There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
~ Luke 12:2 ~
It has been said that character is what you are when no one is looking.
Well someone is always looking and that someone is none other than the
Lord himself. If we believe that “God Sees All” then we believe that no
deed good or bad goes unnoticed; and somehow, someway when we least
expect it, we are divinely rewarded for
good deeds and we are punished for bad deeds. There is forgiveness, but
there are always consequences.
If one does not believe in God, they
should be reminded that what goes around comes around and the so called
good or bad karma in life will surely result from decisions one makes in
life.
by Bruce Edwards of https://www.facebook.com/theboazministries
Monday, June 25, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Love your enemies, bless them that curse you - say WHAT?
Pray for those who hurt you and are hateful toward you. (paraphrase Matthew 5:44) That's a toughie, correct?
In our relationships with one another, all manner of evil goes on. Even though craziness may be all around us, and we may even be part of the crazy, believers know that God has shown us "a more excellent way" (from 1 Corinthians 12:31, prelude to chapter 13).
As we keep the focus on prayer in every area of our lives, I will share one of my favorite passages, which is found in Matthew 5:43-48, Amplified Bible:
43 You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy;
44 But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike].
46 For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that?
47 And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles (the heathen) do that?
48 You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.
I love the Amplified Bible's augmentation of the last verse. So many of us stumble over the English definition of "perfect" (without flaw). Seasoned Bible students have done the research into the original languages which give us a more accurate meaning. While we KNOW God IS perfect - we may now understand more fully that our characters (thus, our behaviors) are maturing and "growing up" into completeness - by the power of God (the indwelling Holy Spirit present in us).
"Prayer is the key that unlocks the door to forgiveness."
from: https://www.facebook.com/theboazministries
In our relationships with one another, all manner of evil goes on. Even though craziness may be all around us, and we may even be part of the crazy, believers know that God has shown us "a more excellent way" (from 1 Corinthians 12:31, prelude to chapter 13).
As we keep the focus on prayer in every area of our lives, I will share one of my favorite passages, which is found in Matthew 5:43-48, Amplified Bible:
43 You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy;
44 But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike].
46 For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that?
47 And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles (the heathen) do that?
48 You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.
I love the Amplified Bible's augmentation of the last verse. So many of us stumble over the English definition of "perfect" (without flaw). Seasoned Bible students have done the research into the original languages which give us a more accurate meaning. While we KNOW God IS perfect - we may now understand more fully that our characters (thus, our behaviors) are maturing and "growing up" into completeness - by the power of God (the indwelling Holy Spirit present in us).
"Prayer is the key that unlocks the door to forgiveness."
from: https://www.facebook.com/theboazministries
Sunday, June 17, 2012
You Come to Mind
for Bruce H. Edwards
If I were to give my definition of an honest man,
you come to mind...
Not because of any great thing you do
but because you do not fail to speak from your heart
Simply, yet stated with a force so powerfully sincere,
no one can doubt your veracity
Even people whose eyes fail to see
know they've been dealt with...honestly
If I were to give my definition of a loving father,
you come to mind...
Not because there are no other loving fathers,
but because you exemplify the caring/nurturing that is
ofttimes attributed to mothers
And I marvel at the beautiful relationship/bond you enjoy
with your daughter...
"stage daddy", coach, cheering squad, guidance counselor,
lovingly wearing every hat
you come to mind whenever I think of that
If I were to give my definition of a good friend,
you come to mind...
Not because you have so many friends,
but because your quiet eyes reflect a soul
in need of one that's true
who doesn't necessarily think like you
Your tendency toward caution protects your tender heart
but when you allow someone inside,
the miracles have no end
These are a few things that come to mind
when I think of you,
my friend
If I were to give my definition of an honest man,
you come to mind...
Not because of any great thing you do
but because you do not fail to speak from your heart
Simply, yet stated with a force so powerfully sincere,
no one can doubt your veracity
Even people whose eyes fail to see
know they've been dealt with...honestly
If I were to give my definition of a loving father,
you come to mind...
Not because there are no other loving fathers,
but because you exemplify the caring/nurturing that is
ofttimes attributed to mothers
And I marvel at the beautiful relationship/bond you enjoy
with your daughter...
"stage daddy", coach, cheering squad, guidance counselor,
lovingly wearing every hat
you come to mind whenever I think of that
If I were to give my definition of a good friend,
you come to mind...
Not because you have so many friends,
but because your quiet eyes reflect a soul
in need of one that's true
who doesn't necessarily think like you
Your tendency toward caution protects your tender heart
but when you allow someone inside,
the miracles have no end
These are a few things that come to mind
when I think of you,
my friend
from Come, Joy! Songs from the soft of night
PublishAmerica © 2005
PublishAmerica © 2005
Friday, June 15, 2012
The Bible ain't for everybody - repost
Excuse my bad English, I'm probably going to speak in the vernacular a bit here. But don't get me wrong, the Bible was given to all
wo/men. The fact is, not everyone recognizes the Bible as the Word of
God. And I get that. In order to believe that the Bible is God's "love
letter to mankind", one has to have faith. Maybe even a lot of faith.
