18:7-8)
Jesus is telling the men with Judas to let the disciples go unharmed…
After being knocked to the ground once, these men were much less likely to test Jesus’ power a second time…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/31/14
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Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
(John 18:4-6)
Why did these men fall over backwards…?
Let say this was just a warning shot…
Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: (John 18:7-8)
Jesus is telling the men with Judas to let the disciples go unharmed…
After being knocked to the ground once, these men were much less likely to test Jesus’ power a second time…
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10/31/14
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Love…
The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. (John 18:19-21)
There is little doubt that the High Priest knew every word Jesus had ever spoken…
Those very words are why Jesus was standing here…
There is an interesting thing about the entire interaction between Jesus and the High Priest…
He never once condemned Jesus for doing miracles…
When we stop and think about it no one was ever “saved” by a miracle…
It was the words Jesus spoke that show us the path to salvation…
So why did Jesus do so many miracles…?
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14)
Love…!
Scrolls from the Soul
11/19/17
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The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. (John 18:19-21)
There is little doubt that the High Priest knew every word Jesus had ever spoken…
Those very words are why Jesus was standing here…
There is an interesting thing about the entire interaction between Jesus and the High Priest…
He never once condemned Jesus for doing miracles…
When we stop and think about it no one was ever “saved” by a miracle…
It was the words Jesus spoke that show us the path to salvation…
So why did Jesus do so many miracles…?
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14)
Love…!
Scrolls from the Soul
11/19/17
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Tell Me About Your Doctrine
The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
(John 18:19-20)
This priest was the same one that told the Jews that Jesus had to die…
Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. (John 18:14)
Somehow I think he knows all about Jesus’ disciples and His doctrine…
Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. (John 18:21)
The high priest was trying to get Jesus to say something that could be used against Him…
There are people today who try this same tactic against us…
When some people find out we are Christians they will go on the attack…
They ask us challenging questions like…
Do you do everything the Bible says…?
Most of us would simply say yes…
Then they ask us if we eat pork…?
Peter and Paul had this same argument…
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? (Galatians 2:14)
Live and let live…?
No…
There is a difference between God’s commandments and Jewish law…
Jesus makes it very clear what God expects from each of us…
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40)
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11/3/14
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The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
(John 18:19-20)
This priest was the same one that told the Jews that Jesus had to die…
Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. (John 18:14)
Somehow I think he knows all about Jesus’ disciples and His doctrine…
Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. (John 18:21)
The high priest was trying to get Jesus to say something that could be used against Him…
There are people today who try this same tactic against us…
When some people find out we are Christians they will go on the attack…
They ask us challenging questions like…
Do you do everything the Bible says…?
Most of us would simply say yes…
Then they ask us if we eat pork…?
Peter and Paul had this same argument…
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? (Galatians 2:14)
Live and let live…?
No…
There is a difference between God’s commandments and Jewish law…
Jesus makes it very clear what God expects from each of us…
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40)
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11/3/14
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The Frustration of Pilate
Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. (John 18:29-30)
Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? (John 18:35)
Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. (John 18:38)
Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. (John 19:4)
When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. (John 19:6)
Pilate had no love for Jesus or the Jewish God but he could not find it in his heart to put an innocent man to death…
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11/7/14
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Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. (John 18:29-30)
Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? (John 18:35)
Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. (John 18:38)
Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. (John 19:4)
When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. (John 19:6)
Pilate had no love for Jesus or the Jewish God but he could not find it in his heart to put an innocent man to death…
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11/7/14
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Keeping the Faith
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. (John 20:24-25)
This is situation where Satan launches yet another attack…
Doubt is a very strong weapon against our faith…
It is an easy one for Satan…
Doubt lurks inside us every day…
All Satan has to do is push the right button…
Thomas saw Jesus die, so in the back of his mind there were already many doubts…
We are faced with the same problem…
Can any one of us honestly say we have absolutely no doubts…?
There are so many people around us that are working hard to try and prove Jesus was not real in the first place...
So how could he still be alive two thousand years later…
The question we should be asking ourselves is…
If Jesus was never real, what are all these people afraid of…?
Scrolls from the Soul
12/4/14 (B1)
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But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. (John 20:24-25)
This is situation where Satan launches yet another attack…
Doubt is a very strong weapon against our faith…
It is an easy one for Satan…
Doubt lurks inside us every day…
All Satan has to do is push the right button…
Thomas saw Jesus die, so in the back of his mind there were already many doubts…
We are faced with the same problem…
Can any one of us honestly say we have absolutely no doubts…?
There are so many people around us that are working hard to try and prove Jesus was not real in the first place...
So how could he still be alive two thousand years later…
The question we should be asking ourselves is…
If Jesus was never real, what are all these people afraid of…?
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12/4/14 (B1)
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Are We Sure
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21:17)
Jesus knew what Peter was going to say…
Why did He continue to too press the issue…?
Jesus wanted Peter to stop and really think about it…
Being a shepherd was a very important job…
Making sure the sheep were well cared for was everything…
Do we know we are going to Heaven…?
Are we sure we are going to Heaven…?
Are we absolutely positive we are going to Heaven…?
Then our job as shepherds is to bring as many people as possible to Heaven with us…
Caring for God’s sheep is everything…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/22/17
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He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21:17)
Jesus knew what Peter was going to say…
Why did He continue to too press the issue…?
Jesus wanted Peter to stop and really think about it…
Being a shepherd was a very important job…
Making sure the sheep were well cared for was everything…
Do we know we are going to Heaven…?
Are we sure we are going to Heaven…?
Are we absolutely positive we are going to Heaven…?
Then our job as shepherds is to bring as many people as possible to Heaven with us…
Caring for God’s sheep is everything…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/22/17
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Manifest Destiny
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
We must make two choices at this point…
Repenting and being Baptized or not…
These are choices we must make for ourselves …
No one can make these choices for us…
Other people can not and God will not…
But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Matthew 26:33-34)
Here is a real mind bender...
God knows every choice we will ever make, long before we make them…
However, He does not control these decisions, we do…
Maybe we are just not ready to understand these things…
Or...
Is manifest destiny just an easy way to avoid accepting responsibility for our decisions...?
(For the record I do not believe in Manifest Destiny.)
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9/9/14 (B1)
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Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
We must make two choices at this point…
Repenting and being Baptized or not…
These are choices we must make for ourselves …
No one can make these choices for us…
Other people can not and God will not…
But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Matthew 26:33-34)
Here is a real mind bender...
God knows every choice we will ever make, long before we make them…
However, He does not control these decisions, we do…
Maybe we are just not ready to understand these things…
Or...
Is manifest destiny just an easy way to avoid accepting responsibility for our decisions...?
(For the record I do not believe in Manifest Destiny.)
Scrolls from the Soul
9/9/14 (B1)
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Are Miracles Still Possible?
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:6-8)
This is the first time in the New Testament that a documented miracle is done by someone other than Jesus…
Notice that neither Peter or John are taking any credit for this...
Are there any miracles being done today…?
Yes…
Miracles are done to the glory God, not men…
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 6:1)
People who are doing miracles understand this…
So most of the time these things are done somewhere beyond the eyes of men…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/13/14 (B1)
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Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3:6-8)
This is the first time in the New Testament that a documented miracle is done by someone other than Jesus…
Notice that neither Peter or John are taking any credit for this...
Are there any miracles being done today…?
Yes…
Miracles are done to the glory God, not men…
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 6:1)
People who are doing miracles understand this…
So most of the time these things are done somewhere beyond the eyes of men…
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12/13/14 (B1)
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Plausible Deniability
And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:1-2)
All of these guys knew about every miracle Jesus had ever done…
In fact many of them had witnessed many of these miracles first hand…
Of course with Jesus out of the way they all consider this problem solved…
Now along comes Peter and John…
And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? (Acts 4:5-7)
No, no, no, no…
What are these guys looking for, some kind of plausible deniability…?
Everyone in this room knows all too well what has happened here…
Peter spends the rest of the chapter setting them straight…
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
Whether we accept it or not God has reached out and touch each and every one of us…
On judgement day plausible deniability is not going to hold up in court…
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2/17/17
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And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:1-2)
All of these guys knew about every miracle Jesus had ever done…
In fact many of them had witnessed many of these miracles first hand…
Of course with Jesus out of the way they all consider this problem solved…
Now along comes Peter and John…
And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? (Acts 4:5-7)
No, no, no, no…
What are these guys looking for, some kind of plausible deniability…?
Everyone in this room knows all too well what has happened here…
Peter spends the rest of the chapter setting them straight…
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)
Whether we accept it or not God has reached out and touch each and every one of us…
On judgement day plausible deniability is not going to hold up in court…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/17/17
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What Law?
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
There is a federal law that protects freedom of religion in the work place…
It is funny how this works…
Anyone can use God’s name in vain as often as they like…
If we try to talk about God’s love, that is a different story…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/30/14
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Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
There is a federal law that protects freedom of religion in the work place…
It is funny how this works…
Anyone can use God’s name in vain as often as they like…
If we try to talk about God’s love, that is a different story…
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12/30/14
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The Bold and the Meek
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
It takes a great deal of strength to stand before stranger and speak from our heart…
It may take even more to do the same in front of family and friends…
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
The same amount of strength is often required to hold our tongue…
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. (1 Corinthians 14:9)
Whether we speak boldly or softly is not as important as what we say and why we say it…
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)
Bold or meek it is the heart that must speak volumes…
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12/26/15
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Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
It takes a great deal of strength to stand before stranger and speak from our heart…
It may take even more to do the same in front of family and friends…
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
The same amount of strength is often required to hold our tongue…
So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. (1 Corinthians 14:9)
Whether we speak boldly or softly is not as important as what we say and why we say it…
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)
Bold or meek it is the heart that must speak volumes…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/26/15
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Stop That!
And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. (Acts 4:14-16)
Peter and John have been taken before the Jewish council because they were preaching and doing miracles in the name of Jesus…
They send Peter and John out of the room…
The council members know that the miracles are real so what do they do…?
But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:17-18)
So, they brought them back into the council chambers and said…
Stop that!!!
When Peter and John asked why The council said…
Because we said so…
I do not know about anyone else but that never worked around my house…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/30/14
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And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. (Acts 4:14-16)
Peter and John have been taken before the Jewish council because they were preaching and doing miracles in the name of Jesus…
They send Peter and John out of the room…
The council members know that the miracles are real so what do they do…?
But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:17-18)
So, they brought them back into the council chambers and said…
Stop that!!!
When Peter and John asked why The council said…
Because we said so…
I do not know about anyone else but that never worked around my house…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/30/14
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This Sounds Familiar
There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. (Acts 5:16-18)
The apostles are out there healing people by the dozen…
The High Priest and his gang grab them and put them in jail…
And the priests wonder why the people are turning against them…
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. (Acts 5:19-20)
Have you ever wondered where Hollywood got this idea…?
Many of the things we see at the movies got there inspiration from the Bible…
It is odd that we never see any mention of this in the credits…
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12/31/14
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There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. (Acts 5:16-18)
The apostles are out there healing people by the dozen…
The High Priest and his gang grab them and put them in jail…
And the priests wonder why the people are turning against them…
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. (Acts 5:19-20)
Have you ever wondered where Hollywood got this idea…?
Many of the things we see at the movies got there inspiration from the Bible…
It is odd that we never see any mention of this in the credits…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/31/14
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Where it Leads Us
And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. (Acts 5:38-39)
The man who is speaking is named Gamaliel, he is a Pharisee…
There is one thing he has left out of this speech…
Maybe we should listen to these guys and see if they are telling the truth…
Of course they already knew the answer to that question…
When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. (Acts 5:33)
How often do we ignore the truth simply because we do not like where it leads us…?
Scrolls from the Soul
7/5/16
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And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. (Acts 5:38-39)
The man who is speaking is named Gamaliel, he is a Pharisee…
There is one thing he has left out of this speech…
Maybe we should listen to these guys and see if they are telling the truth…
Of course they already knew the answer to that question…
When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. (Acts 5:33)
How often do we ignore the truth simply because we do not like where it leads us…?
Scrolls from the Soul
7/5/16
***************************************************************
If You Can’t Win - Lie
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. (Acts 6:8-10)
The key part here is “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake”…
The Jewish leadership can not prove what Stephen is saying and doing is not real…
Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. (Acts 6:11)
Suborned means to encourage people to lie…
This is what they did to Jesus, and now they are doing the same against Stephen…
One of the Ten Commandments is “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour"…
So, just who is speaking blasphemous words…?
Of course we can not expect them to stone themselves…
Believe it or not people are still using this against each other today…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/1/15
***************************************************************
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. (Acts 6:8-10)
The key part here is “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake”…
The Jewish leadership can not prove what Stephen is saying and doing is not real…
Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. (Acts 6:11)
Suborned means to encourage people to lie…
This is what they did to Jesus, and now they are doing the same against Stephen…
One of the Ten Commandments is “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour"…
So, just who is speaking blasphemous words…?
Of course we can not expect them to stone themselves…
Believe it or not people are still using this against each other today…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/1/15
***************************************************************
They Felt Guilty
And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. (Acts 6:15)
Once again the Jewish leaders have used false witnesses…
Stephen has been taken before the Jewish council…
He does something that even the best of the scribes would find very difficult…
He recites the entire Jewish history…
It takes 53 verses of Acts 7 to complete (go check it out)…
When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. (Act 7:54)
The council new that every word was correct and true…
For one brief moment, they felt guilty…
They stoned him anyway…
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
Scrolls from the Soul
1/3/15
***********************************************************************************
And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. (Acts 6:15)
Once again the Jewish leaders have used false witnesses…
Stephen has been taken before the Jewish council…
He does something that even the best of the scribes would find very difficult…
He recites the entire Jewish history…
It takes 53 verses of Acts 7 to complete (go check it out)…
When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. (Act 7:54)
The council new that every word was correct and true…
For one brief moment, they felt guilty…
They stoned him anyway…
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
Scrolls from the Soul
1/3/15
***********************************************************************************
Whose Glory
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:7-8)
Is it possible for us to reach this level of faith…?
The important thing we need to remember is that we are not the one doing the miracles…
We are asking God, to do the miracles…
The key is that we must be so humble that we take absolutely no credit for the miracle…
The only right reason for a miracle is to bring glory and honor to God…
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7:17-18)
Jesus is speaking about us and also Himself…
Everything we do must be to the glory of God…
Is this even possible for us achieve…?
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:23-24)
With God all things are possible…
We all know this part…
Faith does not come easily or quickly…
I do not expect to ever move trees or mountains…
Maybe, if I have enough faith I may help someone move one step closer to heaven…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/30/16
***************************************************************
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:7-8)
Is it possible for us to reach this level of faith…?
The important thing we need to remember is that we are not the one doing the miracles…
We are asking God, to do the miracles…
The key is that we must be so humble that we take absolutely no credit for the miracle…
The only right reason for a miracle is to bring glory and honor to God…
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (John 7:17-18)
Jesus is speaking about us and also Himself…
Everything we do must be to the glory of God…
Is this even possible for us achieve…?
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:23-24)
With God all things are possible…
We all know this part…
Faith does not come easily or quickly…
I do not expect to ever move trees or mountains…
Maybe, if I have enough faith I may help someone move one step closer to heaven…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/30/16
***************************************************************
Reaching
And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. (Acts 8:2-3)
There are a lot Jewish leaders who want to stop the Christian movement…
Saul takes to it another level…
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2)
He has interrogated hundreds if not thousands of people…
He was not friendly about it…
He knows more about miracles than any person on earth…
His only goal was to put a stop to them…
This makes absolutely no sense to me…
We all know someone like this…
So set in their conviction and belief in a cause, that they seem unable to see anything else…
All too often we blame ourselves, because we are not able to reach these people…
It took God’s personal intervention to change Saul's focus…
Remember, we bring the message, God does the reaching…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/5/15 (B1)
*************************************************************************************
And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. (Acts 8:2-3)
There are a lot Jewish leaders who want to stop the Christian movement…
Saul takes to it another level…
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2)
He has interrogated hundreds if not thousands of people…
He was not friendly about it…
He knows more about miracles than any person on earth…
His only goal was to put a stop to them…
This makes absolutely no sense to me…
We all know someone like this…
So set in their conviction and belief in a cause, that they seem unable to see anything else…
All too often we blame ourselves, because we are not able to reach these people…
It took God’s personal intervention to change Saul's focus…
Remember, we bring the message, God does the reaching…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/5/15 (B1)
*************************************************************************************
Wanted: Dead or Alive
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2)
Why was Saul so angry about a bunch of people who worshiped God directly…?
