All Things Work Together . . .

~~ a devotional

by tkbrown

Romans 8:24-39

  • 24 — “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope, for why does one still hope for what he sees?”
  • 25 — “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”
  • 26 — “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
  • 27 — “Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
  • 28 — “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
  • 29 — “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
  • 30 — “Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified, and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
  • 31 — “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
  • 32 — “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
  • 33 — “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.”
  • 34 — “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
  • 35 — “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
  • 36 — “As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.'”
  • 37 — “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
  • 38 — “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come,”
  • 39 — “nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Source: Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV).

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Notes:

In the eighth chapter, twenty-eighth verse of his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul tells us to keep uppermost in our mind the promise: “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Oftentimes, we tend to become discouraged by all the negatives in our lives, and we might complain there are not enough positives happening. The past year is one of the times this might be more apt to occur. Is this something you struggle with? Are you discouraged by all that has happened to you, your loved ones, your family, and your country during the past year? If so, you are not alone. Many others struggle with the same spiritual ailment. Furthermore, it is not a new trial faced by modern-day Christians. It has been here since the inception of Christ’s life on earth and before.

When we are tempted by Satan or one of his many demonic slaves, we can rest assured that nothing they do can harm our soul–unless we allow it. There is an old saying my Mama often quoted: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” (Anonymous). As many have pointed out, words can and do hurt, often for a lifetime. However, Paul is telling the Romans, “If you are one of those who have been called according to His purpose, Jesus life, death, resurrection, and ascension offers hope for life after death through Him becoming “sin”–all of the world’s sin–and the sacrifice of His life in place of ours. All who hear His calling, obey His commands, and continue in His Light have this “hope,” and those who abide in His Way can be assured of eternal life with Him and God the Father.

When we mess up, if we have heard and obeyed the requirements He sets forth in the New Testament, Christ and the Spirit make intercession for us with God the Father. Christ determines who is abiding Him and who is not. If I abide in His Way unto death, I not only have the hope of that gift, He assures me I will receive that gift, and I will be in heaven after I die. If I know I am abiding in Him, I no longer have to hope for eternal life, I can know I will receive it–I can “see” it.

I am not perfect. I make mistakes. I am a sinner. Because of my sin, I deserve eternal damnation, not eternal life with God and Christ. When I sin, I have the assurance, as God’s child, Christ will make intercession and insure that sin is wiped from my slate IF I repent of that sin and go back to living the way He has instructed. He also has assured me–as Paul states in Romans 8:28–I can know that whatever happens to me in “this life,” it all works together for my good.

Each trial and tribulation we endure–and remain in Him as we endure–works with all other events in my life for my good. If I learn from my mistakes, I can also learn from the mistakes of others. I can ask (pray) for guidance when I do not know what I should do in a specific situation. He will guide me to the answer in some way. I may read the answer in something I come across. I may hear someone talking and “say” the answer even though that person is talking to someone else. I can even “know” His will by the fact that I have no choice as to what I do. Someone or some statute tells me what I “must” do. Even when what I am doing appears to be sin to others, if I learn from it and address it through prayer, He makes intercession for me. If the prophets of old were hindered from attending tabernacle by being cast into a dungeon–or by some other means–it was not held against them when they addressed it through prayer to God.

Again, whatever life throws at us, we can know it will work to our ultimate good if we abide in the way Christ set forth. No one else can do it for me, and no one else can offer me forgiveness for my sin unless that sin involved that person in some way. We can rest in peace with the assurance that everything we experience and endure will work together for our good. This is faith in His promise. He said it–albeit through His apostle–but He said it; so, it is true.

God knew before we were ever birthed on this earth, what our response would be to His calling. He is omnipotent. He was, and is, and always will be. His Son is basically His apology to mankind for not having a plan for “all” to be forgiven and live eternally with Him in heaven.