Since I grew up believing, the leap from what my parents taught me to
what I let the Bible itself teach me wasn't that huge - once I got
serious about studying for myself.
There are varying degrees of belief concerning the Bible, too. Some people believe it's a great history book about a certain group of people, and only for that group of people. Some find the Bible full of contradiction and bloody wars commanded by an angry and jealous God. Others believe it's a nice book that has some neat guidelines on how to live in harmony with others, but no attachment to anything like soul salvation. I know a few people who consider it a book of straight fiction. And then there are those of us who believe what the Bible says about itself...that, yes, it was written by men. Most Bible detractors can't get past the "written by men" part. But - these men were filled with the Spirit of God, and wrote words of life, admonition, encouragement, and judgment, as the Spirit moved. (paraphrase 2 Peter 1:16-21) However, you can't believe that if you don't have faith.
I wrote in another post, that the Bible is as relevant to our lives today as it was way back when Moses wrote the Torah, or, the Pentateuch. (the first five books of the Bible). Grant it, my opinion is founded on my faith in the Book, and the God of the Book. I've been a serious student of the Book for a few years now, and I find that there are new insights every time I read it. Even texts I've been knowing most of my life, have brought me a different, deeper perspective than times before. David said in Psalms 119:105(KJV), Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. That's just real. And I think that people sometimes allow the volume of the Book to intimidate them - and many say they don't like the King James Version because it's too hard to comprehend with all the "thees" and "thous". That's been handled, though, because there are now so many contemporary versions that speak to the reader in today's language without watering down the message.(however, there are KJV lovers who don't trust any other version)
Add to that, there are folks who get caught up and turned off by the confusion of all these different churches and their different interpretations of what the Bible says. And that's a hot mess, for true, I ain't gonna lie. Earnest prayer goes hand in hand with Bible study. God has made His truth so clear and real to me, that I can meet up with other believers I haven't seen in months, or even years, and we find confirmation and agreement in our understanding of the teachings we've been studying! The Truth is unifying, not divisive. There were beliefs we all held in common in the past (learned in churchianity), that we now, through further study, understand much differently.
These same believers I just mentioned don't necessarily attend "church" regularly, either. They're engaged in various outreach and in-reach ministries, small Bible study groups in their homes, sometimes going from house to house. This kind of intimate fellowship cuts down on the preponderance of indoctrination/parroting that one finds within the traditional churches. Because there is the tendency some churches have of elevating/exhalting their interpretation of the Scriptures above other churches/denominations. A person who studies the Bible in sincerity, will unlearn what they were taught second hand. In other words, the Holy Spirit is the true Teacher of the Book. Jesus told the Disciples what would happen after His death and resurrection, in John 16:13 (ESV):
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
And the Apostle, John said it again in 1 John 2:27 (ESV):
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.
Oh wow! Am I saying we don't need preachers? No - I'm not saying that. But one must be taught by a Spirit-filled preacher (finding one led by the Spirit might be tricky these days - I kid you not). So, then, how does one access the Spirit for oneself? Praying sincerely for the Lord to show us what He wants us to know of His will for us through His Word, is a good start. Check what happens when we pray... the Holy Spirit actually takes our words and translates them into heavenly language, presenting our true needs before God! The Spirit intercedes on our behalf before the Father! Don't take my word for it - see for yourself in Romans 8:26-28 (ESV)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
All this stuff is meaningless if we don't have the faith necessary to believe the Book.
In conclusion, I'll share the other anchor text, that along with 2 Peter 1:16-21, settles this issue for me:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
My hope is that I'm striking a chord of understanding or even curiosity within the heart of whoever is seeking a closer walk with the Lord. I'm also very much aware that there are many reading this who will roll their eyes, smirk and say, "whatever!" I'm good with that, too. The Bible ain't for everybody!
Blessings!
There are varying degrees of belief concerning the Bible, too. Some people believe it's a great history book about a certain group of people, and only for that group of people. Some find the Bible full of contradiction and bloody wars commanded by an angry and jealous God. Others believe it's a nice book that has some neat guidelines on how to live in harmony with others, but no attachment to anything like soul salvation. I know a few people who consider it a book of straight fiction. And then there are those of us who believe what the Bible says about itself...that, yes, it was written by men. Most Bible detractors can't get past the "written by men" part. But - these men were filled with the Spirit of God, and wrote words of life, admonition, encouragement, and judgment, as the Spirit moved. (paraphrase 2 Peter 1:16-21) However, you can't believe that if you don't have faith.