Maybe if this were to really catch on it would affect his livelihood…
Saul found it easier to kill them then admit they were right…
How often do we feel like we have a target on our back just because people know we are Christians…?
If this has never happened to you try wearing a cross on your collar the next time you go to work…
At first people just change what they are talking about when we are around…
As time passes people seem to resent us for making them feel guilty…
All we did was pin a cross on our collar
This is not new; Jesus talked about it over two thousand years ago…
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 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 5:10-11)
What we need to remember is that we are not the reason they feel guilty…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/28/16 (B1)
**************************************************************
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2)
Why was Saul so angry about a bunch of people who worshiped God directly…?
Maybe if this were to really catch on it would affect his livelihood…
Saul found it easier to kill them then admit they were right…
How often do we feel like we have a target on our back just because people know we are Christians…?
If this has never happened to you try wearing a cross on your collar the next time you go to work…
At first people just change what they are talking about when we are around…
As time passes people seem to resent us for making them feel guilty…
All we did was pin a cross on our collar
This is not new; Jesus talked about it over two thousand years ago…
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 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 5:10-11)
What we need to remember is that we are not the reason they feel guilty…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/28/16 (B1)
**************************************************************
Behold, He Prayeth
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (Acts 9:10-12)
There is no doubt that Saul has prayed many times…
This Prayer is very different…
For the first time in his life he really needs God’s help…
At some time in our lives we must also reach this point…
When things are going well we have little need for God...
We must understand for the first time we need God’s help…
If that moment never comes how can we be saved…?
Scrolls from the Soul
1/9/15
***************************************************************
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (Acts 9:10-12)
There is no doubt that Saul has prayed many times…
This Prayer is very different…
For the first time in his life he really needs God’s help…
At some time in our lives we must also reach this point…
When things are going well we have little need for God...
We must understand for the first time we need God’s help…
If that moment never comes how can we be saved…?
Scrolls from the Soul
1/9/15
***************************************************************
That Moment
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (Acts 9:10-12)
There is no doubt that Saul has prayed many times…
This Prayer is very different…
For the first time in his life he really needs God…
At some time in our lives we must reach that point…
We need to understand for the first time that we really need God…
What if that moment never came…?
And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Mathew 19:24)
When things are going well we have little need for God...
Scrolls from the Soul
10/13/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (Acts 9:10-12)
There is no doubt that Saul has prayed many times…
This Prayer is very different…
For the first time in his life he really needs God…
At some time in our lives we must reach that point…
We need to understand for the first time that we really need God…
What if that moment never came…?
And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Mathew 19:24)
When things are going well we have little need for God...
Scrolls from the Soul
10/13/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
Ask Them Someday
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (Acts 9:11-12)
There are some names that strike fear in the hearts of men…
Ivan the Terrible…
Attila the Hun…
And…
Saul, of Tarsus
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. (Acts 9:13-14)
What God is asking of Ananias is similar to:
God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac…
Or
God asking Moses to go and stand before Pharaoh…
All three of these men did what was asked of them…
The question we need to ask is:
Was it faith in God or fear of God that compelled them to take on these tasks…?
I guess we will have to ask them someday…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/7/16
**************************************************************
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (Acts 9:11-12)
There are some names that strike fear in the hearts of men…
Ivan the Terrible…
Attila the Hun…
And…
Saul, of Tarsus
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. (Acts 9:13-14)
What God is asking of Ananias is similar to:
God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac…
Or
God asking Moses to go and stand before Pharaoh…
All three of these men did what was asked of them…
The question we need to ask is:
Was it faith in God or fear of God that compelled them to take on these tasks…?
I guess we will have to ask them someday…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/7/16
**************************************************************
Good or Evil
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Acts 9:15-16)
Saul is about to find out firsthand what suffering for Jesus name really means…
What Saul has been inflicting on Christians is nothing compared to challenges that lay ahead for Paul…
So what does this have to do with us…?
There are people that will try to tell us that if we become Christians all of our problems will be behind us…
That has never been true…
We can read the Bible from beginning to end and we will never find anyone who had a painless life…
Good or Evil…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/11/15
***************************************************************
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Acts 9:15-16)
Saul is about to find out firsthand what suffering for Jesus name really means…
What Saul has been inflicting on Christians is nothing compared to challenges that lay ahead for Paul…
So what does this have to do with us…?
There are people that will try to tell us that if we become Christians all of our problems will be behind us…
That has never been true…
We can read the Bible from beginning to end and we will never find anyone who had a painless life…
Good or Evil…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/11/15
***************************************************************
God Hath Cleansed
And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
(Acts 10:11-14)
Peter is now a Christian, however he is also Jewish…
He was raised to believe that certain animals were forbidden to eat…
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. (Acts 10:15)
The voice is not saying the Jewish law was wrong…
Peter is being told that God has cleansed these animals so it is OK…
Why is this happening now…?
Peter is being prepared for a bigger leap of faith…
And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (Acts 10:27-28)
Peter has now put two and two together…
For the first time non-Jews have been accepted as Christians…
This clears the way for Saul to become Paul…
As for us this means we must share our faith with everyone…
Even people we would rather not be seen with …
Scrolls from the Saul
1/19/15
***************************************************************
And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
(Acts 10:11-14)
Peter is now a Christian, however he is also Jewish…
He was raised to believe that certain animals were forbidden to eat…
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. (Acts 10:15)
The voice is not saying the Jewish law was wrong…
Peter is being told that God has cleansed these animals so it is OK…
Why is this happening now…?
Peter is being prepared for a bigger leap of faith…
And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (Acts 10:27-28)
Peter has now put two and two together…
For the first time non-Jews have been accepted as Christians…
This clears the way for Saul to become Paul…
As for us this means we must share our faith with everyone…
Even people we would rather not be seen with …
Scrolls from the Saul
1/19/15
***************************************************************
A Humble Man
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. (Acts 10:25-26)
We know Peter could be a hot head from time to time…
He also tends to speak before thinking…
Now we know him to be a humble man…
There may be hope for us yet…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/19/15 (B1)
****************************************************************
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. (Acts 10:25-26)
We know Peter could be a hot head from time to time…
He also tends to speak before thinking…
Now we know him to be a humble man…
There may be hope for us yet…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/19/15 (B1)
****************************************************************
Common?
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (Acts 10: 25-28)
The word “common” implies that some people are simply better than others…
The world we live in enjoys forcing us into these levels…
For some reason we all want to believe we are better than someone else…
On the other hand we also feel like other people are looking down on us…
The amazing thing is that everyone on earth feels exactly the same way…
God sees things a little differently…
We need to understand that we are no more important to God than anyone else…
We also need to understand that we are no less important to God than anyone else…
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35)
There is nothing common about that…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/19/17
**************************************************************
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (Acts 10: 25-28)
The word “common” implies that some people are simply better than others…
The world we live in enjoys forcing us into these levels…
For some reason we all want to believe we are better than someone else…
On the other hand we also feel like other people are looking down on us…
The amazing thing is that everyone on earth feels exactly the same way…
God sees things a little differently…
We need to understand that we are no more important to God than anyone else…
We also need to understand that we are no less important to God than anyone else…
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35)
There is nothing common about that…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/19/17
**************************************************************
Equality
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35)
Peter being Jewish has always been taught that they are the chosen people…
So…Anyone who was not Jewish was considered lower class…
God is showing Peter that the Jews are still the chosen people; however when it comes to being a Christian everyone is now equal…
There is a flip-side…
Many of these people who had been treated as second class citizens were angry and bitter…
So…It was hard for these people to trust this new equality…
We have the same problem today…
We see people that we consider “Above Us”…
They may not be looking “Down” on us, however we still see them as “Above Us”…
We can end up being angry and bitter about people we do not even know…
When we look up, it is only God we should be looking for...
No one should ever block our view…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/16/15
***************************************************************
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35)
Peter being Jewish has always been taught that they are the chosen people…
So…Anyone who was not Jewish was considered lower class…
God is showing Peter that the Jews are still the chosen people; however when it comes to being a Christian everyone is now equal…
There is a flip-side…
Many of these people who had been treated as second class citizens were angry and bitter…
So…It was hard for these people to trust this new equality…
We have the same problem today…
We see people that we consider “Above Us”…
They may not be looking “Down” on us, however we still see them as “Above Us”…
We can end up being angry and bitter about people we do not even know…
When we look up, it is only God we should be looking for...
No one should ever block our view…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/16/15
***************************************************************
His Children
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (Acts 10: 43-44)
We often think of Paul as being the one sent to the Gentiles but God sent Peter to open the door…
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 10: 45)
These are Jews who up until now believed they had a monopoly on God…
We are all decedents of Adam and Eve…
We are also all decedents of Noah… (Think about it)
But we are not all decedents of Abraham…
What God was pointing out here is that we are all and forever will be His Children…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/7/16
***************************************************************
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (Acts 10: 43-44)
We often think of Paul as being the one sent to the Gentiles but God sent Peter to open the door…
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 10: 45)
These are Jews who up until now believed they had a monopoly on God…
We are all decedents of Adam and Eve…
We are also all decedents of Noah… (Think about it)
But we are not all decedents of Abraham…
What God was pointing out here is that we are all and forever will be His Children…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/7/16
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Center Stage
And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. (Acts 13:42)
Paul has just finished giving a history lesson spanning from the time in Egypt through the resurrection of Jesus…
He was not saying anything that the priests did not already know…
Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts 13:43)
Some of the Jews were willing to listen, however most of them wanted nothing to do this traitor…
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
(Acts 13:44-45)
Until now the priests have had a captive audience…
It was simple, do as WE say or your sins will not be forgiven…
They were not ready to give up center stage to anyone…
Not even the Son of God…
Are WE, ready…? Am I, ready…? I wish I knew…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/21/15
****************************************************************
And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. (Acts 13:42)
Paul has just finished giving a history lesson spanning from the time in Egypt through the resurrection of Jesus…
He was not saying anything that the priests did not already know…
Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. (Acts 13:43)
Some of the Jews were willing to listen, however most of them wanted nothing to do this traitor…
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
(Acts 13:44-45)
Until now the priests have had a captive audience…
It was simple, do as WE say or your sins will not be forgiven…
They were not ready to give up center stage to anyone…
Not even the Son of God…
Are WE, ready…? Am I, ready…? I wish I knew…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/21/15
****************************************************************
Who We Forgive
For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:47-48)
By definition anyone who is not Jewish is a Gentile…
The Jews are God’s chosen people...
This has not changed…
They have trials and challenges that are unique to their relationship with God…
And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. (Acts 13:49-50)
Those that chose to follow Jesus faced adversities at the hands of their fellow Jews...
Our journey is not going to be all smooth sailing either…
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 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 5:10-11)
If we as Christians live the life Jesus has directed there will be many people who will challenge us…
For us it is not attacks based on who we eat with…
Our attacks will often be based on who we are willing to forgive…
Or who we are not…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/9/16
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For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:47-48)
By definition anyone who is not Jewish is a Gentile…
The Jews are God’s chosen people...
This has not changed…
They have trials and challenges that are unique to their relationship with God…
And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. (Acts 13:49-50)
Those that chose to follow Jesus faced adversities at the hands of their fellow Jews...
Our journey is not going to be all smooth sailing either…
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 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 5:10-11)
If we as Christians live the life Jesus has directed there will be many people who will challenge us…
For us it is not attacks based on who we eat with…
Our attacks will often be based on who we are willing to forgive…
Or who we are not…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/9/16
**************************************************************
Created Equal
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:8-9)
This is literally the Heart and Soul of salvation…
Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (Acts 15:10)
This is what separates the laws of God from the laws of men…
God has designed salvation to be simple…
It is men that want to make it as difficult as possible…
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (Acts 15:11)
This is where “all People are created equal” truly comes from…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/11/16
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And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (Acts 15:8-9)
This is literally the Heart and Soul of salvation…
Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (Acts 15:10)
This is what separates the laws of God from the laws of men…
God has designed salvation to be simple…
It is men that want to make it as difficult as possible…
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (Acts 15:11)
This is where “all People are created equal” truly comes from…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/11/16
**************************************************************
Even as They
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (Acts 15:8-10)
This passage is very familiar to us…
There has just been a huge debate…
Some of the Jews were demanding that the gentiles be circumcised…
This is when Peter stands up and gives this speech…
We tend to stop reading at this point…
It is the next verse we must read and never forget…
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (Acts 15:11)
Peter has just said that even the Jews must also be saved by Grace through Faith…
Just like everyone else...
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)
Scrolls from the Soul
2/22/17
**************************************************************
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (Acts 15:8-10)
This passage is very familiar to us…
There has just been a huge debate…
Some of the Jews were demanding that the gentiles be circumcised…
This is when Peter stands up and gives this speech…
We tend to stop reading at this point…
It is the next verse we must read and never forget…
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (Acts 15:11)
Peter has just said that even the Jews must also be saved by Grace through Faith…
Just like everyone else...
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)
Scrolls from the Soul
2/22/17
**************************************************************
The Latest Fad
And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. (Acts 17:19-22)
I am just sure these people all had Pet Rocks and Bellbottoms…
This was their version of the adrenalin rush…
They were out there chasing excitement and thrills…!
OK, OK, point made…
These were the poster children for the short attention span…
There focus would last weeks… months at best…
Most of us grew up in the age of television…
Our attention span was somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes…
Our children and grandchildren are growing up in the computer age…
Their attention span is 30 to 40 seconds at best…
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)
God would like us to stretch our attention span… Just a bit…
Scroll from the Soul
2/22/17
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And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. (Acts 17:19-22)
I am just sure these people all had Pet Rocks and Bellbottoms…
This was their version of the adrenalin rush…
They were out there chasing excitement and thrills…!
OK, OK, point made…
These were the poster children for the short attention span…
There focus would last weeks… months at best…
Most of us grew up in the age of television…
Our attention span was somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes…
Our children and grandchildren are growing up in the computer age…
Their attention span is 30 to 40 seconds at best…
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)
God would like us to stretch our attention span… Just a bit…
Scroll from the Soul
2/22/17
***************************************************************
The Palm of Our Hand
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; (Acts 17:24)
We Often stand in awe of mountains and stars...
But...
How often do we stop and look at what God has placed in the palm of our hand...?
How often have we held a snowflake and wondered at this creation of a thousand tiny diamonds...?
How often have we been mesmerized by a hand full of sand as it flows between our fingers…?
How often have we held the hand of a new born child and marveled at this tiny miracle of life…?
God's power can be found in the stars that shine down upon the mountain tops…
His grace can be found, in the palm of our hand…
Scrolls from the Soul
11/21/14
**************************************************************
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; (Acts 17:24)
We Often stand in awe of mountains and stars...
But...
How often do we stop and look at what God has placed in the palm of our hand...?
How often have we held a snowflake and wondered at this creation of a thousand tiny diamonds...?
How often have we been mesmerized by a hand full of sand as it flows between our fingers…?
How often have we held the hand of a new born child and marveled at this tiny miracle of life…?
God's power can be found in the stars that shine down upon the mountain tops…
His grace can be found, in the palm of our hand…
Scrolls from the Soul
11/21/14
**************************************************************
That Final Nudge
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. (Acts 26:24-25)
Paul was standing before a group of men who are there to decide if he should be put to death…
He has just told them that Jesus had spoken to him out of a bright light…
Of course Festus thinks Paul has completely lost his mind…
For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. (Acts 26:26)
Christians were few in number but these men knew all about them…
They also knew all of the prophecies telling about the coming of Christ…
King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
(Acts 26:27-28)
King Agrippa is right on the edge…
Just one more small nudge might just get him there…
Paul was ready to risk his life to give that final nudge…
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. (Acts 26:29)
There are so many people out there today that are also standing on the edge of faith…
It is unlikely that we will ever be put to death for our faith…
However, I have been laughed at and call crazy for believing in “God”…
I will never be embarrassed to death…
But I have been embarrassed to silence…
So just how willing am I…?
To give someone that final nudge…?
Scrolls from the Soul
2/28/17
***************************************************************
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. (Acts 26:24-25)
Paul was standing before a group of men who are there to decide if he should be put to death…
He has just told them that Jesus had spoken to him out of a bright light…
Of course Festus thinks Paul has completely lost his mind…
For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. (Acts 26:26)
Christians were few in number but these men knew all about them…
They also knew all of the prophecies telling about the coming of Christ…
King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
(Acts 26:27-28)
King Agrippa is right on the edge…
Just one more small nudge might just get him there…
Paul was ready to risk his life to give that final nudge…
And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. (Acts 26:29)
There are so many people out there today that are also standing on the edge of faith…
It is unlikely that we will ever be put to death for our faith…
However, I have been laughed at and call crazy for believing in “God”…
I will never be embarrassed to death…
But I have been embarrassed to silence…
So just how willing am I…?
