I neglected my Bible reading. And, it showed. Simple enough, I received the material for my Sunday School lesson Friday afternoon. I spent some time on it Saturday, preparing worksheets for the girls and getting my thoughts in order.
There were four specific references. Three of them I opened my Bible and read to be certain I understood the application. Not a problem. I could tell that the fourth reference had to do with Christ washing His disciples feet. I knew that story – from childhood I could apply the lesson of a servant. I remembered Peter saying that there was no way Christ was going to wash his feet. He looked upon Jesus as his savior, not his servant. I knew Christ’s answer, too. Peter didn’t understand now, but if he didn’t allow Christ to wash his feet, he was not obedient. Peter displayed his obedience.
Since our lesson contained serving God through His people, the application was apparent, so I moved on to the next part of the lesson.
Foolish me.
There was a typo in the lesson plan. Instead of pointing to John 13:4-16, the scripture written in the lesson was John 12:4-16. It was my turn to read scripture when we reached that point. I am so glad I was the one reading aloud. Instead of Jesus preparing to wash the disciples feet, I’m in Bethany, Lazarus’ home, and Mary has anointed Jesus feet with spikenard and Judas is complaining.
Ooops! All because I made certain assumptions regarding my knowledge and God’s word. I didn’t know I was a chapter off, but would have known had I done all of the Bible reading listed for the lesson.
I don’t know about the three other teachers, yet. I shall ask them, of course, and we will laugh a bit. But it is a good reminder that making assumptions is only a starting point. They are not facts until proven.
When you read about many scientific theories, global warming, evolution, the universe, please keep that in mind. Often theories and assumptions are stated as accepted facts, and they are not, even when larger concepts based on smaller, provable facts. Be certain to read the ‘may,’ ‘might,’ ‘could,’ ‘should,’ etc. Be as skeptical about those assumptions as unbelievers are about what we see as biblical truths.
God has asked us to do diligence.
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: [Hebrews 6:10-11 KJV]
He has, through Paul, asked us to study.
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 KJV]
We are told to search for truth.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. [Acts 17:11 KJV]
I did not do so. I will do better.
Fireworks were going off when we headed to bed. Not many, our neighborhood is sparse. A few lit up the sky. Most were noise, and distant noise at that.
Our house could be called a duplex, sort of. Second Daughter and her husband live in one end, there’s a double car garage, we live in the other end. Thus, smoke alarms in both are tied together. When the smoke alarm goes off in one end, so does the alarm in the other. They did so this morning at 2:30.
First Granddaughter’s family was home visiting and they had all gone to the drag races to see Son-in-law’s car race. When they arrived home, FG took a shower. When she left the room, for some reason the moist steamy air set off the alarm. We all settled back down, except for Beloved Husband.
Some people think I speak for him as a pushy, controlling wife. I don’t think so. I think it’s because without his hearing aids, he’s deaf. Proven last night when he did not stir. Not even when I got out of and back into bed. The sleep of the innocent! But also the sleep of the deaf.
Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: [Jeremiah 5:21 KJV]
Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house. [Ezekiel 12:2 KJV]
Beloved Husband’s hearing loss is physical, linked to days in the Army close to artillery. There is some danger associated with not hearing a smoke alarm, but there is greater spiritual danger in not hearing God’s word. His will last a lifetime, the other lasts eternity.
Christ spoke to his disciples, men who walked beside Him and took in every word. Yet not hearing what was in those words.
Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? [Mark 8:18 KJV]
This wasn’t said to Pharisees or crowds of people. This was said to Peter, Andrew, James, John and the others who were traveling with Him. He made a reference to sin and they thought He was berating them for having no bread.
Paul later referenced the older scriptures, too.
(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. [Romans 11:8 KJV]
I agree with him – to this very day. The vibrations arrive, but the understanding never makes it past the ears. The light enters our eyes, but never forms a picture.
Take time to read God’s word in prayer that eyes and ears may be opened to receiving God’s message.
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 KJV]
A Facebook friend recently wrote a status setting some personal ground rules. Using cuss words would result in the user's being de-Friended (a very Facebook-specific word!)
Reading the conversation that ensued, I felt many of the responses were unexpected. One young man didn’t understand why the words were considered bad, since his parents and other adults used them. “We see it as this: if it was really THAT bad, our parents wouldn't do it.”
I can see his reasoning. Using reason alone, people tend to take the path of least resistance, ending up doing what they want, selfishly ignoring those around them. Which is why reasoning alone isn’t an answer.
An adult, in favor of non-censorship, asked, "… what makes a word a bad word anyway? Who sits around, said a word then said ‘Lets make that a bad word’. I just don't get it."
Another adult agreed, saying "… the assignment of 'offensiveness' to arbitrary words serves only to develop skills of self-censorship." He went on to say that if he were cussed out in a foreign language, the words would not be offensive to him. He wouldn't know what they were saying, so the words themselves were not bad.
The teen closed with, “Cussing should not change your views about someone.”
It appears that those quoted are not familiar with some of my favorite Bible verses.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. [Psalms 19:14 KJV]
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. 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 12:35-37 KJV]
James tells us that our speech indicates our wisdom and knowledge.
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 KJV]
It is a very simple truth our Lord taught.
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. … But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. [Matthew 15:15, 18 KJV]
The Bible also gives us some standards when it comes to what goes into our minds.
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 KJV]
Such input into our hearts and minds would then determine what comes out our mouths – or fingers!
I am disheartened when we who call themselves Christian argue amongst ourselves. I am disheartened when those disagreements are either without scripture or use scripture as weapons against each other.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. [Hebrews 3:13 KJV]
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. [Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV]
Christians should be urging, earnestly advising, their brethren. Prodding, perhaps to the point of argument, but always with God’s word and with much prayer, always with Christ’s life in mind.