I, personally, appreciate His sacrifice. What more can one do to let another know he/she loves that person? God’s Son died on the cross for MY SIN– not His sin–MINE! How can I ever justify not abiding in His Way? How can I ever “not” want to spend eternity with God and Jesus Christ?

If you heed Christ’s calling and obey the instructions He set forth, you too can be assured of your home in heaven. So, whatever happens here on earth–know there is a purpose for it in God’s great plan for things. Know, that everything will work together for your good, too–if you heed and abide in His Way!

In the book, Acts of the Apostles, chapter 10, verses one through five tell of Cornelius, an Italian centurion. He and his whole house were good people; they gave alms and prayed for guidance. Their faith and Christ-like actions came to God’s attention. As a result, God maneuvered events in Cornelius’ life so he and his house could know what they must do to be a part of Christ’s church and abide in heaven forever. Thus, Cornelius and his whole house immediately became Christians–in the middle of the night–and they became the first “Gentiles” to be added to Christ’s church.

Prior to this time, God’s plan of salvation had only been available to those of the Jewish nation. If a Gentile wanted to be the recipient of that salvation, he/she had to first become a part of the Jewish nation. Then they could be offered God’s plan. Christ’s birth, death, resurrection, and ascension changed this. He freely “gave” so that we might “freely live.”

So, if a person iis truly searching for answers, as we see in the example of Cornelius and his household, God will guide that person to the answers, or He will guide others to that person to provide those answers. Then, the choice lies with that person. He/She has the choice to obey or to reject Christ’s teachings. So, the choice that person makes determines their eternal destiny.

I pray that all will want to live with God and Christ in heaven throughout eternity. However, His Word tells me this will not be the case. Many will not believe or obey Christ’s teachings. Even so, I continue to pray all will obey Him.

My hope and prayer is that each of you will have a peaceful and blessed day amid all the turmoil in the world about you. Be Blessed and Stay Safe!

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Photo Above: by Jasmin Ne @Unsplash.com.

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Charity

~~ a devotional

by tkbrown

I Corinthians 13:13: “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The word “charity,” in the New King James Version (NKJV), is translated “love.” Thus, in this passage written by Paul to the Corinthians, the two words might be used interchangeably. Apparently, there were many issues concerning the Christians at Corinth. In chapter 13, Paul addresses the need for love to abound. He notes a number of achievements to be worked toward as Christians in Christ’s church; then he cautions that without “charity” or “love” none of these is worth anything in Christ’s church. Though one may attain a high level of honor, without love, that person is nothing in God’s eyes.

How often do we, today, teach the importance of “charity” or “love?” Love, or charity, should be a frequent topic of our Bible lessons. It takes extensive study on the topic to exhibit the love Christ had, and has, for His church.

Love is one character trait deserving of frequent address. Too often we “go through the motions” but they mean nothing to us. Verse 2 says:

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, but have not love, I am nothing”–I Corinthians 13:2–NKJV.

Though it is possible to have faith enough to accomplish any feat—with God’s help–if I have not ”charity” or “love,” faith profits me nothing.

Faith, hope, and love are the three most essential characteristics of a Christian. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17–NKJV). “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1—NKJV) Faith is instilled by hearing, reading, and learning the word of God. It is important to follow hearing with study in order to learn the true meaning of the scripture presented. Paul told Timothy, “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). When we hear the Word, that hearing must be followed by our own private study to ensure we understand what is being said, when it was said, to whom, and about what. Thus, we learn the true meaning of the scripture uttered in our hearing.

The more we study God’s Word, the more it impresses upon us the need for love in our own character. Jesus said:

Matthew 5:43-47

43 — “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy,”

44 – “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you;”

45 – “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

46 – “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?”

47 – “And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so?”

 The more we try to emulate Christ, the more love we will extend love to others. It is a tall order to “love our enemies and do good to them.” This tells us, if we have not love we are not emulating Christ—we are but pretenders. This pretense means nothing to God and will not ensure entry into heaven. We must grow as Christians if we are to hold the love for others that Jesus requires.