To give someone that final nudge…?
Scrolls from the Soul
2/28/17
***************************************************************
Fear or Faith
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16-17)
I stood face to face with a very angry man…
He was questioning my faith and my right to teach my faith to his child…
One of the children I had taught was his daughter…
She went home and asked her father if he was going to go the Hell…
When he confronted me I had an opportunity to stand on faith and tell him about salvation…
Instead, I let fear takeover and stood there stammering and sputtering…
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:75)
I know exactly how he feels…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/20/15
***************************************************************
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16-17)
I stood face to face with a very angry man…
He was questioning my faith and my right to teach my faith to his child…
One of the children I had taught was his daughter…
She went home and asked her father if he was going to go the Hell…
When he confronted me I had an opportunity to stand on faith and tell him about salvation…
Instead, I let fear takeover and stood there stammering and sputtering…
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:75)
I know exactly how he feels…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/20/15
***************************************************************
Feel Relief
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. (Romans 2:1)
We all like to say “We did not commit the sin that person did”…
We have talked about this before…
In the eyes of God all sins are equal…
Lying, stealing, killing, coveting, taking the Lords name in vain, it does not matter…
So, how do we talk about sin without being judgmental…?
We don’t, we talk about how God forgives our sins…
Ok, how will people know they have sinned if we do not tell them…?
God has taken care of that…
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; (Romans 2:14-15)
We all know why we feel guilty…
What we need to show people is how to feel relief…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/27/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. (Romans 2:1)
We all like to say “We did not commit the sin that person did”…
We have talked about this before…
In the eyes of God all sins are equal…
Lying, stealing, killing, coveting, taking the Lords name in vain, it does not matter…
So, how do we talk about sin without being judgmental…?
We don’t, we talk about how God forgives our sins…
Ok, how will people know they have sinned if we do not tell them…?
God has taken care of that…
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; (Romans 2:14-15)
We all know why we feel guilty…
What we need to show people is how to feel relief…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/27/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
Faith in His Grace
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
With each sin how willingly we believe that we have fallen short of the Glory of God...
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
And yet when it comes to forgiveness we steadfastly refuse to believe that God could completely forgive us by His Grace alone...
We must somehow pay a price for what we have done…
Can only half of the Word of God be true...?
If we Believe in His Glory then we must also have Faith in His Grace...
Scrolls from the Soul
1996 (B1)
**************************************************************
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
With each sin how willingly we believe that we have fallen short of the Glory of God...
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
And yet when it comes to forgiveness we steadfastly refuse to believe that God could completely forgive us by His Grace alone...
We must somehow pay a price for what we have done…
Can only half of the Word of God be true...?
If we Believe in His Glory then we must also have Faith in His Grace...
Scrolls from the Soul
1996 (B1)
**************************************************************
Praying for Patience
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (Romans 5:3-4)
As part of my relations with God I have often prayed for patience…
My wife often tells me to be careful what I pray for…
These two verses explain why she says this…
We want to believe that if we ask God for something it just, happens…
If we are simply given everything we ask for we will often not appreciate the gift…
It is like getting our first car…
We are more likely to take better care of it if we had to work to get it…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/20/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (Romans 5:3-4)
As part of my relations with God I have often prayed for patience…
My wife often tells me to be careful what I pray for…
These two verses explain why she says this…
We want to believe that if we ask God for something it just, happens…
If we are simply given everything we ask for we will often not appreciate the gift…
It is like getting our first car…
We are more likely to take better care of it if we had to work to get it…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/20/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
Maketh Not Ashamed
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (Romans 5:3-4)
We have heard these verses time and time again…
It is the verse that follow that we tend to ignore…
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5)
There are those who believe that hope is nothing more than wishful thinking…
God does not see it that way…
Hope is an emotional reaction we have when we are faced with fear…
Faith on the other hand guides us through our day to day decisions…
We should never be ashamed of either one…
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16)
Scrolls from the Soul
8/7/17
**************************************************************
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (Romans 5:3-4)
We have heard these verses time and time again…
It is the verse that follow that we tend to ignore…
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5)
There are those who believe that hope is nothing more than wishful thinking…
God does not see it that way…
Hope is an emotional reaction we have when we are faced with fear…
Faith on the other hand guides us through our day to day decisions…
We should never be ashamed of either one…
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16)
Scrolls from the Soul
8/7/17
**************************************************************
Much, Much Better
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:9-11)
My sister faces a daily battle with wide spread cancer…
Some days there is hope others there is none…
I have a friend whose father has just entered Hospice care…
His mother is being treated for C.O.P.D…
These three people all have one thing in common…
They are all steadfast Christians…
For all of the friends and loved ones this is a time of great agony…
This also needs to be a time of great faith, for all of us…
By the grace of God the lives of these three people is about to get much, much better…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/31/16 (B1)
****************************************************************
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:9-11)
My sister faces a daily battle with wide spread cancer…
Some days there is hope others there is none…
I have a friend whose father has just entered Hospice care…
His mother is being treated for C.O.P.D…
These three people all have one thing in common…
They are all steadfast Christians…
For all of the friends and loved ones this is a time of great agony…
This also needs to be a time of great faith, for all of us…
By the grace of God the lives of these three people is about to get much, much better…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/31/16 (B1)
****************************************************************
Can the Soul Sin?
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
We are in the midst of a hot and heavy debate here…
Can the soul sin or is it just contaminated by our sins…?
Do sins originate in our mind or are they a byproduct of our emotions…?
I am sure the debate will continue…
In the end it does not matter…
The bottom line is always the same…
For the Wages of Sin is Death…
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
No matter where the sin begins it can only end… right here…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/19/17
**************************************************************
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
We are in the midst of a hot and heavy debate here…
Can the soul sin or is it just contaminated by our sins…?
Do sins originate in our mind or are they a byproduct of our emotions…?
I am sure the debate will continue…
In the end it does not matter…
The bottom line is always the same…
For the Wages of Sin is Death…
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
No matter where the sin begins it can only end… right here…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/19/17
**************************************************************
Never the Less
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate,
that do I. (Romans 7:15)
As confusing as this sounds, we all know just how he feels…
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
(Romans 7:16)
OK, your guess is as good as mine on this one…
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
(Romans 7:17)
Have you ever noticed that we all have a weakness for one type of sin…
It is like a trap that we fall into time and time again…
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (Romans 7:18)
It can be lust or greed or anger or…
We can even see it coming and still fall right in to it…
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
(Romans 7:19-20)
Satan can not force us to sin...
But it sure feels like it sometimes…
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:24)
Satan will do his best to make us feel guilty every single time we sin...
His goal is to make us give up and make us feel there is no hope…
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)
It is so hard for us to believe that there is no end to God’s grace or His forgiveness…
Never the less both are true…
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; (Daniel 9:9)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/16/14
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For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate,
that do I. (Romans 7:15)
As confusing as this sounds, we all know just how he feels…
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
(Romans 7:16)
OK, your guess is as good as mine on this one…
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
(Romans 7:17)
Have you ever noticed that we all have a weakness for one type of sin…
It is like a trap that we fall into time and time again…
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. (Romans 7:18)
It can be lust or greed or anger or…
We can even see it coming and still fall right in to it…
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
(Romans 7:19-20)
Satan can not force us to sin...
But it sure feels like it sometimes…
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:24)
Satan will do his best to make us feel guilty every single time we sin...
His goal is to make us give up and make us feel there is no hope…
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)
It is so hard for us to believe that there is no end to God’s grace or His forgiveness…
Never the less both are true…
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; (Daniel 9:9)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/16/14
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Resolutions
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
(Romans 7:19)
Most resolutions have a positive and a negative…
I will lose weight and exercise…
I will stop eating bad things and start eating good things…
Either way when things go wrong we tend to just give up…
We focus on what went wrong and lose site on what went right…
Paul was not stranger to this problem…
We have the same reactions to sin…
When we fail we get caught up in the guilt and take our eyes off the forgiveness…
In resolutions there will always be setbacks…
In life there will always be sins…
In both there are also new beginnings…
We need to stop getting lost in the negative and reach for the positive…
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
(1 Chronicles 16:34)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/27/16
**************************************************************
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
(Romans 7:19)
Most resolutions have a positive and a negative…
I will lose weight and exercise…
I will stop eating bad things and start eating good things…
Either way when things go wrong we tend to just give up…
We focus on what went wrong and lose site on what went right…
Paul was not stranger to this problem…
We have the same reactions to sin…
When we fail we get caught up in the guilt and take our eyes off the forgiveness…
In resolutions there will always be setbacks…
In life there will always be sins…
In both there are also new beginnings…
We need to stop getting lost in the negative and reach for the positive…
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
(1 Chronicles 16:34)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/27/16
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Mind Over Body?
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: (Romans 7:22)
We need to remember that Paul was trained in the Jewish law his whole life…
This gives him unique point of view on the Jewish Law vs Christian doctrine…
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (Romans 7:23)
When it comes to mind vs body we would think the mind should have the upper hand…
As we all know, it does not always seem to work that way…
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
(Romans 7:19)
Paul admits this make no sense to him…
This also seems odd to us…
If we are completely honest thou in some strange way we understand how he feels…
This confusion is very common even among non-Christians…
How often have we seen the picture of the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other…?
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:24)
No matter where this comes from Satan will use it to his advantage…
If we make the wrong choice (and we often do) Satan will be right there to load on the guilt…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/1/15
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For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: (Romans 7:22)
We need to remember that Paul was trained in the Jewish law his whole life…
This gives him unique point of view on the Jewish Law vs Christian doctrine…
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (Romans 7:23)
When it comes to mind vs body we would think the mind should have the upper hand…
As we all know, it does not always seem to work that way…
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
(Romans 7:19)
Paul admits this make no sense to him…
This also seems odd to us…
If we are completely honest thou in some strange way we understand how he feels…
This confusion is very common even among non-Christians…
How often have we seen the picture of the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other…?
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:24)
No matter where this comes from Satan will use it to his advantage…
If we make the wrong choice (and we often do) Satan will be right there to load on the guilt…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/1/15
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Something to Hope For
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? (Romans 8:24)
We need to remember that Saul was a scholar…
So Paul has a tendency to speak legalese…
We all face challenges every day, some small, others seem overwhelming…
We often find that having something to look forward to helps us to endure hard times…
Then again, hoping requires that we must be patience and wait for something to happen…
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (Romans 8:25)
Scrolls from the Soul
2/3/15
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For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? (Romans 8:24)
We need to remember that Saul was a scholar…
So Paul has a tendency to speak legalese…
We all face challenges every day, some small, others seem overwhelming…
We often find that having something to look forward to helps us to endure hard times…
Then again, hoping requires that we must be patience and wait for something to happen…
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (Romans 8:25)
Scrolls from the Soul
2/3/15
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Kinda
For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (Romans 8:24-25)
These two verses sound familiar…
However we do need to take a closer look…
When we say the word “Hope” we are normally thinking of something specific…
A pony…a Mustang convertible…
In this case there is an extra step in the process…
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)
If you are like me this is a little aggravating…
We like to have more control over what we are hoping for…
“for we know not what we should pray for as we ought”
We want to believe that we know what is best for us…
Just like we did when we were 6…
And 12…
And 21…
And 42…
I am about to turn 60 and now I am absolutely sure what is best for me…Maybe…sorta…kinda…
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Scrolls from the Soul
2/18/18
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For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (Romans 8:24-25)
These two verses sound familiar…
However we do need to take a closer look…
When we say the word “Hope” we are normally thinking of something specific…
A pony…a Mustang convertible…
In this case there is an extra step in the process…
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)
If you are like me this is a little aggravating…
We like to have more control over what we are hoping for…
“for we know not what we should pray for as we ought”
We want to believe that we know what is best for us…
Just like we did when we were 6…
And 12…
And 21…
And 42…
I am about to turn 60 and now I am absolutely sure what is best for me…Maybe…sorta…kinda…
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Scrolls from the Soul
2/18/18
**************************************************************
Death Nor Life
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
Death Nor Life…?
At first glance this seems somewhat, backwards…
Someone once told me that they were not afraid of death…
What was going to happen between now and then that terrifies me…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/18/15
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For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
Death Nor Life…?
At first glance this seems somewhat, backwards…
Someone once told me that they were not afraid of death…
What was going to happen between now and then that terrifies me…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/18/15
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Chain of Events
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6)
The mind conceives a sin…
The soul sends out the warning…
The freewill chooses the course…
The body is simply along for the ride…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/8/16
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For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6)
The mind conceives a sin…
The soul sends out the warning…
The freewill chooses the course…
The body is simply along for the ride…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/8/16
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A Far Cry
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:2-3)
Zeal is an over whelming emotional response…
This kind emotion has a tendency to run roughshod over our common sense…
Worse yet the truth is often lost in the in the excitement…
In old western movies “Lynch Mobs” were common…
In the heat of the moment they often hung the wrong man…
As Christians we can face the same problem…
We get all charged up and we want to run that sinner right out of town…
It is all too easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment and condemn someone…
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)
On the other hand the “Righteousness of God" is at the opposite end of our emotions…
This does not mean that God never gets angry…
He just takes a long time to get there…
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
(Psalm 145:8)
Zeal may be exciting…
However…
It is a far cry from righteousness…
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
(Romans 10:4)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/18/18
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For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (Romans 10:2-3)
Zeal is an over whelming emotional response…
This kind emotion has a tendency to run roughshod over our common sense…
Worse yet the truth is often lost in the in the excitement…
In old western movies “Lynch Mobs” were common…
In the heat of the moment they often hung the wrong man…
As Christians we can face the same problem…
We get all charged up and we want to run that sinner right out of town…
It is all too easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment and condemn someone…
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)
On the other hand the “Righteousness of God" is at the opposite end of our emotions…
This does not mean that God never gets angry…
He just takes a long time to get there…
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
(Psalm 145:8)
Zeal may be exciting…
However…
It is a far cry from righteousness…
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
(Romans 10:4)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/18/18
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Greatest Weakness
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)
This is one of those verses that hits me right between the eyes…
Yes, this is one of my greatest weaknesses…
One of the strangest things about pride is that it can fill your life with doubts…
You want to believe you are strong and confident…
And yet the smallest thing can shake you to the core…
The bottom line is that my faith is too often misplaced…
As my wife keeps reminding me…
The Bible begins…
“In the beginning God…”
Not… In the beginning Joe…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/14/17
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For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)
This is one of those verses that hits me right between the eyes…
Yes, this is one of my greatest weaknesses…
One of the strangest things about pride is that it can fill your life with doubts…
You want to believe you are strong and confident…
And yet the smallest thing can shake you to the core…
The bottom line is that my faith is too often misplaced…
As my wife keeps reminding me…
The Bible begins…
“In the beginning God…”
Not… In the beginning Joe…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/14/17
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What I Wanted
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)
For a long time now I have been very upset…
I could not understand why God would not give me the faith to do what I wanted…
Today my wife pointed out that I had the whole thing backwards…
I should be asking God to give me the faith to understand what He wanted me to do…
The bottom line is that we are supposed to have faith in God…
Not that God should have faith in us…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/7/17
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For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)
For a long time now I have been very upset…
I could not understand why God would not give me the faith to do what I wanted…
Today my wife pointed out that I had the whole thing backwards…
I should be asking God to give me the faith to understand what He wanted me to do…
The bottom line is that we are supposed to have faith in God…
Not that God should have faith in us…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/7/17
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What is My Job?