I wrote in another post, that the Bible is as relevant to our lives today as it was way back when Moses wrote the Torah, or, the Pentateuch. (the first five books of the Bible). Grant it, my opinion is founded on my faith in the Book, and the God of the Book. I've been a serious student of the Book for a few years now, and I find that there are new insights every time I read it. Even texts I've been knowing most of my life, have brought me a different, deeper perspective than times before. David said in Psalms 119:105(KJV), Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. That's just real. And I think that people sometimes allow the volume of the Book to intimidate them - and many say they don't like the King James Version because it's too hard to comprehend with all the "thees" and "thous". That's been handled, though, because there are now so many contemporary versions that speak to the reader in today's language without watering down the message.(however, there are KJV lovers who don't trust any other version)
Add to that, there are folks who get caught up and turned off by the confusion of all these different churches and their different interpretations of what the Bible says. And that's a hot mess, for true, I ain't gonna lie. Earnest prayer goes hand in hand with Bible study. God has made His truth so clear and real to me, that I can meet up with other believers I haven't seen in months, or even years, and we find confirmation and agreement in our understanding of the teachings we've been studying! The Truth is unifying, not divisive. There were beliefs we all held in common in the past (learned in churchianity), that we now, through further study, understand much differently.
These same believers I just mentioned don't necessarily attend "church" regularly, either. They're engaged in various outreach and in-reach ministries, small Bible study groups in their homes, sometimes going from house to house. This kind of intimate fellowship cuts down on the preponderance of indoctrination/parroting that one finds within the traditional churches. Because there is the tendency some churches have of elevating/exhalting their interpretation of the Scriptures above other churches/denominations. A person who studies the Bible in sincerity, will unlearn what they were taught second hand. In other words, the Holy Spirit is the true Teacher of the Book. Jesus told the Disciples what would happen after His death and resurrection, in John 16:13 (ESV):
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
And the Apostle, John said it again in 1 John 2:27 (ESV):
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.
Oh wow! Am I saying we don't need preachers? No - I'm not saying that. But one must be taught by a Spirit-filled preacher (finding one led by the Spirit might be tricky these days - I kid you not). So, then, how does one access the Spirit for oneself? Praying sincerely for the Lord to show us what He wants us to know of His will for us through His Word, is a good start. Check what happens when we pray... the Holy Spirit actually takes our words and translates them into heavenly language, presenting our true needs before God! The Spirit intercedes on our behalf before the Father! Don't take my word for it - see for yourself in Romans 8:26-28 (ESV)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
All this stuff is meaningless if we don't have the faith necessary to believe the Book.
In conclusion, I'll share the other anchor text, that along with 2 Peter 1:16-21, settles this issue for me:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
My hope is that I'm striking a chord of understanding or even curiosity within the heart of whoever is seeking a closer walk with the Lord. I'm also very much aware that there are many reading this who will roll their eyes, smirk and say, "whatever!" I'm good with that, too. The Bible ain't for everybody!
Blessings!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
the unspeakable things
for the children of RLW
6/26/1954-5/8/2010
Here I am at the edge of yet another season
2 years have passed since he closed his eyes
in the silent sleep of death
The love of my youth, father of
my children... the one who embraced life with
a grip so fierce that everyone in the room could feel his energy!
He led with his heart
and his mind was quick and awesome!
When he smiled he blossomed deep-dimpled brilliance
because his eyes glowed streaks of amber rays
that pierced through dark places...
He could warm the coldest soul
win the hardest skeptic
shake the stony ground loose
and help rebuild whatever was broken in the crumble...
He was not tall in stature as men are measured
but his tower of love lifted him high above
the others
His laughter could incite an uproar
of uncontrollable shrieks of joy
tumbling down then swelling again
into side-splitting, tearful pleas
of " I CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE!"
Ahh, he was amazing!
A humble man of God
who followed in His footsteps
until the day he was called to his rest
There are days when all I can do is
quietly reflect, because the years, months, and weeks
yea, the hours I was blessed to share with him
were too wonder filled to utter!
The language always fails
My cup of memories tips over
in this moment, and
lovely is the flow
I am thankful for the gift of reflections
only some of which I now speak...
© 2012
6/26/1954-5/8/2010
Here I am at the edge of yet another season
2 years have passed since he closed his eyes
in the silent sleep of death
The love of my youth, father of
my children... the one who embraced life with
a grip so fierce that everyone in the room could feel his energy!
He led with his heart
and his mind was quick and awesome!
When he smiled he blossomed deep-dimpled brilliance
because his eyes glowed streaks of amber rays
that pierced through dark places...
He could warm the coldest soul
win the hardest skeptic
shake the stony ground loose
and help rebuild whatever was broken in the crumble...
He was not tall in stature as men are measured
but his tower of love lifted him high above
the others
His laughter could incite an uproar
of uncontrollable shrieks of joy
tumbling down then swelling again
into side-splitting, tearful pleas
of " I CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE!"