A new Christian has learned to love him-/herself enough to want to spend eternity with God and Christ. A mature Christian has grown in the emulation of Christ so that love is evident. Christ laid down His life to save us. How many of us would do the same?

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Photo Above: by reenablack @pixabay.com.

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Sources:

Eds. biblegateway.com. (2021). Holy Bible – New King James Version (NKJV). 1975 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. www.biblegateway.com. (26 January 2021). www.biblegateway.com.

Eds. Biblegateway.com (2021). Holy Bible – King James Version (KJV). 1987 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. www.biblegateway.com. (26 January 2021). www.biblegateway.com.

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The Healing Power of Faith

~~ a devotional ~~

~~ by tkbrown — ≥∑

“So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief, for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move and nothing will be impossible for you.'”

Holy Bible (New King James Version)Matthew 17:20

If faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain, what can faith do for us in our daily lives? How many times have you said to yourself, “If I could just _____.” Fill in the blank with whatever you may have desired. This is not to say if we ask for a million dollars with an undying faith, we will receive it. We probably won’t, but not because we didn’t have adequate faith.

Perhaps when we do not get the object of our prayers, we ask in the wrong spirit, or we ask for the wrong thing, or maybe we just are not ready for that prayer to be answered. For example, if I ask for something that will lead me astray, I may or may not get it. If I do get it, it will test my resolve to serve God and Jesus. Perhaps God is using my prayer and the object of my desire to refine my faith, making it purer by skimming off the sin associated with that request. The refinement will only occur if I survive the “smelting process,” remaining true to my faith in God throughout or–if I have given in to temptation–returning to that faith at some point in a spirit of repentance.

Sometimes, when we are “too sure of our faith,” we stray because our faith has been placed in ourselves instead of in Jesus Christ and God in heaven above. Sometimes–during this “faith in ourselves”–we fail the refinement process because we have placed our faith in another person or persons rather than in Jesus Christ’s ability to carry us through any storm.

Putting our faith in another follower of Christ–or group of followers– can take the wind from beneath our wings if those brothers and sisters in Christ fail us in a time of true need. It is during such times that we must keep our “eye” on Christ in order to receive His guidance and strength. If I have never truly strayed before, this might be just what is needed for me to realize the depth of my sin and my need for forgiveness. Sometimes, when we are too certain of our faith, we have to fall hard before we can renew that faith by repenting and begging God’s forgiveness.

Then again, there are times when the sin in our lives prior to repentance and the receiving of God’s forgiveness was so great there is no doubt in our mind of our need. Prior to his conversion, Paul (then Saul) of Tarsus had set about destroying the followers of Christ. Truly believing he was doing what God wanted, Paul put everything he had into the effort. Then, he was stricken blind when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. This gave him a few days to think about his past and what he had been doing.

When Ananias came to him and instructed Paul in what he must do, he repented and was baptized immediately (Acts 9:1-22).

Acts 9:1-22 (NKJV)

  • 1 — “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest”
  • 2 — “and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”
  • 3 — “As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.”
  • 4 — “Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?'”
  • 5 — “And he said, “Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'”
  • 6 — “So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do‘”
  • 7 — “And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.”
  • 8 — “Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.”
  • 9 — “And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”
  • 10 — “Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias.’ And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord.'”
  • 11 — “So the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus for behold, he is praying.'”
  • 12 — “‘And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.'”
  • 13 — “Then Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.'”
  • 14 — “‘And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.'”
  • 15 — “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.'”
  • 16 — “‘For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My names sake.'”
  • 17 — “And Ananias wen his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'”
  • 18 — “Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.”
  • 19 — “So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.”
  • 20 — “Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.”
  • 21 — “Then all who heard were amazed, and said, ‘Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?'”
  • 22 — “But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.”