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Romans 12:4-5)
This is more than a list of gifts; it is more like job descriptions…
From the very beginning God has given everyone a job to do…
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. (Genesis 2:15)
God has given us all of the skills we need to do the job he expects us to do…
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering:
Or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation:
he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity;
he that ruleth, with diligence;
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
(Romans 12:6-8)
Our gifts should come naturally to us…
In many cases we may be doing our job without even knowing it…
Where we run into trouble is when we try to do a job we were never meant to do…
The Sunday school department is short on teachers so we jump in a try to help…
Our heart is in the right place, however if teaching is not our gift it becomes a struggle…
We will know we are doing the right job when we enjoy do it…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/3/15 (B1)
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For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Romans 12:4-5)
This is more than a list of gifts; it is more like job descriptions…
From the very beginning God has given everyone a job to do…
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. (Genesis 2:15)
God has given us all of the skills we need to do the job he expects us to do…
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering:
Or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation:
he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity;
he that ruleth, with diligence;
he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
(Romans 12:6-8)
Our gifts should come naturally to us…
In many cases we may be doing our job without even knowing it…
Where we run into trouble is when we try to do a job we were never meant to do…
The Sunday school department is short on teachers so we jump in a try to help…
Our heart is in the right place, however if teaching is not our gift it becomes a struggle…
We will know we are doing the right job when we enjoy do it…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/3/15 (B1)
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Instant in Prayer
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (Romans 12:12)
We have touched on this before…
Prayer should not be scripted or scheduled…
When things are going well give thanks unto God…
When thing are not, reach out to God…
As much as we would like to think we have some control over our daily life, it is simply not true…
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. (Romans 12:15)
We live in a world that is controlled by emotion…
Things can change in an instant…
Our prayers must go out to God in that very same instant…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/1/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (Romans 12:12)
We have touched on this before…
Prayer should not be scripted or scheduled…
When things are going well give thanks unto God…
When thing are not, reach out to God…
As much as we would like to think we have some control over our daily life, it is simply not true…
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. (Romans 12:15)
We live in a world that is controlled by emotion…
Things can change in an instant…
Our prayers must go out to God in that very same instant…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/1/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
The Good Fight
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
(Romans12: 13-15)
For thirty years and more I have watched you and
learned what it means to serve God…
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 5-8)
I truly believe your time is not coming to an end...
How and where you serve may be changing...
But...
There are many more jewels to be added to your crown...
************************************************
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
(Romans12: 13-15)
For thirty years and more I have watched you and
learned what it means to serve God…
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 5-8)
I truly believe your time is not coming to an end...
How and where you serve may be changing...
But...
There are many more jewels to be added to your crown...
************************************************
If it be Possible
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:17-18)
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you live peaceably with all men.”…?
This is truly one of the most unique statements in the Bible…
God is more than aware that our emotions almost always seem to dictate our reactions…
What we need to remember is that the person we are facing has the same problem…
Angry situations are always the worst…
Emotions run high and the tongue runs hot…
There are so many time I look back on these situation and say to myself…
“That was really a dumb thing to say!”
So, what do we do now…?
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)
This is where the “as much as lieth in you” part comes in…
We need to be the one to go and make peace…
Not the other way around…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/1/18
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In The Name Of
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Christianity is in its early stages…
And yet the problems have already started…
Over the centuries the Christian church fractures again and again…
We argue over what is and what is not a “salvation” issue…
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:13)
We like to “cherry pick” the parts of the Bible that fit our life style…
We say the Old Testament does not apply to us…
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4)
Faith is the common denominator…
It ties the Old Testament and the New Testament together...
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
We all know this verse…
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
It is the two verses that follow that finish the story…
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:17-18)
God does not make salvation difficult…
We are the ones that do…
Scrolls from the Soul
11/10/15
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Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Christianity is in its early stages…
And yet the problems have already started…
Over the centuries the Christian church fractures again and again…
We argue over what is and what is not a “salvation” issue…
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:13)
We like to “cherry pick” the parts of the Bible that fit our life style…
We say the Old Testament does not apply to us…
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4)
Faith is the common denominator…
It ties the Old Testament and the New Testament together...
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
We all know this verse…
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
It is the two verses that follow that finish the story…
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:17-18)
God does not make salvation difficult…
We are the ones that do…
Scrolls from the Soul
11/10/15
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The Way God Wrote It
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul
(1 Corinthians 1: 11-13)
Years ago our children went on a field trip to the Symphony…
The Conductor stopped to say something to all the children…
There are people who say they like the way the orchestra in New York plays Mozart’s music better than the one in Boston…
He then said if it is played correctly it should always sound just the way Mozart wrote it…
Paul is telling the Corinthians the very same thing…
The perfect song of salvation only works when it is presented just the way God wrote it…
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/21/17
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For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul
(1 Corinthians 1: 11-13)
Years ago our children went on a field trip to the Symphony…
The Conductor stopped to say something to all the children…
There are people who say they like the way the orchestra in New York plays Mozart’s music better than the one in Boston…
He then said if it is played correctly it should always sound just the way Mozart wrote it…
Paul is telling the Corinthians the very same thing…
The perfect song of salvation only works when it is presented just the way God wrote it…
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/21/17
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The Same Source
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (I Corinthians 10:1)
We have talked about this many times…
The only way to be sure we understand what the Bible says is to read it…
Even with the best of intentions we all add just a little of ourselves to everything we read…
I am no exception...
It becomes like playing telephone, the more people between us and the Bible the more we lose…
If ye all are going speak the same thing ye must get the information from the same source…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/7/16 (B1)
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Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (I Corinthians 10:1)
We have talked about this many times…
The only way to be sure we understand what the Bible says is to read it…
Even with the best of intentions we all add just a little of ourselves to everything we read…
I am no exception...
It becomes like playing telephone, the more people between us and the Bible the more we lose…
If ye all are going speak the same thing ye must get the information from the same source…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/7/16 (B1)
**************************************************************
Nobody Knows My Sorrow
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
(I Corinthians 10:13)
My singing voice is, well… not so good…
There is a song that keeps running through my head lately…
“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen…”
“Nobody knows my sorrow…”
People have been singing this song for thousands of years…
Maybe not these exact words, but the feeling has been a part of every life since “The Fall”…
It just seems worse now because it is happening to us…
God was there for them then and He is here for us now…
God is faithful, but it is up to us to have faith…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/25/16 (B1)
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There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
(I Corinthians 10:13)
My singing voice is, well… not so good…
There is a song that keeps running through my head lately…
“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen…”
“Nobody knows my sorrow…”
People have been singing this song for thousands of years…
Maybe not these exact words, but the feeling has been a part of every life since “The Fall”…
It just seems worse now because it is happening to us…
God was there for them then and He is here for us now…
God is faithful, but it is up to us to have faith…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/25/16 (B1)
**************************************************************
Gifts
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (I Corinthians 12: 8-9)
We have all heard of the gifts of the Holy Spirit…
Healing and speaking in tongues are the ones that most often jump to mind…
God puts these gifts in a different order…
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12: 28)
First apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers…
All of these people are given the job of telling other people about God…
These are the things that have to do with our everlasting soul…
Someone once told me that these are God’s long term investments…
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
(1 Corinthians 14:19)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/13/14 (B1)
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For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (I Corinthians 12: 8-9)
We have all heard of the gifts of the Holy Spirit…
Healing and speaking in tongues are the ones that most often jump to mind…
God puts these gifts in a different order…
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12: 28)
First apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers…
All of these people are given the job of telling other people about God…
These are the things that have to do with our everlasting soul…
Someone once told me that these are God’s long term investments…
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
(1 Corinthians 14:19)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/13/14 (B1)
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The Greatest Gift
In Memory of Martha Geiser
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (I Corinthians 12: 8-9)
To one is given the gift of Wisdom...
For through wisdom we may know what is right in the Eyes of God...
To another is given the gift of Knowledge...
For through knowledge we might one day know the Power of God...
To another the gift of Faith...
For through faith we shall know the Glory of God...
Unto everyone is given the gift of Grace...
For through grace we will know the Mercy of God...
With a very few God shares His greatest gift...
A spirit that knows the Unconditional Love of God...
Scrolls from the Soul
3/21/15
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In Memory of Martha Geiser
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (I Corinthians 12: 8-9)
To one is given the gift of Wisdom...
For through wisdom we may know what is right in the Eyes of God...
To another is given the gift of Knowledge...
For through knowledge we might one day know the Power of God...
To another the gift of Faith...
For through faith we shall know the Glory of God...
Unto everyone is given the gift of Grace...
For through grace we will know the Mercy of God...
With a very few God shares His greatest gift...
A spirit that knows the Unconditional Love of God...
Scrolls from the Soul
3/21/15
****************************************************************
Not What But Why
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. 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. 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. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Paul is pointing out something that is critical to our faith…
The people we serve must always be more important than the service we provide…
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.(1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Love must always come first…
Love must always be why we serve…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/10/18
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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. 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. 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. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Paul is pointing out something that is critical to our faith…
The people we serve must always be more important than the service we provide…
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.(1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Love must always come first…
Love must always be why we serve…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/10/18
*************************************************************
Spark of Hope
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Charity has a very long list of requirements…
For most of us these are things we have in short supply...
The good news is that God has all of these things in abundance…
So just how do we live up to God’s standards…?
WE DON’T…
Like grace, mercy and love, charity is a goal we must work toward every single day…
At times these goals can seem impossible to reach…
Then suddenly there is one of those breakthrough moments when God us gives that person in need…
Our help may seem to be a small or even insignificant event...
But it offers them that spark of hope…
In that moment everything changes for them…
And Us...
Scrolls from the Soul
8/28/16 (B1)
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Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Charity has a very long list of requirements…
For most of us these are things we have in short supply...
The good news is that God has all of these things in abundance…
So just how do we live up to God’s standards…?
WE DON’T…
Like grace, mercy and love, charity is a goal we must work toward every single day…
At times these goals can seem impossible to reach…
Then suddenly there is one of those breakthrough moments when God us gives that person in need…
Our help may seem to be a small or even insignificant event...
But it offers them that spark of hope…
In that moment everything changes for them…
And Us...
Scrolls from the Soul
8/28/16 (B1)
**************************************************************
Our Light Affliction
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (II Corinthians 4:17-18)
I would consider a light affliction to be a mild sunburn…
Paul’s looks at it a little differently…
He is comparing what our life on earth is to what our eternal life in Heaven will be…
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment…”
Our time on earth seems so long and full of hardships…
Compared to eternity…?
We really do not have a true grip on eternity…
We know what we want it to be…
We may even think we understand what it will be…
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
(Revelation 21:4-5)
This is not going to be for a lifetime…
This will be for all time…
No tears, No sorrow, No pain, Forever…
In all honesty do we really believe that we can understand how amazing this will be…?
Scrolls from the Soul
4/6/16 (B1)
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For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (II Corinthians 4:17-18)
I would consider a light affliction to be a mild sunburn…
Paul’s looks at it a little differently…
He is comparing what our life on earth is to what our eternal life in Heaven will be…
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment…”
Our time on earth seems so long and full of hardships…
Compared to eternity…?
We really do not have a true grip on eternity…
We know what we want it to be…
We may even think we understand what it will be…
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
(Revelation 21:4-5)
This is not going to be for a lifetime…
This will be for all time…
No tears, No sorrow, No pain, Forever…
In all honesty do we really believe that we can understand how amazing this will be…?
Scrolls from the Soul
4/6/16 (B1)
**************************************************************
Walking by Faith
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:7-8)
This is the essence of faith…
It has nothing to do with the five senses…
Remember… God created us in his image and we are divided in to three parts…
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. (Luke 10:27)
Mind…Body…and Spirit…
We are very aware that the mind and body carry out most of their functions all on their own…
When we walk the mind gives instruction to the body and away we go…
The spirit works very much the same way…with one major exception…
This is where the conscience, moral judgment and Satan hang out…
With nudging and prodding Satan works hard to turn us in the wrong direction…
We can exercise to strengthen our body…
We can study to strengthen our mind…
There is only one way to strengthen our spirit…
Pray…
Rejoice evermore… Pray without ceasing…In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/13/15
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(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:7-8)
This is the essence of faith…
It has nothing to do with the five senses…
Remember… God created us in his image and we are divided in to three parts…
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. (Luke 10:27)
Mind…Body…and Spirit…
We are very aware that the mind and body carry out most of their functions all on their own…
When we walk the mind gives instruction to the body and away we go…
The spirit works very much the same way…with one major exception…
This is where the conscience, moral judgment and Satan hang out…
With nudging and prodding Satan works hard to turn us in the wrong direction…
We can exercise to strengthen our body…
We can study to strengthen our mind…
There is only one way to strengthen our spirit…
Pray…
Rejoice evermore… Pray without ceasing…In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/13/15
***************************************************************
The Giving Debate
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Giving to people we do not know can be very stressful…
We wonder, is this person telling me the truth…?
Have we been “taken”…?
Not to mention the guilt…
We can become jaded to the point that we stop giving all together…
If this happens Satan has won a great victory…
He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. (Deuteronomy 10:18)
We have options…
Help out at a soup kitchen or a food drive…
Volunteer at a hospital or any of a thousand charities…
We should even give to the person on the corner if God leads us to…
No one can do it all alone...
The main thing is to get out there and do something…
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is Charity. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Scroll of the Soul
7/7/15 (B1)
**************************************************************
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Giving to people we do not know can be very stressful…
We wonder, is this person telling me the truth…?
Have we been “taken”…?
Not to mention the guilt…
We can become jaded to the point that we stop giving all together…
If this happens Satan has won a great victory…
He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. (Deuteronomy 10:18)
We have options…
Help out at a soup kitchen or a food drive…
Volunteer at a hospital or any of a thousand charities…
We should even give to the person on the corner if God leads us to…
No one can do it all alone...
The main thing is to get out there and do something…
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is Charity. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Scroll of the Soul
7/7/15 (B1)
**************************************************************
Interrupted Dreams
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (2 Corinthians 11:23-25)
Paul’s dream was to travel from city to city and preach the Gospel…
This dream was interrupted often… Why…?
Just think how short the New Testament would have been if Paul had not been forced to stay in one place from time to time and write all those letters…
Even as Christians we have dreams of doing great things…
We believe these are things God wants us to do…
Yet these dreams also seem to get interrupted…
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. (James 4:16)
This requires more faith then we might think…
Then again if faith were easy there would be no mountains…
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 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. (Matthew 17:19-20)
Scrolls from the Soul
7/1/17
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Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (2 Corinthians 11:23-25)
Paul’s dream was to travel from city to city and preach the Gospel…
This dream was interrupted often… Why…?
Just think how short the New Testament would have been if Paul had not been forced to stay in one place from time to time and write all those letters…
Even as Christians we have dreams of doing great things…
We believe these are things God wants us to do…
Yet these dreams also seem to get interrupted…
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. (James 4:16)
This requires more faith then we might think…
Then again if faith were easy there would be no mountains…
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 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. (Matthew 17:19-20)
Scrolls from the Soul
7/1/17
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Shipwreck
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
(2 Corinthians 11:24-26)
Today we commonly use the term “A Train wreck” for any situation that has gone terribly wrong…
Paul could have easily used the word “Shipwreck” in very much the same way…
How many times did Paul set out to go from point A to point B and for some reason he just did not get there…
His journeys were often delayed by days, months or even years…
I tend to blow a gasket if get stuck waiting at a railroad crossing for ten minutes…
My plans are disrupted because they are…
My plans not God’s plans…
The upside is that I am in good company…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/2/18
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Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
(2 Corinthians 11:24-26)
Today we commonly use the term “A Train wreck” for any situation that has gone terribly wrong…
Paul could have easily used the word “Shipwreck” in very much the same way…
How many times did Paul set out to go from point A to point B and for some reason he just did not get there…
His journeys were often delayed by days, months or even years…
I tend to blow a gasket if get stuck waiting at a railroad crossing for ten minutes…
My plans are disrupted because they are…
My plans not God’s plans…
The upside is that I am in good company…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/2/18
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Healthy and Wealthy
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
(II Corinthians 12:8)
My wife and I are both disabled…
Every once a while someone will come up to us and say “God wants everyone to be healthy and wealthy”...
I have never been able to find a verse that says that…
It feels like they are questioning our faith...
Paul asked God to cure him three times…
Paul’s faith was anything but weak…
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (II Corinthians 12:9)
This is what faith is all about…
Trusting God no matter what…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/26/15 (B1)
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For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
(II Corinthians 12:8)
My wife and I are both disabled…
Every once a while someone will come up to us and say “God wants everyone to be healthy and wealthy”...
I have never been able to find a verse that says that…
It feels like they are questioning our faith...