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: [1 Peter 1:22 KJV]
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. [1 John 3:18 KJV]
Salvation is a gift from God, unearned by sinful man, simply accepted upon realization of God’s love made manifest in His son, Jesus, the Christ.
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? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. [Acts 15:10-11 KJV]
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) [Ephesians 2:4-5 KJV]
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [Ephesians 2:7-8 KJV]
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 KJV]
We must see our brethren through our Father’s eyes.
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 KJV]
Being perfect, when He must chastise His children, I believe He does even better than the advice He gives us.
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. [Colossians 3:21 KJV]
Compare Matthew 11:3 and Acts 15:10. Exhort. Not to the point of discouragement.
An update on the June 1 post Beautiful Princess program for our 5th – 7th grade girls.
After attending a couple of classes, the girls spent an overnight trip at with their teachers and our pastor’s wife at their lake house. Nothing more than a cabin on a small lake an hour or so west of here, yet time away to focus on what they’ve learned about themselves as God’s children.
Their bake sale was a huge success. A few of the congregation donated extra money, too. The funds were to be spent on clothes, and they got to select the clothes themselves, with a couple of strings. They had to get approval from at least one other girl and one teacher.
I did not get to go with the BOD squad, and I regret it. Everyone spoke of how well it went. They shopped mostly at thrift stores. No need to follow the crowd and try for high prices. The girls were not given spending limits, just told to be cautious about spending and check with their teachers who would let them know when they went over budget. No one went over budget – and all purchased several pieces – modest tops and skirts.
There was one simple test on the skirts. With the skirt on, get down on the knees. If the skirt touched the floor, it was long enough. If it didn’t, back it went. So much better than giving inches in any direction!
Modesty in dress had been one of the early lessons, so no one selected spaghetti straps. The fashion today is layering, so much of that occurred. Some of the color combinations were a bit odd in the sight of the teachers, but they relied on peer approval in those cases. Why even aged women wear red and purple!!
Our girls are a microcosm of our country. Some come from wealthy families, some from farm families and some from out of work families who depend on hand-me-downs. Yet here they are learning together that God loves each of them. That His word is for each of them – no difference.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [Romans 3:22-24 KJV]
For those of you who have joined with us in prayer for these girls, thank you. And we covet your continued prayers that they might understand the need for purity in their lives as they face so many temptations and peer pressures in the coming years. May God bless and guide them through His word and examples from teachers who look forward to His appearing. With them, they will achieve a crown.
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 4:8 KJV]
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 KJV]
"When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." Corrie ten Boom
When I read that quote, so many memories came to mind. While I was still in high school, I found a book of photographs taken by both Germans and Allies of the concentration camps. Movies I’ve seen since cannot portray the skeletal people who meet our soldiers after their captors fled. To deny the Holocaust is also to deny the reality of those photos and the life of Corrie ten Boom.
I would recommend her book, “The Hiding Place,” to anyone who wished to read of a Christian life in action.
I remember seeing her on television and reading of her in magazines and newspapers. The Corrie ten Boom House Foundation maintains a website with her history, photos of exhibits and a bookshop. The home that held the hiding place is now the museum in Haarlem that allows us to step back and time and see her daily life.
Corrie lived her love of Christ all of her life, but at age 53 began to tell that story around the world for the next thirty-three years. With her book and the movie of her life still available, her story of forgiveness continues to bless lives. The ripples will continue.
We are so blessed in our lives today. There is no reason to hide our neighbors to keep them safe. We are also faced with the question, Why did God allow such evil to touch the life of one so dedicated to Him? A dear friend’s daughter is facing a fearful trial today. I’m certain her family is asking, Why doesn’t God protect those who love Him?
He does. His word says so.
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 KJV]
That verse follows one earlier that confirms this world causes pain.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [Romans 8:22 KJV]
But that “until now” wasn’t the end of pain, it was the beginning of hope.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 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 8:23-25 KJV]
So, while the pain of this imperfect will, filled with imperfect people, continues to hope for the future, we pray for God’s will to be accomplished.
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 KJV]
And, give thanks for Godly examples set before us who love Him through painful trials of faith.
So this generation is going to the dogs? Things were better earlier? Well, when you see girls teetering on platform or high heeled shoes, mincing down the model’s runway, wearing piercings here or there, read a bit in Isaiah.
Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: [Isaiah 3:16 KJV]
Read also what God told Isaiah would happen to these daughters with tinkling feet.
Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels, The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.
And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. [Isaiah 3:17-24 KJV]
What is described is not the beauty of a woman but the trappings used to flaunt themselves. What they are wearing calls attention to what they are wearing, not who they are. None of the listed items exalt God, do they? Take your Bible and compare the ladies above with our Virtuous Woman in Proverbs 31. With regard to her husband:
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. [Proverbs 31:12 KJV]
She’s an entrepreneur, not a wastrel.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. [Proverbs 31:24 KJV]
The difference is attitude. The error shown by the daughters of Zion is focus on self. All is done to draw attention to them. Our virtuous woman works for her husband, her family, and her employees. While the erring daughters will come to stink, our Proverbs lady receives praise.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. [Proverbs 31:28 KJV]
Think anybody is going to praise ol’ twinkle toes? She makes noise, attracting attention as she moves along tinkling, spreading the sound of her coming through the crowds, wearing the finery designed to catch the eye. She has her reward.
We all make the choice of which goal we’ll pursue. And it isn’t a single choice but one made often over the years. Do we bring attention to ourselves, or think of others? Tinkling feet or praises from those who love us. That’s the choice today, and every day.
I neglected my Bible reading. And, it showed. Simple enough, I received the material for my Sunday School lesson Friday afternoon. I spent some time on it Saturday, preparing worksheets for the girls and getting my thoughts in order. 