After this time, Paul was even more zealous for Christ’s cause than he had been against it prior to the forgiveness received when he was appointed the replacement apostle for Judas Iscariot. Later, in Chapter One, Verse Fifteen of Paul’s First Letter of instruction to Timothy, he said: “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” In this statement, Paul told Timothy he had “seen the light” regarding the ill-founded reasoning of his past and was not ashamed to admit his wrongdoing because his forgiveness proved Jesus purpose for coming to this earth.

The devotional scripture I have chosen today (below) reveals a faith that would move mountains. This woman had suffered female problems for twelve years. She and been to doctor after doctor and had suffered many treatments–some of them apparently quite painful–to no avail. The only thing she had to represent her faith in doctors was destitute poverty.

When this woman heard about Jesus healing the sick, the maimed, and the demon possessed, she knew she would be healed if it were possible to merely touch the garment He wore. She knew she would not need Him to touch her, she would be healed by the power in the garment He wore. Upon learning Jesus was in the area, she pressed through the crowds surrounding Him and . . . finally . . . she managed to touch the hem of His garment. Immediately, she was healed. Immediately the flow of blood stopped!

When Jesus turned and asked, “Who touched Me?” she just knew she was in trouble. She tried to shrink away and hide–then, He looked here in the eye. She knew, He knew it had been her. So, she went forward and fell at His feet. Tearfully she told of her lengthy plight and her faith she would be healed if she could only touch His garment. She needed not disturb Him, she would be healed by the power in His garment.

When Jesus heard her reasoning behind touching His robe, He said “her faith had healed her,” and He told her to “go in peace.” Can you imagine her relief at the understanding of His forgiveness and of the fact that her faith in Him had saved her? What an example for those of us looking for a source of strength in this day and time! We need look no further than the example this woman provides. Whatever our need, whatever our ailment, whatever our weakness, He will heal us if only we believe.

I pray our hearts will always be open to the guidance and strength Jesus provides if only we believe He can and will. I cannot count the times this has been proven in my life, and I am thankful for each. I know I have sinned and come short of God’s glory. I know Jesus forgiveness for that sin and His guidance will pull me through and into heaven at day’s end. It is my prayer that each person reading this devotional can see the same in his or her life. For those who are not quite there yet, I pray somehow the path can be seen and followed before it is too late.

Blessings, and for those in America and those who join us in spirit this week, Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for Christ, for His forgiveness, and for His loving guidance when I get out of my own way. For what are you thankful this holiday week? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

Mark 5:25-34 (NKJV)

  • 25 — “Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years.”
  • 26 — “and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.”
  • 27 — “When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.”
  • 28 — “Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.”
  • 30 — “And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched My clothes?'”
  • 31 — “But His disciples said to Him, ‘You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?””
  • 32 — “And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.”
  • 33 — “But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.”
  • 34 — “And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.'”

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Wind Beneath My Wings – lyrics – BETTE MIDLER

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I know this song may not have been written to reflect faith in Jesus Christ, but it perfectly describes my faith in Him. He is “everything I would like to be” and He is “the wind beneath my wings.” Only with His love, support, strength, and guidance will I be able to be true to my quest of serving God. Listen to the song and apply the words to a faith in Jesus Christ. Let me know what you think. Do you think they can describe faith in Jesus Christ?

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Source: Holy Bible — New King James Version (NKJV)

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Photo Above: by Brigitte @ Unsplash.com.

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Jesus and Jairus’ Daughter

John 12:26

“‘If anyone serves me, let him follow Me, and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.'”