Paul asked God to cure him three times…
Paul’s faith was anything but weak…
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (II Corinthians 12:9)
This is what faith is all about…
Trusting God no matter what…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/26/15 (B1)
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Maybe Next Week
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-8)
Well, that was very blunt…
For the Galatians this was a slap in the face…
This should also be true for us…
We have talked about this before…
Straying off the narrow path does not always mean making a left turn…
Many times it is just like taking an off-ramp…
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22)
Distractions are major players in our lives…
Losing our way is a daily event…
These distractions are not always bad things…
In fact normal life has all the distraction we need…
Work, school, family and friends require massive amounts of our attention…
These are all good things and it is very important to devote time to all of them…
Satan has and will use this to his advantage…
Come Sunday morning it is all too common for us to say, “I’m tired maybe next week”…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/6/16
****************************************************************
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:6-8)
Well, that was very blunt…
For the Galatians this was a slap in the face…
This should also be true for us…
We have talked about this before…
Straying off the narrow path does not always mean making a left turn…
Many times it is just like taking an off-ramp…
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22)
Distractions are major players in our lives…
Losing our way is a daily event…
These distractions are not always bad things…
In fact normal life has all the distraction we need…
Work, school, family and friends require massive amounts of our attention…
These are all good things and it is very important to devote time to all of them…
Satan has and will use this to his advantage…
Come Sunday morning it is all too common for us to say, “I’m tired maybe next week”…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/6/16
****************************************************************
The Serpent’s Trick
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6-7)
Paul is not accusing the Galatian Church of abandoning the Gospel of Christ just changing it to serve their own purpose…
We need to remember the trick the serpent play on Eve that day in the garden…
And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (Genesis 3:3-5)
The Serpent did not say follow me and I will make you a god…
He simply called God a liar…
The Galatians were not running off after some other god…
There were just some people in the church who wanted to change things a little…
In speech class this was known as a “slippery slope”…
Once we start down that path we may not be able to stop…
More often than not all Satan needs to do is just point us in the wrong direction…
Just like Eve we will take it from there…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/29/17
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I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6-7)
Paul is not accusing the Galatian Church of abandoning the Gospel of Christ just changing it to serve their own purpose…
We need to remember the trick the serpent play on Eve that day in the garden…
And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (Genesis 3:3-5)
The Serpent did not say follow me and I will make you a god…
He simply called God a liar…
The Galatians were not running off after some other god…
There were just some people in the church who wanted to change things a little…
In speech class this was known as a “slippery slope”…
Once we start down that path we may not be able to stop…
More often than not all Satan needs to do is just point us in the wrong direction…
Just like Eve we will take it from there…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/29/17
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Reputation
Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: (Galatians 1:21-22)
Paul has ventured into a place where he has never been…
No one in Syria or Cilicia has ever seen Paul face to face…
However his reputation has preceded him…
But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. (Galatians 1:23)
Rumors and Legions have one thing in common…
They both tend to beef up the exciting parts…
Saul’s many exciting parts as a destroyer most likely turned him into a scary story around the camp fire…
Paul only says one thing about the time he spent here…
And they glorified God in me. (Galatians 1:24)
No matter how bad our past may be God can always clean up our reputation…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/17/15
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Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: (Galatians 1:21-22)
Paul has ventured into a place where he has never been…
No one in Syria or Cilicia has ever seen Paul face to face…
However his reputation has preceded him…
But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. (Galatians 1:23)
Rumors and Legions have one thing in common…
They both tend to beef up the exciting parts…
Saul’s many exciting parts as a destroyer most likely turned him into a scary story around the camp fire…
Paul only says one thing about the time he spent here…
And they glorified God in me. (Galatians 1:24)
No matter how bad our past may be God can always clean up our reputation…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/17/15
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Graduation Day
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:23-24)
A surgeon will study for many, many years…
One day that moment will come when they will pick up that scalpel and realize…
This person’s life in literally in the palm of their hand…
Will they make that cut…? Or not…?
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Galatians 3:25)
We may study the bible just as long…
One day that moment will come when we must decide…
Will we put our life in the palm of God’s hand…? Or not…?
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/7/18
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But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:23-24)
A surgeon will study for many, many years…
One day that moment will come when they will pick up that scalpel and realize…
This person’s life in literally in the palm of their hand…
Will they make that cut…? Or not…?
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Galatians 3:25)
We may study the bible just as long…
One day that moment will come when we must decide…
Will we put our life in the palm of God’s hand…? Or not…?
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)
Scrolls from the Soul
4/7/18
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God’s Style
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26-29)
This is Equal Rights…
God’s Style…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/29/17
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For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26-29)
This is Equal Rights…
God’s Style…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/29/17
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Joy
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
All of these are long term emotions except for one…
Joy tends to be a sudden emotion…
Joy can be a small thing…
I feel joy when I type a six letters word and spellcheck does not correct it…
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. (Ecclesiastes 9:7)
What we need to understand is that joy is every bit as powerful as fear or anger…
Joy can be an intense burst of energy that sends a pulse throughout our whole body…
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. (Psalm 98:4)
Joy is what brings our praise to life…
Joy is what pulls us to our feet and sends our heart racing…
Joy is a powerful emotion for us…
and for God…
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)
for the joy of the Lord is our strength.
Scrolls from the Soul 2/8/17
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
All of these are long term emotions except for one…
Joy tends to be a sudden emotion…
Joy can be a small thing…
I feel joy when I type a six letters word and spellcheck does not correct it…
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. (Ecclesiastes 9:7)
What we need to understand is that joy is every bit as powerful as fear or anger…
Joy can be an intense burst of energy that sends a pulse throughout our whole body…
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. (Psalm 98:4)
Joy is what brings our praise to life…
Joy is what pulls us to our feet and sends our heart racing…
Joy is a powerful emotion for us…
and for God…
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)
for the joy of the Lord is our strength.
Scrolls from the Soul 2/8/17
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Another Camp Scroll
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
The word perseveres does not appear in the King James Version on the Bible…
The word longsuffering does…
At the Cystic Fibrosis camp Wednesday night was carnival night…
The counselors and staff would set up all types of carnival games…
Simple ones for the younger children and tougher ones for the older ones…
Every time a game was played, win or lose, the child received a token…
These tokens were then taken to a large table with all names of the counselor and staff…
At the end of the carnival the five names with the most tokens must...
“Walk the Plank”…
The plank was a rock on the edge of a very cold creek…
To be chosen to “Walking the Plank” was considered a great honor…
There was this one six year old child whose physical condition made even the simplest games a challenge…
Knowing this one of the nurses set up a kissing booth close to the voting table…
This child with his oxygen tank slung over his shoulder walked between that booth and the table time and time again…
He single-handedly collected enough tokens to put that nurse into the creek…
Between the two of them they have these verses completely fulfilled …
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Scrolls from the Soul
6/6/18
*************************************************************
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
The word perseveres does not appear in the King James Version on the Bible…
The word longsuffering does…
At the Cystic Fibrosis camp Wednesday night was carnival night…
The counselors and staff would set up all types of carnival games…
Simple ones for the younger children and tougher ones for the older ones…
Every time a game was played, win or lose, the child received a token…
These tokens were then taken to a large table with all names of the counselor and staff…
At the end of the carnival the five names with the most tokens must...
“Walk the Plank”…
The plank was a rock on the edge of a very cold creek…
To be chosen to “Walking the Plank” was considered a great honor…
There was this one six year old child whose physical condition made even the simplest games a challenge…
Knowing this one of the nurses set up a kissing booth close to the voting table…
This child with his oxygen tank slung over his shoulder walked between that booth and the table time and time again…
He single-handedly collected enough tokens to put that nurse into the creek…
Between the two of them they have these verses completely fulfilled …
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Scrolls from the Soul
6/6/18
*************************************************************
Out of Sight
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:8-9)
When my grandfather started his dairy farm they still milked cows by hand…
Today more children have actually seen a zebra then a cow…
Most people today do not know what the word sowing means…
Famers are now considered backwoods people that have no place in the modern world…
Satan is working hard to put Christians into the same category as farmers…
Out of sight, out of mind…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/29/16
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For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:8-9)
When my grandfather started his dairy farm they still milked cows by hand…
Today more children have actually seen a zebra then a cow…
Most people today do not know what the word sowing means…
Famers are now considered backwoods people that have no place in the modern world…
Satan is working hard to put Christians into the same category as farmers…
Out of sight, out of mind…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/29/16
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My Own Idol
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
(Galatians 6:1)
We have talked about pride many times over the years…
Here is something we have never considered…
Pride could be defined as being our own idol…
When emotions are involved it is all too easy to get caught up in our weaknesses…
Pride is huge catalyst for these situations…
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
It is much easier to see this happening to someone…
God is telling us that these people need our help…
When we do get involved we must be prepared...
Pride can quickly turn to anger…
Instead of being a helpful we could become a target…
“considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
There is yet another risk here…
Emotions are infectious…
We could quickly fall into the same trap…
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.(Galatians 6:3)
Being deceived is much like being blinded…
Our pride is also very good at that…
Many times my wife has had to step in and protect me…
From My Own Idol…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/22/18
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Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
(Galatians 6:1)
We have talked about pride many times over the years…
Here is something we have never considered…
Pride could be defined as being our own idol…
When emotions are involved it is all too easy to get caught up in our weaknesses…
Pride is huge catalyst for these situations…
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
It is much easier to see this happening to someone…
God is telling us that these people need our help…
When we do get involved we must be prepared...
Pride can quickly turn to anger…
Instead of being a helpful we could become a target…
“considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
There is yet another risk here…
Emotions are infectious…
We could quickly fall into the same trap…
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.(Galatians 6:3)
Being deceived is much like being blinded…
Our pride is also very good at that…
Many times my wife has had to step in and protect me…
From My Own Idol…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/22/18
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Good Deeds and Love
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
Who could possibly get tired of doing good deeds…?
Good deeds can be very draining if we feel they are not appreciated…
The sad truth is that this happens to all of us at one time or another…
Is it too much to ask for people to stop and say thank you…?
Yes, it is…
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 6:1)
Good deeds should always be done out of love for one another…
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
(John 15:12)
After all Jesus did perform the greatest good deed of all time…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/20/15
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And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
Who could possibly get tired of doing good deeds…?
Good deeds can be very draining if we feel they are not appreciated…
The sad truth is that this happens to all of us at one time or another…
Is it too much to ask for people to stop and say thank you…?
Yes, it is…
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 6:1)
Good deeds should always be done out of love for one another…
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
(John 15:12)
After all Jesus did perform the greatest good deed of all time…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/20/15
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Doubt and Hope
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence: (Ephesians 1:7-8)
With every sin…
There comes some doubt…
With every forgiveness…
There comes some hope…
It may feel like sin and doubt are endless…
What we need to remember is…
Forgiveness and hope are limitless…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/6/17
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In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence: (Ephesians 1:7-8)
With every sin…
There comes some doubt…
With every forgiveness…
There comes some hope…
It may feel like sin and doubt are endless…
What we need to remember is…
Forgiveness and hope are limitless…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/6/17
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Missing a few Pieces
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)
This verse is very familiar to us…
However...
We need to back up just a bit…
There are a few pieces to this gift that we have missed…
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6-7)
Salvation is just one of the gift God has given us…
Exceeding Riches of His Grace…
His Kindness Toward Us…
We often talk about keeping Gods word in context so we get the right meaning…
In this case we have missed out on so much more of God’s love by not reading the whole thing…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/27/17
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For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)
This verse is very familiar to us…
However...
We need to back up just a bit…
There are a few pieces to this gift that we have missed…
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6-7)
Salvation is just one of the gift God has given us…
Exceeding Riches of His Grace…
His Kindness Toward Us…
We often talk about keeping Gods word in context so we get the right meaning…
In this case we have missed out on so much more of God’s love by not reading the whole thing…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/27/17
*************************************************************
Faith vs Good Works
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
There are two parts to salvation, God’s grace and our faith...
Often people can read the book of James and think that good works are also required…
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
(James 2:14-17)
We should be willing to do good works because we are grateful for the salvation God has given us…
What James is saying is what good is our faith if we are not willing to do good works…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/13/15
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For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
There are two parts to salvation, God’s grace and our faith...
Often people can read the book of James and think that good works are also required…
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
(James 2:14-17)
We should be willing to do good works because we are grateful for the salvation God has given us…
What James is saying is what good is our faith if we are not willing to do good works…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/13/15
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Called
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11)
I truly believe that I have been called to be a teacher…
This is my gift…
I do not speak in tongues and I do not have the gifts of healing or prophecy…
These gifts belong to other people…
The important thing to remember is that we each have our own gifts…
We need to seek out that gift and then we must accept it…
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ((Ephesians 4:1-3)
When we have found our gift and accepted it everything else will fall into place…
Hope and peace and love will let us know that we are on the right path…
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)
It is one thing to believe that Jesus will guide us every step of the way…
It is more important to understand that He is already standing there waiting for us…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/11/17
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And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11)
I truly believe that I have been called to be a teacher…
This is my gift…
I do not speak in tongues and I do not have the gifts of healing or prophecy…
These gifts belong to other people…
The important thing to remember is that we each have our own gifts…
We need to seek out that gift and then we must accept it…
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ((Ephesians 4:1-3)
When we have found our gift and accepted it everything else will fall into place…
Hope and peace and love will let us know that we are on the right path…
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)
It is one thing to believe that Jesus will guide us every step of the way…
It is more important to understand that He is already standing there waiting for us…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/11/17
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Tenderhearted
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
If you have ever come in contact with a tenderhearted person you will never forget it…
They are calm, peaceful and warm…
Tenderheartedness is one of the purest forms of love…
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
Tenderhearted is the softest side of love…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/4/15
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And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
If you have ever come in contact with a tenderhearted person you will never forget it…
They are calm, peaceful and warm…
Tenderheartedness is one of the purest forms of love…
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
Tenderhearted is the softest side of love…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/4/15
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The Armor of Protection
(Ephesians 6:13-17)
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
When we see a man in armour we think of he is ready to fight...
If we look closely at the armour of God we may see something we did not expect.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,
This will protect us from all of Satan’s lies…
and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
This will show us what is right in the eyes of God, protecting
us from Satan’s temptations…
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
These will keep us calm when Satan tries to provoke us to anger…
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
This will protect us from all of the doubts Satan will throw at us, large and small…
And take the helmet of salvation,
This will protect us when Satan tries to convince us there is no hope…
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
This will defend us when Satan tries to strike one blow after another against our faith…
The whole armour of God is designed to protect us from evil. Even the sword spends half its time protecting us.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)
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(Ephesians 6:13-17)
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
When we see a man in armour we think of he is ready to fight...
If we look closely at the armour of God we may see something we did not expect.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,
This will protect us from all of Satan’s lies…
and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
This will show us what is right in the eyes of God, protecting
us from Satan’s temptations…
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
These will keep us calm when Satan tries to provoke us to anger…
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
This will protect us from all of the doubts Satan will throw at us, large and small…
And take the helmet of salvation,
This will protect us when Satan tries to convince us there is no hope…
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
This will defend us when Satan tries to strike one blow after another against our faith…
The whole armour of God is designed to protect us from evil. Even the sword spends half its time protecting us.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)
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Just the Opposite
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14)
There are some people that tell us that we have not been healed because of our lack faith…
We believe it is just the opposite…
Over his live time Paul spent many years lock up in chains…
His response to this was…
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
His response is nothing short of one of the most powerful statements of faith in the entire New Testament…
He is the living embodiment of the saying; what does not kill us makes us stronger…
We believe that God uses us where we are and that we are better able to serve Him because of it…
God can and does heal people…
That is just not His plan for us…
Accepting that is all about faith…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/19/17
**************************************************************
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14)
There are some people that tell us that we have not been healed because of our lack faith…
We believe it is just the opposite…
Over his live time Paul spent many years lock up in chains…
His response to this was…
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
His response is nothing short of one of the most powerful statements of faith in the entire New Testament…
He is the living embodiment of the saying; what does not kill us makes us stronger…
We believe that God uses us where we are and that we are better able to serve Him because of it…
God can and does heal people…
That is just not His plan for us…
Accepting that is all about faith…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/19/17
**************************************************************
Being Unique
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:2)
This is not nearly as easy as it sounds…
Even when we get a group of people together with the same end goal in mind they will all have different ways to get there…
No two lives are exactly the same; it is those differences that make us unique…
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)
However there must be a framework we must live within…
This is why we were given the Ten Commandments…
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Philippians 2:4)
There are many verses in the Bible that remind us to follow the “Golden Rule” this is yet another one…
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5)
No matter what Jesus still said it best…
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
(Matthew 22:37-39)
Even within this framework there in room for each of us to be unique…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/25/16
**************************************************************
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:2)
This is not nearly as easy as it sounds…
Even when we get a group of people together with the same end goal in mind they will all have different ways to get there…
No two lives are exactly the same; it is those differences that make us unique…
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)
However there must be a framework we must live within…
This is why we were given the Ten Commandments…
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Philippians 2:4)
There are many verses in the Bible that remind us to follow the “Golden Rule” this is yet another one…
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5)
No matter what Jesus still said it best…
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
(Matthew 22:37-39)
Even within this framework there in room for each of us to be unique…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/25/16
**************************************************************
Blameless and Harmless
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Philippians 2: 13-15)
There is a saying in the news world… “Beware the open mic”…
How many times have we heard someone say something foolish only to find out later there was an open mic nearby…?