Ahh, he was amazing!
A humble man of God
who followed in His footsteps
until the day he was called to his rest
There are days when all I can do is
quietly reflect, because the years, months, and weeks
yea, the hours I was blessed to share with him
were too wonder filled to utter!
The language always fails
My cup of memories tips over
in this moment, and
lovely is the flow
I am thankful for the gift of reflections
only some of which I now speak...
© 2012
Message to the Good Fathers
for the special fathers in my life, past and present, and all the good fathers out there
You are not a myth
as some adverse propaganda
would have us believe
And if your stories were told more often
If your songs were sung from the cities
to the country towns where you dwell
It would shake the foundation of this place
just right,
and
we just might be able to restore
law and order in our homes – first
Our sons and daughters would look to you
with the admiration and respect
you deserve
You are not a hope or a dream
as many of my women friends have sometimes
imagined
You are right here, walking among us
Laboring beside us
Contributing to our communities
And if your voices could be heard
above the noise of modern day confusion
We would stop, turn about,
take heed to the wisdom from the pages
of your years in the struggle
And give you back the love and honor
you deserve!
Bridgette Edwards © 2012
You are not a myth
as some adverse propaganda
would have us believe
And if your stories were told more often
If your songs were sung from the cities
to the country towns where you dwell
It would shake the foundation of this place
just right,
and
we just might be able to restore
law and order in our homes – first
Our sons and daughters would look to you
with the admiration and respect
you deserve
You are not a hope or a dream
as many of my women friends have sometimes
imagined
You are right here, walking among us
Laboring beside us
Contributing to our communities
And if your voices could be heard
above the noise of modern day confusion
We would stop, turn about,
take heed to the wisdom from the pages
of your years in the struggle
And give you back the love and honor
you deserve!
Bridgette Edwards © 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Don't Forget the Family Prayer
At Boaz Ministries, we're discussing the importance of prayer in our relationships, covering all bases from singles to couples, to families. https://www.facebook.com/theboazministries
There's an old gospel song titled "Don't Forget the Family Prayer" - many quartets and quintets have sung it. I taught it to my children and we sang it as a family together. As the song reminds us - family prayer time is special. Praying for our families can be done in a variety of ways; in your prayer closet by yourself, with your spouse, or with the entire family unit during family worship.
The fifth commandment tells us to honor our fathers and mothers, that we may live long in the land. (paraphrase Exodus 20:12, Deut. 5:16) And children can show their respect and love for their parents by praying for them. It is a sweet thing to hear children thanking God for their parents in front of the congregation at the close of the children's story in church! They volunteer with a willing spirit, and their words are so sincere! It warms my heart, and their thoughts coming through in their prayers always minister to me!
Praying with our children can start simply at bedtime after the other daily routines are completed. When we teach them how wonderful it is to have a Heavenly Father, and Friend, in Jesus, and show God's love to them, these early lessons in building a relationship with the Lord won't soon be forgotten. Consistent prayer in the home over the growth and development of our children has its rewards when they are grown and take the lead in prayer, as you gather together!
Let us not forget to pray for and with our families. And by all means, let the children pray!
Blessings!
There's an old gospel song titled "Don't Forget the Family Prayer" - many quartets and quintets have sung it. I taught it to my children and we sang it as a family together. As the song reminds us - family prayer time is special. Praying for our families can be done in a variety of ways; in your prayer closet by yourself, with your spouse, or with the entire family unit during family worship.
The fifth commandment tells us to honor our fathers and mothers, that we may live long in the land. (paraphrase Exodus 20:12, Deut. 5:16) And children can show their respect and love for their parents by praying for them. It is a sweet thing to hear children thanking God for their parents in front of the congregation at the close of the children's story in church! They volunteer with a willing spirit, and their words are so sincere! It warms my heart, and their thoughts coming through in their prayers always minister to me!
Praying with our children can start simply at bedtime after the other daily routines are completed. When we teach them how wonderful it is to have a Heavenly Father, and Friend, in Jesus, and show God's love to them, these early lessons in building a relationship with the Lord won't soon be forgotten. Consistent prayer in the home over the growth and development of our children has its rewards when they are grown and take the lead in prayer, as you gather together!
Let us not forget to pray for and with our families. And by all means, let the children pray!
Blessings!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
The joys of living and working in a non-toxic environment
We hear so much about work/life balance in the workplace. Companies are rated on how employee-centered they are. It's ...
-
In my experience, having the last word, the final say, is most appropriate when raising children. As the adult, the provider and supplier of...
-
What happened was... March 1, 2010, my husband, Lamont, and I were walking along a road about dusk. We were in mid-conversation,... -
Most believers are familiar with Psalm 91, the protection chapter in the Book of Psalm. And just for the sheer beauty of the promise, and th...