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Scripture is from the Holy Bible — New King James Version (NKJV)

Notes on Scripture (below) by tkbrown

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Lesson Scripture — Matthew 9:1-38

  • 1 — “So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city.”
  • 2 — “Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.'”
  • 3 — “And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, ‘This Man blasphemes!'”
  • 4 — “But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts?‘”
  • 5 — “‘For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk?””
  • 6 — “‘But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins‘–then He said to the paralytic, ‘Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.'”
  • 7 — “And he arose and departed to his house.”
  • 8 — “Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.”
  • 9 — “As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.‘ So, he arose and followed Him.”
  • 10 — “Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.”
  • 11 — “And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, ‘Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?'”
  • 12 — “When Jesus heard that, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.'”
  • 13 — “‘But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.'”
  • 14 — “Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?'”
  • 15 — “And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.'”
  • 16 — “‘No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse.'”
  • 17 — “‘Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.'”
  • 18 — “While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.'”
  • 19 — “So, Jesus arose and followed him and so did His disciples.”
  • 20 — “And suddenly a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.”
  • 21 — “For she said to herself, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.'”
  • 22 — “But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter, your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour.”
  • 23 — “When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing,”
  • 24 — “He said to them, ‘Make room for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.’ And they ridiculed Him.”
  • 25 — “But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.”
  • 26 — “And the report of this went out into all that land.”
  • 27 — “When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, ‘Son of David, have mercy on us!'”
  • 28 — “And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them. ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord'”
  • 29 — “Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.'”
  • 30 — “And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, ‘See that no one knows it.'”
  • 31 — “But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country.”
  • 32 — “As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed.”
  • 33 — “And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, ‘It was never seen like this in Israel!'”
  • 34 — “But the Pharisees said, ‘He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.'”
  • 35 — “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”
  • 36 — “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”
  • 37 — “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.'”
  • 38 — “‘Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

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Lesson Scripture — Mark 5:21-43

  • 21 — “Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea.”
  • 22 — “And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet,”
  • 23 — and begged Him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.'”
  • 24 — “So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.”
  • 25 — “Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years,”
  • 26 — “and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.”
  • 27 — “When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.”
  • 28 — “For she said, ‘If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.'”
  • 29 — “Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.”
  • 30 — “And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched My clothes?'”
  • 31 — “But His disciples said to Him, ‘You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?'”
  • 32 — “And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.”
  • 33 — “But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.”
  • 34 — “And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.'”
  • 35 — “While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, ‘ Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?'”
  • 36 — “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not be afraid, only believe.'”
  • 37 — “And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.”
  • 38 — “Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly.”
  • 39 — “When He came in, He said to them, ‘Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.'”
  • 40 — “And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying.”
  • 41 — “Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, ‘Talitha, cumi,’ which is translated, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.'”
  • 42 — “Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.”
  • 43 — “But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it and said that something should be given her to eat.”

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Lesson Scripture — Luke 5:27-39

  • 27 — “After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.'”
  • 28 — “So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.”
  • 29 — “Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them.”
  • 30 — “And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, ‘Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
  • 31 — “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.'”
  • 32 — “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.'”
  • 33 — “Then they said to Him, ‘Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?'”
  • 34 — “And He said to them, ‘Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?'”
  • 35 — “But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.'”
  • 36 — “Then He spoke a parable to them; ‘No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old.'”
  • 37 — “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled. and the wineskins will be ruined.'”
  • 38 — “But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.'”
  • 39 — “And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.'”

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Lesson Scripture — Luke 8:41-56

  • 41 — “And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house,”
  • 42 — “for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.”
  • 43 — “Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any,”
  • 44 — “came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.”
  • 45 — “And Jesus said, ‘Who touched Me?’ When all denied it, Peter and those with Him said, ‘Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched me?'”
  • 46 — “But Jesus said, ‘Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.'”
  • 47 — “Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.”
  • 48 — “And He said to her, ‘Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.‘”
  • 49 — “While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house saying to him, ‘Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.'”
  • 50 — “But when Jesus heard it, He answered him saying. ‘Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.'”
  • 51 — “When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl.”
  • 52 — Now all wept and mourned for her, but He said, ‘Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.'”
  • 53 — “And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.”
  • 54 — “But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, ‘Little girl, arise.'”
  • 55 — Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.”
  • 56 — “And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.”

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Old Testament Prophecy Related to Matthew 9:1-26

v13Hosea 6:6 — “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”

v232 Chronicles 35:25 — “Jeremiah also lamented for Josiah. And to this day all the singing men and the singing women speak of Josiah in their lamentations. They made it a custom in Israel; and indeed, they are written in the Laments.”