I have a very bad habit of muttering to myself…
Many times these are not things I would choose to say out loud…
Once in a while someone will hear me and be upset…
Or worse offended…
These kinds of things can spread like wildfire and cause a great deal of damage…
In these cases I am neither blameless nor harmless...
So for me the saying should be “Beware the open mouth”…
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:5)
Scrolls from the Soul
10/31/17
************************************************************
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (Philippians 2: 13-15)
There is a saying in the news world… “Beware the open mic”…
How many times have we heard someone say something foolish only to find out later there was an open mic nearby…?
I have a very bad habit of muttering to myself…
Many times these are not things I would choose to say out loud…
Once in a while someone will hear me and be upset…
Or worse offended…
These kinds of things can spread like wildfire and cause a great deal of damage…
In these cases I am neither blameless nor harmless...
So for me the saying should be “Beware the open mouth”…
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:5)
Scrolls from the Soul
10/31/17
************************************************************
A Request to Make
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)
Dear Lord,
I have no power to heal them…
I have no strength to protect them…
I have no gifts to give them…
All I have is a prayer to offer and a request to make…
There are so many in need of your help…
Please…
reach out your hand…
and touch them all…
Amen...
Scrolls from the Soul
12/12/17
**************************************************************
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)
Dear Lord,
I have no power to heal them…
I have no strength to protect them…
I have no gifts to give them…
All I have is a prayer to offer and a request to make…
There are so many in need of your help…
Please…
reach out your hand…
and touch them all…
Amen...
Scrolls from the Soul
12/12/17
**************************************************************
Joy and Peace
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful (Colossian 3:15)
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (Matthew 2:10)
In high school chemistry we learned the difference between a solution and a suspension…
A solution is when something gets mixed into a liquid it dissolves and becomes permanent…
Like orange Kool-Aid…
A suspension is when something gets mixed with a liquid floats then settles back out again…
Like the pulp in orange juice…
Joy like a suspension requires something to kick start the process then it settles down again…
Peace is like a solution; it penetrates the soul and becomes a permanent part of our lives…
God gave us each of these emotions for a reason…
Joy gets the blood flowing…
Peace keeps the heart beating…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/28/17
**************************************************************
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful (Colossian 3:15)
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (Matthew 2:10)
In high school chemistry we learned the difference between a solution and a suspension…
A solution is when something gets mixed into a liquid it dissolves and becomes permanent…
Like orange Kool-Aid…
A suspension is when something gets mixed with a liquid floats then settles back out again…
Like the pulp in orange juice…
Joy like a suspension requires something to kick start the process then it settles down again…
Peace is like a solution; it penetrates the soul and becomes a permanent part of our lives…
God gave us each of these emotions for a reason…
Joy gets the blood flowing…
Peace keeps the heart beating…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/28/17
**************************************************************
Not Always Pure
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Colossians 3:22-23)
We need to stop and think about this for a minute…
What we are being told here is that God not only knows what we are doing all of the time, He also knows why we are doing it…
This is a little unsettling…
I know that my motives are not always pure…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/28/16
***************************************************************
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Colossians 3:22-23)
We need to stop and think about this for a minute…
What we are being told here is that God not only knows what we are doing all of the time, He also knows why we are doing it…
This is a little unsettling…
I know that my motives are not always pure…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/28/16
***************************************************************
The next step of Faith
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:24)
We have already talked about the first two steps of faith…
Believing that God is real…
Trusting that God will always do the right thing…
The next step is serving God…
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
(Hebrews 12:28)
This is where our faith goes from internal to external…
Christ has shown us the way to heavens gates…
Our job is to show the world that we know the way and invite them to come along…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/18/15
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Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:24)
We have already talked about the first two steps of faith…
Believing that God is real…
Trusting that God will always do the right thing…
The next step is serving God…
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
(Hebrews 12:28)
This is where our faith goes from internal to external…
Christ has shown us the way to heavens gates…
Our job is to show the world that we know the way and invite them to come along…
Scrolls from the Soul
12/18/15
***************************************************************
Isolated and Withdrawn
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
As most of you know my younger brother had Cystic Fibrosis (CF)…
We often referred to it as the “Invisible Disease”…
To look at these children you might not know there was anything wrong with them…
Most of the time they were just considered weak…
Because of this they tended to become isolated and withdrawn…
Every year the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation would sponsor a week long summer camp…
This would give these children a chance to do normal camp type things…
One of the most important reasons for having the camp was to bring these children together so they could see that they were not alone…
They could spend time with other children who faced the same challenges…
It also had the same effect on the families…
Parents often found comfort in those who also face a lifetime of caring for children with CF…
Christianity can sometime feel like an invisible faith…
People look at us and know there is something different about us but they are not sure what…
Like children with CF we are not sure how we fit in to the world around us…
We also tend to become isolated and withdrawn…
Just like the CF camp we need to spend time with people who will encourage us…
God gives us strength; He also gives us people with strength…
Faith is stronger when it is shared with others…
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Scrolls from the Soul
8/30/16
**************************************************************
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
As most of you know my younger brother had Cystic Fibrosis (CF)…
We often referred to it as the “Invisible Disease”…
To look at these children you might not know there was anything wrong with them…
Most of the time they were just considered weak…
Because of this they tended to become isolated and withdrawn…
Every year the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation would sponsor a week long summer camp…
This would give these children a chance to do normal camp type things…
One of the most important reasons for having the camp was to bring these children together so they could see that they were not alone…
They could spend time with other children who faced the same challenges…
It also had the same effect on the families…
Parents often found comfort in those who also face a lifetime of caring for children with CF…
Christianity can sometime feel like an invisible faith…
People look at us and know there is something different about us but they are not sure what…
Like children with CF we are not sure how we fit in to the world around us…
We also tend to become isolated and withdrawn…
Just like the CF camp we need to spend time with people who will encourage us…
God gives us strength; He also gives us people with strength…
Faith is stronger when it is shared with others…
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Scrolls from the Soul
8/30/16
**************************************************************
On Any Given Day
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
On any given day I can find myself on either side of this verse…
I can be the one…
Warning or being warned…
Comforting or being comforted…
Supporter or being supported…
Both sides require patience…
In these times I have often found that it is easier to be the giver…
Then it is to be the receiver…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/1/18
***************************************************************
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
On any given day I can find myself on either side of this verse…
I can be the one…
Warning or being warned…
Comforting or being comforted…
Supporter or being supported…
Both sides require patience…
In these times I have often found that it is easier to be the giver…
Then it is to be the receiver…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/1/18
***************************************************************
Hope and Peace
In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Herein lays the difference between believing and faith...
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matt 19:26)
Believing is knowing that with God all things are possible...
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Cor 12:9)
Faith is accepting that God knows what is best for us...
During troubled times it is Believing in God that bring us hope...
However, it is Faith in God that brings us peace...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)
****************************************************************
In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Herein lays the difference between believing and faith...
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matt 19:26)
Believing is knowing that with God all things are possible...
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Cor 12:9)
Faith is accepting that God knows what is best for us...
During troubled times it is Believing in God that bring us hope...
However, it is Faith in God that brings us peace...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)
****************************************************************
Acts of Love
Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Timothy 1:2)
Grace:
Unmerited divine help; privilege; pardon...
Mercy:
Kindness, forbearance or compassion towards another where severity is expected or merited...
Peace:
Freedom from or cessation of war or hostilities; mental, emotional, or spiritual
Tranquility or contentment...
Men have many different definitions for these words...
As for God, each one is defined as an Act of Love...
Scrolls from the Soul
2/26/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Timothy 1:2)
Grace:
Unmerited divine help; privilege; pardon...
Mercy:
Kindness, forbearance or compassion towards another where severity is expected or merited...
Peace:
Freedom from or cessation of war or hostilities; mental, emotional, or spiritual
Tranquility or contentment...
Men have many different definitions for these words...
As for God, each one is defined as an Act of Love...
Scrolls from the Soul
2/26/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
Finishing the Quote
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
This is one of the most often quoted verses from the New Testament…
Most of the times we fail to finish the quote…
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
(2 Timothy 1:8)
As usual Satan is relentless at pushing our pride button…
Many times it is used to stop us dead in our tracks…
It is easy to stand up when we are among likeminded Christians…
Outside of that circle things get a bit dicer…
It is easy for me to say these things sitting safely behind my desk…
Standing out in the real world, well there is no safe place…
I have even been known to back down when confronted in my own home…
We have still not finished the quote…
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (2 Timothy 1:9)
There have been times, often to my amazement, that I have stood my ground…
Not by choice, but from a strength that seems to come from out of nowhere…
We have still, not finished the quote…
But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (2 Timothy 1:10-11)
Remember, God gave us the job…
After all God does have an Outstanding Human Resources Department…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/11/17
***************************************************************
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
This is one of the most often quoted verses from the New Testament…
Most of the times we fail to finish the quote…
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
(2 Timothy 1:8)
As usual Satan is relentless at pushing our pride button…
Many times it is used to stop us dead in our tracks…
It is easy to stand up when we are among likeminded Christians…
Outside of that circle things get a bit dicer…
It is easy for me to say these things sitting safely behind my desk…
Standing out in the real world, well there is no safe place…
I have even been known to back down when confronted in my own home…
We have still not finished the quote…
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (2 Timothy 1:9)
There have been times, often to my amazement, that I have stood my ground…
Not by choice, but from a strength that seems to come from out of nowhere…
We have still, not finished the quote…
But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (2 Timothy 1:10-11)
Remember, God gave us the job…
After all God does have an Outstanding Human Resources Department…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/11/17
***************************************************************
Spirit of Fear
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
When we think of missionaries we think of people risking their lives in far away places…
Our greatest fear can often be found in our own back yard…
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
(2 Timothy 1:8)
It is often easier for us to get all fired up to stand before a group of people we have never met...
It is harder to talk one on one with a good a friend about salvation…
Our greatest fear is not that our friend might not be saved…
The fear is that they might laugh at us, or worse they might tell other friends we are a “Bible Thumper”…
Our greatest afflictions come from within…
It is shame and doubt that create the “Spirit of Fear”…
It is God’s gifts of love and understanding that allows us to feel compassion for others…
That is how we overcome the “Spirit of Fear”…
And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:57-58)
Scrolls from the Soul
2/28/15 (B1)
****************************************************************
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
When we think of missionaries we think of people risking their lives in far away places…
Our greatest fear can often be found in our own back yard…
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
(2 Timothy 1:8)
It is often easier for us to get all fired up to stand before a group of people we have never met...
It is harder to talk one on one with a good a friend about salvation…
Our greatest fear is not that our friend might not be saved…
The fear is that they might laugh at us, or worse they might tell other friends we are a “Bible Thumper”…
Our greatest afflictions come from within…
It is shame and doubt that create the “Spirit of Fear”…
It is God’s gifts of love and understanding that allows us to feel compassion for others…
That is how we overcome the “Spirit of Fear”…
And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:57-58)
Scrolls from the Soul
2/28/15 (B1)
****************************************************************
Ashamed
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Earlier today a man I did not know was standing in the middle of a convenience store telling everyone about the grace and mercy of God…
My first reaction was to avoid him…
A few minutes later God poked me in the ribs and asked, “Are you ashamed of him or Me”…?
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, (Hebrews 2:11)
I went over to him and we started talking…
Soon it was very clear he had an impressive knowledge of scripture…
We ended up standing out in front of the store praying together…
(This is something I have never done before.)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/28/16
**************************************************************
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Earlier today a man I did not know was standing in the middle of a convenience store telling everyone about the grace and mercy of God…
My first reaction was to avoid him…
A few minutes later God poked me in the ribs and asked, “Are you ashamed of him or Me”…?
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, (Hebrews 2:11)
I went over to him and we started talking…
Soon it was very clear he had an impressive knowledge of scripture…
We ended up standing out in front of the store praying together…
(This is something I have never done before.)
Scrolls from the Soul
12/28/16
**************************************************************
Captives
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Youthful lust does not end just because we have added a few years…
It just changes from wishing for things we want to do…
To wishing for things we wanted to do…
I spent years wanting to be a helicopter pilot…
It consumed much of my youth…
I now regretting that I never became a helicopter pilot…
So it is still consuming much of my life…
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. (2 Timothy 2:23)
Just what is the unlearned question…?
In this case it is… Why not…?
You have no idea how much time is spent being angry at myself…
Letting go of our past dreams is extremely painful…
Anger is a very powerful emotion...
The devil knows just how to use it…
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy: 26)
The devil does not give up his captives without a fight…
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
(Ecclesiastes 3:6)
Scrolls from the Soul
3/2/18
***************************************************************
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Youthful lust does not end just because we have added a few years…
It just changes from wishing for things we want to do…
To wishing for things we wanted to do…
I spent years wanting to be a helicopter pilot…
It consumed much of my youth…
I now regretting that I never became a helicopter pilot…
So it is still consuming much of my life…
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. (2 Timothy 2:23)
Just what is the unlearned question…?
In this case it is… Why not…?
You have no idea how much time is spent being angry at myself…
Letting go of our past dreams is extremely painful…
Anger is a very powerful emotion...
The devil knows just how to use it…
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy: 26)
The devil does not give up his captives without a fight…
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
(Ecclesiastes 3:6)
Scrolls from the Soul
3/2/18
***************************************************************
Master of Distraction
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
(2 Timothy 2:25-26)
We have often talked about being our own worst enemy…
That does not stop Satan from giving a little push now and again…
Satan is great at simply redirecting our attention…
Most of the time we do not realize that it happened…
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (Psalm 23:3)
When a shepard uses his staff to redirect one of the sheep he gently taps it…
Timothy is saying when someone wanders off the path we do not need to shove them back…
A light touch on the arm will be enough…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/10/17
***************************************************************
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
(2 Timothy 2:25-26)
We have often talked about being our own worst enemy…
That does not stop Satan from giving a little push now and again…
Satan is great at simply redirecting our attention…
Most of the time we do not realize that it happened…
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (Psalm 23:3)
When a shepard uses his staff to redirect one of the sheep he gently taps it…
Timothy is saying when someone wanders off the path we do not need to shove them back…
A light touch on the arm will be enough…
Scrolls from the Soul
6/10/17
***************************************************************
The Mirror
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
This verse should be considered a mirror not a window…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/26/15
***************************************************************
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
This verse should be considered a mirror not a window…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/26/15
***************************************************************
In This Present World
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Titus 2:12)
This present world was over 2000 years ago…
As we have talked about this many times: technology changes…
People do not…
In this case it is a battle between “worldly lust” and “living soberly” (marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness)(MW)…
Lust in essence is emotions that are totally out of control…
Soberly is being total in control of our emotions…
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13)
Lust looks for instant gratification anywhere it can find it…
Soberly waits patiently with its eyes fixed on the prize…
Hope is a powerful emotion in its own right…
Lust is not patient… Hope is…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/4/16 (B1)
**************************************************************
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Titus 2:12)
This present world was over 2000 years ago…
As we have talked about this many times: technology changes…
People do not…
In this case it is a battle between “worldly lust” and “living soberly” (marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness)(MW)…
Lust in essence is emotions that are totally out of control…
Soberly is being total in control of our emotions…
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13)
Lust looks for instant gratification anywhere it can find it…
Soberly waits patiently with its eyes fixed on the prize…
Hope is a powerful emotion in its own right…
Lust is not patient… Hope is…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/4/16 (B1)
**************************************************************
Not Alone
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
(Philemon 1: 10-12)
Here we find out that Paul’s son is not perfect…
The truth is that all children are tempted and at some point they will all sin…
And believe it or not other people will know about it…
We often over react to these sins…
Oh no, my child has sinned and they are going to go to hell…
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)
This is not the end of the world it is the beginning of forgiveness…
Paul writes this letter to convince Philemon that his son has repented and he can now be trusted…
We spend a great deal of effort trying to hide out children’s sins from everyone…
Maybe if we were more open about it we would find out we are not alone…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/29/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
(Philemon 1: 10-12)
Here we find out that Paul’s son is not perfect…
The truth is that all children are tempted and at some point they will all sin…
And believe it or not other people will know about it…
We often over react to these sins…
Oh no, my child has sinned and they are going to go to hell…
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)
This is not the end of the world it is the beginning of forgiveness…
Paul writes this letter to convince Philemon that his son has repented and he can now be trusted…
We spend a great deal of effort trying to hide out children’s sins from everyone…
Maybe if we were more open about it we would find out we are not alone…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/29/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
The Hand of God
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: (Hebrews 1:10)
Once I stood on the top of a mountain, at that point half way between heaven and earth. I looked up into the crystal-clear night sky and my life was changed forever...