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New Testament Scriptures Related to Matthew 9:1-38

v 1Matthew 4:13 — “And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali,”

v 1Matthew 11:23 — “‘And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done to you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.'”

v 2Luke 5:18-26

  • 18 – “Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, who they sought to bring in and lay before Him.”
  • 19 – “And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus.”
  • 20 – “When He saw their faith, He said to him, ‘Man, your sins are forgiven you.’”
  • 21 – “And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, ‘Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’”
  • 22 – “But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, ‘Why are you reasoning in your hearts?’”
  • 23 – “’Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’?’”
  • 24 – “’But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’—He said to the man who was paralyzed, ‘I say  to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’”
  • 25 – “Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.”
  • 26 – “And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today!’”

v 2Matthew 8:10 – “When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!’”

v 4Matthew 12:25 – “But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them; ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.’”

v 8John 7:15 – “And the Jews marveled, saying, ‘How does this Man know letters, having never studied?’”

v 9Luke 5:27 – “After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’”

v10Mark 2:15 – “Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there wre many, and they followed Him.”

v11Matthew 11:19 – “’The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! But wisdom is justified by her children.’”

v11Galatians 2:15 – “We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,”

v131 Timothy 1:15 – “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.”

v14 – Luke 5:33-35

  • 33 – “Then they said to Him, ‘Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?’”
  • 34 – “And He said to them, ‘Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?’”
  • 35 – “’But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.’”

v14Luke 18:12 – “’I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’”

v15John 3:29 – “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.”

v15Acts 13:2, 3

  • 2 – “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”
  • 3 – “Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”

v15Acts 14:23 – “So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”

v18Luke 8:41-56

  • 41 – “And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house,”
  • 42 – “for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.”
  • 43 – “Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any,”
  • 44 – “came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.”
  • 45 – “And Jesus said, ‘Who touched Me?’ When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, ‘Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’’”
  • 46 – “But Jesus said, ‘Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.’
  • 47 – “Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.”
  • 48 – “And He said to her, ‘Daughter, be of good cheer: your faith has made you well. Go in peace.’”
  • 49 – “While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, ‘Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.’”
  • 50 – “But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.’”
  • 51 – “When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl.”
  • 52 – “Now all wept and mourned for her, but He said, ‘Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.’”
  • 53 – “And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.”
  • 54 – “But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, ‘Little girl, arise.’”
  • 55 – “Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat.”
  • 56 – And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.”

v19Matthew 10:2-4

  • 2 – “Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;”
  • 3 – “Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;”
  • 4 – “Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”

v20Luke 8:43 – “Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any,”

v20Matthew 14:36 – “and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as t ouched it were made perfectly well.”

v20Matthew 23:5 – “’But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.’”

v22Luke 7:50 – “Then He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.’”

v22Luke 8:48 – “And He said to her, ‘Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.’”

v22Luke 17:19 – “So Jesus answered and said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?’”

v22Luke 18:42 – “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.’”

v23Mark 5:38 – “Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly.”

v24Acts 20:10 – “But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, ‘Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.’”

v25Mark 1:31 – “So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.”

v26Matthew 4:24 – “Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.”

v27Matthew 20:29-34

  • 29 – “Now as they weren’t out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him.”
  • 30 – “And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’”
  • 31 – “Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’”
  • 32 – “So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’”
  • 33 – “They said to Him, ‘Lord, that our eyes may be opened.’”
  • 34 – “So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”

v27Luke 18:38, 39

  • 38 – “And he cried out, saying, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’”
  • 39 – “Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’”

v30Matthew 8:4 – “And Jesus said to him, ‘See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’”

v31Mark 7:36 – “Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it.”

v32Matthew 12:22-24

  • 22 – “Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.”
  • 23 – “And all the multitudes were amazed and said, ‘Could this be the Son of David?’”
  • 24 – “Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, ‘This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.’”

v34Luke 11:15 – “But some of them said, ‘He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.’”

v35Matthew 4:23 – “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.”

v36Mark 6:34 – “And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.”

v37Luke 10:2 – “Then He said to them, ‘The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

v382 Thessalonians 3:1 – “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,”

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Old Testament Prophecy Related to Mark 5:21-43

v25Leviticus 15:19 – “If a woman has a discharge, and the discharge from her body is blood, she shall be set apart seven days; and whoever touches her shall be unclean until evening.”

v25Leviticus 15:25 – “If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, other than at the time of her customary impurity, or if it runs beyond her usual time of impurity, all the days of her unclean discharge shall be as the days of her customary impurity. She shall be unclean.”

v33Psalms 89:7 – “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints. And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.”

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New Testament Scripture Related to Mark 5:21-43

v21Luke 8:40 – “So it was, when Jesus returned that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him.”

v22Matthew 9:18-26

  • 18 – “While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.’”
  • 19 – “So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.”
  • 20 – “And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.”
  • 21 – “For she said to herself, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.’”
  • 22 – “But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’” And the woman was made well from that hour.”
  • 23 – “When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing,”
  • 24 – “He said to them, ‘Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.’ And they ridiculed Him.”
  • 25 – “But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.”
  • 26 – “And the report of this went out into all that land.”

v23Acts 9:17 – “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’”

v23Acts 28:8 – “And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery, Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.”

v27Matthew 14:35, 36

  • 35 – “And when the men of that place recognized Him, they went out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick.”
  • 36 – “and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.”

v30Luke 6:19 – “And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.”

v30Luke 8:46 – “But Jesus said, ‘Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.’”

v34Matthew 9:22 – “But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour.”

v34Luke 7:50 – “Then He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.’”

v34Luke 8:48 – “And He said to her, ‘Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.’”

v35Luke 8:49 – “While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, ‘Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.’”

v36John 11:40 – “Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’”

v38Acts 9:39 – “Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.”

v39John 11:4 – “When Jesus heard that, He said, ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’”

v39John 11:11 – “These things He said, and after that He said to them, ‘Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.’”

v40Acts 9:40 – “But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.”

v42Mark 1:27 – “Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.’”

v42Mark 7:37 – “And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.’”

v43Matthew 8:4 – “And Jesus said to him, ‘See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’”

v43Matthew 12:16-21

  • 16 – “Yet he warned them not to make Him known,”
  • 17 – “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:”
  • 18 – “’Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He will declare justice to the Gentiles.’”
  • 19 – “’He will not quarrel nor cry out. Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.’”
  • 20 – “’A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench. Till He sends forth justice to victory;’”
  • 21 – “’And in His name Gentiles will trust.’”

v43Matthew 17:9 – “Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, ‘Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.’”

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New Testament Scripture Related to — Luke 5:27-39

v27Matthew 9:9-17

  •  9 – “As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So, he arose and followed Him.”
  • 10 – “Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.”
  • 11 – “And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, ‘Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’”
  • 12 – “When Jesus heard that, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.’”
  • 13 – “’But go and learn what this means. ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’”
  • 14 – “Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?’”
  • 15 – “And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.’”
  • 16 – “’No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse.’”
  • 17 – “Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.’”

v27John 12:26-28

  • 26 – “’If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.’”
  • 27 – “’Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I came to this hour.’”
  • 28 – “’Father, glorify Your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven saying, ‘I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.’”

v27John 21:19 – “This He spoke, signifying by what death He would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’”

v27John 21:22 – “Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but ‘If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?’”

v28Mark 10:28 – “Then Peter began to say to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You.’”

v29Matthew 9:9, 10

  •  9 – “As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So, he arose and followed Him.”
  • 10 – “Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.”

v29Luke 15:1 – “Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.”

v30Luke 15:2 – “And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, ‘This Man receives sinners and eats with them.’”

v321 Timothy 1:15 – “’This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.’”

v33Matthew 9:14 – “Then the disciples of John came to Him saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?’”

v34John 3:29 – “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is fulfilled.”

v36Mark 2:21, 22

  • 21 – “’No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse.’”
  • 22 – “’And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.’”