The human mind cannot comprehend the awesome beauty that is created by the hand of God...
The kind of beauty that is not realized by the eyes, but felt deep within the soul...
On that night, I stood between a blanket of pure white snow and the wondrous sky, filled with stars...
I cannot put into words what I felt inside...
Soon all of this was a turned into a beautiful white glow seen through my tears...
As I stood there I knew, those stars far up in the heavens had forever left their mark in my mind...
and the hand of God had reached down and forever placed His mark upon my soul...
Scrolls from the Soul
11/22/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: (Hebrews 1:10)
Once I stood on the top of a mountain, at that point half way between heaven and earth. I looked up into the crystal-clear night sky and my life was changed forever...
The human mind cannot comprehend the awesome beauty that is created by the hand of God...
The kind of beauty that is not realized by the eyes, but felt deep within the soul...
On that night, I stood between a blanket of pure white snow and the wondrous sky, filled with stars...
I cannot put into words what I felt inside...
Soon all of this was a turned into a beautiful white glow seen through my tears...
As I stood there I knew, those stars far up in the heavens had forever left their mark in my mind...
and the hand of God had reached down and forever placed His mark upon my soul...
Scrolls from the Soul
11/22/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
Tomorrow’s Sin
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. (Hebrews 10:1)
Sacrifices were meant to show admissions of sins…
By coming to the Alter and offering a bull or doves simply says I have sinned…
For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. (Hebrews 10: 2-3)
Sorting out these verses is a bit challenging…
Just because a person made an offering does not give them lifetime coverage for that sin…
An offering covers past sins, not future sins…
If it had been one and done a lot of priests would have been out of a job…
The same is true today…
We may pray and truly ask God’s forgiveness…
And God will forgive us…
As we know this does not mean we will never commit that sin again…
One thing God will not do is forgive us today for the sin we will commit tomorrow…
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:1-3)
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13)
Repentance is the key…
It means we are humbling ourselves before God and saying we are sorry…
So, how can we repentant for a sin we are still planning to commit…?
Scrolls from the Soul
9/24/15 (B1)
**************************************************************
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. (Hebrews 10:1)
Sacrifices were meant to show admissions of sins…
By coming to the Alter and offering a bull or doves simply says I have sinned…
For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. (Hebrews 10: 2-3)
Sorting out these verses is a bit challenging…
Just because a person made an offering does not give them lifetime coverage for that sin…
An offering covers past sins, not future sins…
If it had been one and done a lot of priests would have been out of a job…
The same is true today…
We may pray and truly ask God’s forgiveness…
And God will forgive us…
As we know this does not mean we will never commit that sin again…
One thing God will not do is forgive us today for the sin we will commit tomorrow…
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:1-3)
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13)
Repentance is the key…
It means we are humbling ourselves before God and saying we are sorry…
So, how can we repentant for a sin we are still planning to commit…?
Scrolls from the Soul
9/24/15 (B1)
**************************************************************
The Root of Faith
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)
There are hundreds of verses in the Bible that talk about faith…
However, this is not one we memorized as children…
This verse plainly points out exactly what steps we must follow to understand faith…
“for he that cometh to God must believe that he is”…
This is not the riddle of the Sphinx or a Mensa question…
The absolute root of our Faith is that we must first believe that God is real…
On this point it is all or nothing…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/22/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
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)
There are hundreds of verses in the Bible that talk about faith…
However, this is not one we memorized as children…
This verse plainly points out exactly what steps we must follow to understand faith…
“for he that cometh to God must believe that he is”…
This is not the riddle of the Sphinx or a Mensa question…
The absolute root of our Faith is that we must first believe that God is real…
On this point it is all or nothing…
Scrolls from the Soul
10/22/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
Taste Death
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Hebrews 2:9)
Jesus was not declared dead at the scene of some accident…
His death could not be described as quick and painless…
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:39)
Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen…
He also knew that he was going to feel every slap, every punch, every thorn and every nail…
And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. (Mark 15:38)
In pain and agony God reached down and ripped that veil apart…
Ever since that day there has never been a middle man between us and God…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/1/15
****************************************************************
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Hebrews 2:9)
Jesus was not declared dead at the scene of some accident…
His death could not be described as quick and painless…
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:39)
Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen…
He also knew that he was going to feel every slap, every punch, every thorn and every nail…
And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. (Mark 15:38)
In pain and agony God reached down and ripped that veil apart…
Ever since that day there has never been a middle man between us and God…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/1/15
****************************************************************
Wisdom and Patience
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (James 1:2)
Temptations can take almost any form…
Satan is a master of hitting us when and where we least expect it…
We can be tempted to be angry at someone else’s success…
We can even be temped to be happy at another’s misfortune…
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:3)
We have all heard that knowing is half the battle…
The problem is we often do not realize we are being temped until it is too late…
Here is where patience comes in…
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:4)
If there is even the smallest doubt we need to learn to take a step back and wait…
Take three deep breaths, count to ten or ask God for help…
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
Our parents taught us the patience to look both ways before crossing the street…
God is always ready to teach us wisdom…
...And patience …
Scrolls from the Soul
3/21/15
***************************************************************
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (James 1:2)
Temptations can take almost any form…
Satan is a master of hitting us when and where we least expect it…
We can be tempted to be angry at someone else’s success…
We can even be temped to be happy at another’s misfortune…
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:3)
We have all heard that knowing is half the battle…
The problem is we often do not realize we are being temped until it is too late…
Here is where patience comes in…
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:4)
If there is even the smallest doubt we need to learn to take a step back and wait…
Take three deep breaths, count to ten or ask God for help…
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
Our parents taught us the patience to look both ways before crossing the street…
God is always ready to teach us wisdom…
...And patience …
Scrolls from the Soul
3/21/15
***************************************************************
Wanting Nothing
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (James 1:2)
Temptations are almost always aimed at our Pride or Lust…
These are the easiest targets of all the emotions…
In my case it is feeling like I should get some kind of credit or recognition for the things I do…
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:3-4)
Being patience is hard…
“Wanting Nothing” is even harder…
Lust by definition wanting something so much that it blocks out everything else…
Reaching the level of faith where I wanted nothing has always been far beyond me…
If it so easy for lust to consume us, why is it so hard to have faith the size of a mustard seed…?
Scrolls from the Soul
8/2/16
**************************************************************
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (James 1:2)
Temptations are almost always aimed at our Pride or Lust…
These are the easiest targets of all the emotions…
In my case it is feeling like I should get some kind of credit or recognition for the things I do…
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:3-4)
Being patience is hard…
“Wanting Nothing” is even harder…
Lust by definition wanting something so much that it blocks out everything else…
Reaching the level of faith where I wanted nothing has always been far beyond me…
If it so easy for lust to consume us, why is it so hard to have faith the size of a mustard seed…?
Scrolls from the Soul
8/2/16
**************************************************************
Air and Wisdom
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (James 1:2-6)
The early deep sea divers used a thick suit and a heavy helmet to protect them from the dangers of a hostile environment…
There was also a lifeline that connected them to a boat far above…
That lifeline provided something they could not live without…
Air…
These divers needed one more thing…
Absolute faith in the person on the other end of that line…
We are also completely submerged in a hostile world…
The pressures of temptation and sin surround us every day of our life…
Instead of air our lifeline sends us a constant supply of something else… Wisdom…
This is not the word we would expect to hear, so why does James use it...
Remember, wisdom is the ability to take what we have learned from the Bible and put it to good use…
It is that constant flow of wisdom that keeps us from being crushed...
We also need one more thing…
Absolute faith in the person on the other end of that line…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/23/17
**************************************************************
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (James 1:2-6)
The early deep sea divers used a thick suit and a heavy helmet to protect them from the dangers of a hostile environment…
There was also a lifeline that connected them to a boat far above…
That lifeline provided something they could not live without…
Air…
These divers needed one more thing…
Absolute faith in the person on the other end of that line…
We are also completely submerged in a hostile world…
The pressures of temptation and sin surround us every day of our life…
Instead of air our lifeline sends us a constant supply of something else… Wisdom…
This is not the word we would expect to hear, so why does James use it...
Remember, wisdom is the ability to take what we have learned from the Bible and put it to good use…
It is that constant flow of wisdom that keeps us from being crushed...
We also need one more thing…
Absolute faith in the person on the other end of that line…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/23/17
**************************************************************
Until We Are Old
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:4-5)
Many times I have asked God for wisdom…
There were times when it did not seem to come…
At those times I did not understand…
Now I do…
More often than not wisdom is something we learn when we are young…
We just do not realize it until we are old…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/21/18
************************************************************
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:4-5)
Many times I have asked God for wisdom…
There were times when it did not seem to come…
At those times I did not understand…
Now I do…
More often than not wisdom is something we learn when we are young…
We just do not realize it until we are old…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/21/18
************************************************************
Endureth
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)
Every person that has ever lived has been tempted over and over again…
To endure is to live with the same pain for long periods of time…
In the case of temptation it is a pain that lasts a lifetime…
Sometimes we prevail other times we do not…
In the end it is our love of God that wins us the crown…
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
(1 Chronicles 16:34)
A lifetime may feel like a very long time…
God's Mercy and Love lasts forever…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/23/15
***************************************************************
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)
Every person that has ever lived has been tempted over and over again…
To endure is to live with the same pain for long periods of time…
In the case of temptation it is a pain that lasts a lifetime…
Sometimes we prevail other times we do not…
In the end it is our love of God that wins us the crown…
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
(1 Chronicles 16:34)
A lifetime may feel like a very long time…
God's Mercy and Love lasts forever…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/23/15
***************************************************************
Tic-Tac-Toe
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)
Have you ever met anyone that can really do this...?
It is incredible to watch them in action…
Or should we say no reaction…
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)
While everyone else is scrambling around like a Tasmanian devil this person just calmly sits and waits…
When the dust clears this person is almost always the one in control…
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)
In a bad situation most of us rush to fix the problem and make bad choices along way…
By definition a meek person is that they are calm and peaceful…
Like a chess player they think through all the possible moves and makes better decisions…
I must admit that many of my choices in life have been more like a poorly played game of Tic-Tac-Toe…
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
Scrolls from the Soul
7/16/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)
Have you ever met anyone that can really do this...?
It is incredible to watch them in action…
Or should we say no reaction…
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:20)
While everyone else is scrambling around like a Tasmanian devil this person just calmly sits and waits…
When the dust clears this person is almost always the one in control…
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)
In a bad situation most of us rush to fix the problem and make bad choices along way…
By definition a meek person is that they are calm and peaceful…
Like a chess player they think through all the possible moves and makes better decisions…
I must admit that many of my choices in life have been more like a poorly played game of Tic-Tac-Toe…
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
Scrolls from the Soul
7/16/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
Mirror
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: (James 1:21-23)
How often do we look at ourselves in the mirror and say “Today I am going to be a better person”…
Then we walk out into the real world…
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. ((James 1:24)
It is not that we do not want to do the right thing…
We just get caught up in the routine…
It is not as simple as tying a string around our finger…
Then again maybe it is…
How do we remember anything…?
We post it…
Little reminders that we place in front of our face everywhere we go…
It can be a single word…
How about “Mirror”
Scrolls from the Soul
8/3/17
**************************************************************
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: (James 1:21-23)
How often do we look at ourselves in the mirror and say “Today I am going to be a better person”…
Then we walk out into the real world…
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. ((James 1:24)
It is not that we do not want to do the right thing…
We just get caught up in the routine…
It is not as simple as tying a string around our finger…
Then again maybe it is…
How do we remember anything…?
We post it…
Little reminders that we place in front of our face everywhere we go…
It can be a single word…
How about “Mirror”
Scrolls from the Soul
8/3/17
**************************************************************
Actions Speak Louder than Words
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (James 2:18)
God has given us the greatest gift we will ever receive…
In return we should willing show our gratefulness by doing good works…
So, actions do speak louder than words…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/15/14 (B1)
****************************************************************
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (James 2:18)
God has given us the greatest gift we will ever receive…
In return we should willing show our gratefulness by doing good works…
So, actions do speak louder than words…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/15/14 (B1)
****************************************************************
Actions Speak Louder than Words 2
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (James 2:18)
The big debate over this verse is that it seems to imply faith requires that we do good works…
This is not at all what James is talking about…
God has given us the greatest gift of all time…
In return we should willing do good works…
Because actions do speak louder than words…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/15/14
***************************************************************
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (James 2:18)
The big debate over this verse is that it seems to imply faith requires that we do good works…
This is not at all what James is talking about…
God has given us the greatest gift of all time…
In return we should willing do good works…
Because actions do speak louder than words…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/15/14
***************************************************************
Know Your Audience
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:2)
One of the most important rules in public speaking is: Know Your Audience…
This rule applies to a group of a thousand or a group of one…
I am good at just walking up to anyone and starting a conversation…
The problem is that a common saying to me can be a major insult to someone else…
For example:
The place I grew up had once been considered part of the “Wild West”…
There is a saying that is still quite common there today…
“Let’s round up a bunch of the boys (cowboys) and get this job done”…
This phrase was considered perfectly acceptable here…
When I moved to a part of the country that was once considered to be part of “The South” I abruptly found out that this phrase was…
Not Acceptable Here!!!
It took months to repair the damage from the anger I had caused…
For those of us that have grown up in a Christian environment talking about our sins is a very common event…
Walking up to someone we have just met and telling them about “Their Sins” may not be the best place to start…
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13)
Know Your Audience…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/16/18
**************************************************************
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:2)
One of the most important rules in public speaking is: Know Your Audience…
This rule applies to a group of a thousand or a group of one…
I am good at just walking up to anyone and starting a conversation…
The problem is that a common saying to me can be a major insult to someone else…
For example:
The place I grew up had once been considered part of the “Wild West”…
There is a saying that is still quite common there today…
“Let’s round up a bunch of the boys (cowboys) and get this job done”…
This phrase was considered perfectly acceptable here…
When I moved to a part of the country that was once considered to be part of “The South” I abruptly found out that this phrase was…
Not Acceptable Here!!!
It took months to repair the damage from the anger I had caused…
For those of us that have grown up in a Christian environment talking about our sins is a very common event…
Walking up to someone we have just met and telling them about “Their Sins” may not be the best place to start…
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13)
Know Your Audience…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/16/18
**************************************************************
Taming of the Tongue
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:7-8)
This is James’ version of “For all have sinned”…
He knew that our tongue was always going to be the first thing to react to our emotions…
How many times have we said something in the heat on the moment (Anger or Passion)…
Later we may realize it was a mistake…
Because of our pride we might find it difficult to admit we were wrong…
We now compounded the problem and find ourselves trapped…
We would like to think our tongue only gets us in trouble in the height of emotion…
This is also not true…
I have told many a fisherman’s tale in my life that later came back to bite me…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/25/17
**************************************************************
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:7-8)
This is James’ version of “For all have sinned”…
He knew that our tongue was always going to be the first thing to react to our emotions…
How many times have we said something in the heat on the moment (Anger or Passion)…
Later we may realize it was a mistake…
Because of our pride we might find it difficult to admit we were wrong…
We now compounded the problem and find ourselves trapped…
We would like to think our tongue only gets us in trouble in the height of emotion…
This is also not true…
I have told many a fisherman’s tale in my life that later came back to bite me…
Scrolls from the Soul
3/25/17
**************************************************************
Loved Ones to Share it With
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:7-8)
Anyone that knows me is very much aware that patience is not my strong suit…
The fact that I enjoy working in the flowerbed around our house is a great mystery to them…
Cleaning them, preparing them, choosing the flowers, placing them and weeding them…
I also spend time worrying about them…
Are they getting enough water, too much water, is it too hot, too cold…
After months of working and waiting the first bloom finally opens…
My greatest joy is finding a loved one to share it with…
When it comes to the things of God the Bible is constantly reminding us to be patient…
Faith like seeds takes time to grow…
As husbandman we need to watch over and care for the faith we share with others…
Worrying will also be part of the process…
Are we doing enough for them...?
Do they truly understand...?
Can we protect them when needed…?
When the flowers finely bloom my greatest joy is sharing them with the people I love...
And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. (John 4:36)
When we all finally reach heaven one of our greatest joys will be having loved ones to share it with…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/8/17
**************************************************************
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:7-8)
Anyone that knows me is very much aware that patience is not my strong suit…
The fact that I enjoy working in the flowerbed around our house is a great mystery to them…
Cleaning them, preparing them, choosing the flowers, placing them and weeding them…
I also spend time worrying about them…
Are they getting enough water, too much water, is it too hot, too cold…
After months of working and waiting the first bloom finally opens…
My greatest joy is finding a loved one to share it with…
When it comes to the things of God the Bible is constantly reminding us to be patient…
Faith like seeds takes time to grow…
As husbandman we need to watch over and care for the faith we share with others…
Worrying will also be part of the process…
Are we doing enough for them...?
Do they truly understand...?
Can we protect them when needed…?
When the flowers finely bloom my greatest joy is sharing them with the people I love...
And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. (John 4:36)
When we all finally reach heaven one of our greatest joys will be having loved ones to share it with…
Scrolls from the Soul
8/8/17
**************************************************************
Who Benefits
From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (James 4:1)
First we need to have a good definition for lust…
Lust is me wanting something solely for my own benefit…
We also need to define the word “members”…
At first we might think it means the members of the church…
In this case James is referring our human desires vs our spiritual connection to God…
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (James 4:2-3)
These two verses are among the most stressful in the entire Bible…
How many times have we asked for something and we did not get it…?
Just what do the words “a miss” mean…?
The answer was given in the eight words that followed…
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (James 4:4-5)
A new word has been added…
Lust is wanting something…
Envy is being angry because someone else has it and we do not…
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6)
One last word to define…
Being humble is asking for something solely for the benefit of someone else…
This is a war we will fight again and again…
The outcome of each battle will depend on the answers to two questions…
What are we really asking for…?
And…
Who Benefits…?
Scrolls from the Soul
1/26/18
Foot Note: This is a battle I face everyday...
**************************************************************
From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (James 4:1)
First we need to have a good definition for lust…
Lust is me wanting something solely for my own benefit…
We also need to define the word “members”…
At first we might think it means the members of the church…
In this case James is referring our human desires vs our spiritual connection to God…
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (James 4:2-3)
These two verses are among the most stressful in the entire Bible…
How many times have we asked for something and we did not get it…?
Just what do the words “a miss” mean…?
The answer was given in the eight words that followed…
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (James 4:4-5)
A new word has been added…
Lust is wanting something…
Envy is being angry because someone else has it and we do not…
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6)
One last word to define…
Being humble is asking for something solely for the benefit of someone else…
This is a war we will fight again and again…
The outcome of each battle will depend on the answers to two questions…
What are we really asking for…?
And…
Who Benefits…?
Scrolls from the Soul
1/26/18
Foot Note: This is a battle I face everyday...
**************************************************************
Faults
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. (James 5:16)
This verse is often misquoted as:
Confess your sins one to another…
There is a difference between faults and sins
Telling a lie is a sin…
A weakness towards telling lies is a fault…
OK, just what is the point here…?
Just like an alcoholic is always going to have a weakness when it comes to drinking…
We all tend to have weaknesses towards certain types of sins…
In my case pride and greed are areas I struggle with the most…
That does not mean I am immune to other types of sin…
The people who are closes to me know this…
When they see a red flag appear they jump in…
I could say step in, however in my case jumping is often required…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/3/17
***********************************************************************************
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. (James 5:16)
This verse is often misquoted as:
Confess your sins one to another…
There is a difference between faults and sins
Telling a lie is a sin…
A weakness towards telling lies is a fault…
OK, just what is the point here…?
Just like an alcoholic is always going to have a weakness when it comes to drinking…
We all tend to have weaknesses towards certain types of sins…
In my case pride and greed are areas I struggle with the most…
That does not mean I am immune to other types of sin…
The people who are closes to me know this…
When they see a red flag appear they jump in…
I could say step in, however in my case jumping is often required…
Scrolls from the Soul
5/3/17
***********************************************************************************
A Decision - A Promise
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
When we think of the most powerful words in the Bible Salvation, Sacrifice and Commandment first come to mind...
Yet, it is three small words which truly hold the power to change our lives...
If...
A choice... A decision... An option...
"If we confess our sins"
Is...
A fact... A guarantee... An assurance...
"He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins"
All...
Without exception... Unconditional... Complete...
"and, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Three small yet very powerful words.
The first is up to us...
The others are a promises from God...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)
***************************************************************
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
When we think of the most powerful words in the Bible Salvation, Sacrifice and Commandment first come to mind...
Yet, it is three small words which truly hold the power to change our lives...
If...
A choice... A decision... An option...
"If we confess our sins"
Is...
A fact... A guarantee... An assurance...
"He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins"
All...
Without exception... Unconditional... Complete...
"and, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Three small yet very powerful words.
The first is up to us...
The others are a promises from God...
Scrolls from the Soul
5/14 (B1)
***************************************************************
Not Sins at All
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1)
John is starting off this chapter by stating a number of amazing facts…
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
John knows this is simply not possible, so his very next words are…
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,
There is no maybe or possibly it is a pure statement of fact…
Here he gives Jesus a title…
Jesus Christ the righteous:
These are very powerful words…
However, it is the next verse that requires yet another leap of faith…
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)
This means every sin of every man, woman and child on the face of the Earth…
We want to believe that there are some sins so horrible that they simply can’t be forgiven…
This is one of those “slippery slope” arguments…
Just where do we draw the line…?
Where do small sins end and big sins begin…?
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
(1 John 1:8)
If we start minimizing some sins compared to others how long will it be before we start believing our sins...
Are not sins at all…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/20/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1)
John is starting off this chapter by stating a number of amazing facts…
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
John knows this is simply not possible, so his very next words are…
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,
There is no maybe or possibly it is a pure statement of fact…
Here he gives Jesus a title…
Jesus Christ the righteous:
These are very powerful words…
However, it is the next verse that requires yet another leap of faith…
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)
This means every sin of every man, woman and child on the face of the Earth…
We want to believe that there are some sins so horrible that they simply can’t be forgiven…
This is one of those “slippery slope” arguments…
Just where do we draw the line…?
Where do small sins end and big sins begin…?
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
(1 John 1:8)
If we start minimizing some sins compared to others how long will it be before we start believing our sins...
Are not sins at all…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/20/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
Gut Reaction
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:16-17)
Sins are not always things we do…
They can also be thing we refuse to do…
The Bible uses the term “bowels” for those truly deep, often painful emotions…
They show up suddenly seemingly out of nowhere…
All too often these are emotions we do not understand at first…
However, we simply can not ignore them…
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (1 John 3:18-19)
My wife is very good at reminding me that I should never post a scroll if I am not willing to live by what it says…
As always she has amazing insight…
Since many of the scrolls are born out of my own short comings I fall short of this goal far too often…
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
(1 John 3:20-21)
Our conscience might just be God’s version of a “Gut Reaction”…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/22/18
*************************************************************
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:16-17)
Sins are not always things we do…
They can also be thing we refuse to do…
The Bible uses the term “bowels” for those truly deep, often painful emotions…
They show up suddenly seemingly out of nowhere…
All too often these are emotions we do not understand at first…
However, we simply can not ignore them…
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (1 John 3:18-19)
My wife is very good at reminding me that I should never post a scroll if I am not willing to live by what it says…
As always she has amazing insight…
Since many of the scrolls are born out of my own short comings I fall short of this goal far too often…
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
(1 John 3:20-21)
Our conscience might just be God’s version of a “Gut Reaction”…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/22/18
*************************************************************
Good Deeds
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (1 John 3:18-19)
We should not do good deeds so that we will be saved…
We should do good deeds because we have been saved…
Scrolls from the Soul…
2/27/2022
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (1 John 3:18-19)
We should not do good deeds so that we will be saved…
We should do good deeds because we have been saved…
Scrolls from the Soul…
2/27/2022
The Whole Point
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (I John 4:10)
This is without doubt one of the most important verses in the entire Bible…
Love is not just something we give to someone…
Love is something we feel for someone…
Love is a force that motivates us to do things for other people…
If we expect that person to love us in return we have missed the whole point…
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (I John 4:11)
It is our love for others that often brings us our greatest joy…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/25/17
*************************************************************
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (I John 4:10)
This is without doubt one of the most important verses in the entire Bible…
Love is not just something we give to someone…
Love is something we feel for someone…
Love is a force that motivates us to do things for other people…
If we expect that person to love us in return we have missed the whole point…
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (I John 4:11)
It is our love for others that often brings us our greatest joy…
Scrolls from the Soul
7/25/17
*************************************************************
The Unknown Fear
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:18-19)
Some years ago, at a church I had been attending for years something odd happened…
The Sunday service had just ended…
Several people were standing around in the fellowship hall talking…
There were also two younger children playing with a tennis ball…
Just as one might expect the ball escaped and rolled across the floor and came to rest under a woman sitting in a wheelchair…
She had been a member of Church for many years and was well known…
A strange silence fell over the group I had been talking with as everyone stood staring at the ball…
I walked over said excuse me to the woman and picked up the ball and returned to the children…
When I made it back to the group one of the men said “I would have never had the courage to do that…”
I turned and looked at him and said… Why…?
He looked at me with a blank stare as he realized he could not answer the question…
This is social fear…
John uses the phrase “fear hath torment” …
The torment in this fear is deciding which is worse…
Doing something that may, or may not be, considered the right thing by everyone else…
Or…
Doing nothing and hoping everyone else does the same…
AKA: The Unknown Fear…
Scrolls from the Soul
************************************************************************************
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:18-19)
Some years ago, at a church I had been attending for years something odd happened…
The Sunday service had just ended…
Several people were standing around in the fellowship hall talking…
There were also two younger children playing with a tennis ball…
Just as one might expect the ball escaped and rolled across the floor and came to rest under a woman sitting in a wheelchair…
She had been a member of Church for many years and was well known…
A strange silence fell over the group I had been talking with as everyone stood staring at the ball…
I walked over said excuse me to the woman and picked up the ball and returned to the children…
When I made it back to the group one of the men said “I would have never had the courage to do that…”
I turned and looked at him and said… Why…?
He looked at me with a blank stare as he realized he could not answer the question…
This is social fear…
John uses the phrase “fear hath torment” …
The torment in this fear is deciding which is worse…
Doing something that may, or may not be, considered the right thing by everyone else…
Or…
Doing nothing and hoping everyone else does the same…
AKA: The Unknown Fear…
Scrolls from the Soul
************************************************************************************
Metal and Stone
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen (1 John 5:21)
At a weekend retreat there was a woman wearing a very nice cross around her neck...
One member of the group commented on how nice it was...
Her response surprised us all…
She said “This cross protects me from evil, as long as I wear it Satan can not harm me”…
Several of us tried to pointing out that it is not the necklace that protects her…
We explained that the necklace was only a collection of metal and stone…
The necklace should only be a reminder of the one who does protect you…
Our efforts were fruitless…
She was completely convinced that it was the necklace that had the power to protect her…
This tiny object has become an idol so large that it completely blocks her view of God…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/13/14 ((B1)
*************************************************************************************
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen (1 John 5:21)
At a weekend retreat there was a woman wearing a very nice cross around her neck...
One member of the group commented on how nice it was...
Her response surprised us all…
She said “This cross protects me from evil, as long as I wear it Satan can not harm me”…
Several of us tried to pointing out that it is not the necklace that protects her…
We explained that the necklace was only a collection of metal and stone…
The necklace should only be a reminder of the one who does protect you…
Our efforts were fruitless…
She was completely convinced that it was the necklace that had the power to protect her…
This tiny object has become an idol so large that it completely blocks her view of God…
Scrolls from the Soul
9/13/14 ((B1)
*************************************************************************************
From Requirement to Love
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. (II John 1:5-6)
When we hear the word “Commandments” It sounds like a requirement…
How do we cross the line from Requirement to Love…?
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (I John 5:2-3)
Showing our love for God by keeping his commandments is not new…
This is a common theme over the course of the entire Bible…
John takes it one step farther…
“His commandments are not grievous”
Following God’s Commandments is all about loving God and loving each other…
To cross that line we must stop thinking of love as a burden…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/24/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. (II John 1:5-6)
When we hear the word “Commandments” It sounds like a requirement…
How do we cross the line from Requirement to Love…?
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (I John 5:2-3)
Showing our love for God by keeping his commandments is not new…
This is a common theme over the course of the entire Bible…
John takes it one step farther…
“His commandments are not grievous”
Following God’s Commandments is all about loving God and loving each other…
To cross that line we must stop thinking of love as a burden…
Scrolls from the Soul
4/24/16 (B1)
***************************************************************
A Child is Born
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Rev 20:13)
Three children were born upon that night:
The first by a marble fireplace clean and white...
The second by the flicker of draft teased candlelight...
The third by the wondrous gleam of a star so bright...
The first went to sleep wrapped in satin and lace...
The second in rags that wiped the tears from a mother's heartbroken face...
The third wrapped in swaddling clothes in a most humble place...
As they grew...
The first man judged all men by his standard of life...
The second man was judged by men because of his standard of life...
The third man's life became the standard by which all men shall be forever judged. . .
Scrolls from the Soul
10/2/14 (B1)
************************************************************************************
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Rev 20:13)
Three children were born upon that night:
The first by a marble fireplace clean and white...
The second by the flicker of draft teased candlelight...
The third by the wondrous gleam of a star so bright...
The first went to sleep wrapped in satin and lace...
The second in rags that wiped the tears from a mother's heartbroken face...
The third wrapped in swaddling clothes in a most humble place...
As they grew...
The first man judged all men by his standard of life...
The second man was judged by men because of his standard of life...
The third man's life became the standard by which all men shall be forever judged. . .
Scrolls from the Soul
10/2/14 (B1)
************************************************************************************
The Ultimate Pain Relief
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)
When we read this verse the first thing that comes to mind is physical pain…
Allyson truly had her share of that…
However, this is only a small fraction of the pain we feel in this life…
To be free of all pain… Physical… Mental…Emotional…and Spiritual… Is unimaginable…
The day we were born we felt the pain from the doctor’s hand… soon after the pains of hunger…loneliness…fear…
We have felt some kind of pain every day since…
Allyson’s emotional and spiritual pain ran so much deeper than most…
She spent a lifetime searching for some kind of relief…
Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. (Isaiah 49:13)
Not long ago, with the guidance and patience of a loving mother, Allyson found the comfort of God…
And yet the pains of this life continued to linger…
One week ago… For Allyson that all ended…
For all of the friends and loved ones this is a time of great agony…
This also needs to be a time of great faith, for all of us…
By the grace of God, Allyson has now found the ultimate pain relief…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/31/17
**************************************************************
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)
When we read this verse the first thing that comes to mind is physical pain…
Allyson truly had her share of that…
However, this is only a small fraction of the pain we feel in this life…
To be free of all pain… Physical… Mental…Emotional…and Spiritual… Is unimaginable…
The day we were born we felt the pain from the doctor’s hand… soon after the pains of hunger…loneliness…fear…
We have felt some kind of pain every day since…
Allyson’s emotional and spiritual pain ran so much deeper than most…
She spent a lifetime searching for some kind of relief…
Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. (Isaiah 49:13)
Not long ago, with the guidance and patience of a loving mother, Allyson found the comfort of God…
And yet the pains of this life continued to linger…
One week ago… For Allyson that all ended…
For all of the friends and loved ones this is a time of great agony…
This also needs to be a time of great faith, for all of us…
By the grace of God, Allyson has now found the ultimate pain relief…
Scrolls from the Soul
1/31/17
**************************************************************
Mind Boggling
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
(Revelations 21:6)
The Bible is full of things that boggle the mind…
The fact that God has been around since before the very beginning…
We just simply can not get our head around this…
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)
This one is every bit as mind boggling…
Sure we all wanted to be free from pain…
Do we really know what that means…?
To be free of all pain… Physical… Mental…Emotional…
The day we were born we felt the pain of the doctor’s hand…
Soon after the pains of hunger…loneliness…fear…
We have felt some kind of pain every day since…
It is not even possible for us to understand our pain…
So how can we hope to get our head around this verse…?
Heaven will be more wonderful then we can ever image…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/13/15 (B1)
***************************************************************
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
(Revelations 21:6)
The Bible is full of things that boggle the mind…
The fact that God has been around since before the very beginning…
We just simply can not get our head around this…
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)
This one is every bit as mind boggling…
Sure we all wanted to be free from pain…
Do we really know what that means…?
To be free of all pain… Physical… Mental…Emotional…
The day we were born we felt the pain of the doctor’s hand…
Soon after the pains of hunger…loneliness…fear…
We have felt some kind of pain every day since…
It is not even possible for us to understand our pain…
So how can we hope to get our head around this verse…?
Heaven will be more wonderful then we can ever image…
Scrolls from the Soul
2/13/15 (B1)
***************************************************************