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New Testament Scripture Related to — Luke 8:41-56

v41Mark 5:22-43

  • 22 – “And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet.”
  • 23 – “and begged Him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.’”
  • 24 – “So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.”
  • 25 – “Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years,”
  • 26 – “and had suffered many things from physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.”
  • 27 – “When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.”
  • 28 – “For she said, ‘If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.’”
  • 29 – “Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.”
  • 30 – “And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”
  • 31 – “But His disciples said to Him, ‘You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’’”
  • 32 – “And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.”
  • 33 – “But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.”
  • 34 – “And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.’”
  • 35 – “While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’”
  • 36 – “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not be afraid, only believe.’”
  • 37 – “And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.”
  • 38 – “Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly.”
  • 39 – “When He came in, He said to them, ‘Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’”
  • 40 – “And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying.”
  • 41 – “Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, ‘Talitha, cumi,’ which is translated, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’”
  • 42 – “Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.”
  • 43 – “But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it and said that something should be given her to eat.”

v42Luke 7:2 – “And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.”

v43Matthew 9:20 – “And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of his garment.”

v43Luke 15:18-22

  • 18 – “’I will arise and go to my father and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,’”
  • 19 – “’and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.’”
  • 20 – “’And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.’”
  • 21 – “’And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’’”
  • 22 – “’But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.’”

v44Mark 6:56 – “Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.”

v46Mark 5:30 – “And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched My clothes?’”

v48Luke 7:50 – “Then He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.’”

v48John 8:11 – “She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’”

v49Mark 5:35 – “While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?’”

v50Mark 11:22-24

  • 22 – “So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.’”
  • 23 – “’For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.’”
  • 24 – “’Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.’”

v52Luke 7:13 – “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’”

v52John 11:11-13

  • 11 – “These things He said, and after that He said to them, ‘Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.’”
  • 12 – “Then His disciples said, ‘Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.’”
  • 13 – “However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.”

v54John 11:43 – “Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’”

v56Matthew 8:4 – “And Jesus said to him, ‘See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’”

v56Matthew 9:30 – “And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, ‘See that no one knows it.’”

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Notes on Scripture: by tkbrown

Jesus selected two tax collectors to be among His twelve disciples: Matthew and Levi (also known as James the son of Alphaeus). He chose both in almost the same way. Whether or not He chose them on the same day is not stated, that I can find. The major difference in His manner of choosing the two was that Levi gave a big feast for Jesus which many tax collectors and others attended.

In Luke 5:27, we see Jesus was walking by the tax office when He saw one of the tax collectors sitting at the office, whose name was Levi. He said to Levi, “Follow Me.” Levi immediately left the tax office, all who were there, and followed Jesus. Then, in Luke 5:29, we are told he gave a big feast for Jesus.

In Matthew 9:9, we see Jesus walking by a tax office and seeing a man named Matthew sitting there. We are not told whether Levi and Matthew were seen sitting in the same tax office but on separate occasions. We are merely given enough information to know the two apostles were called to follow Jesus in much the same manner. It is also not made known whether the meal was in the same house at the same time, or in two separate houses, but we are shown that the Pharisees’ responses were identical. Thus, I am guessing the meal referenced was the one where Levi gave a big feast for Jesus.

When the scribes and Pharisees learned of this, they complained, and said: “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus replied, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’”

After this the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?” To this, Jesus replied, telling them while the friends are with the bridegroom there is no need to fast, but when the bridegroom is ‘taken away’—then they will fast also.

He followed up with a parable in which he reminded them, a new piece of cloth is never put on an old garment to patch it for it would pull loose and make the tear worse. Likewise, new wine is never put into old wineskins, for as the wine expands during fermentation, it would burst the old wineskins and both would be wasted. Thus, new wine is put into new wineskins and both are preserved. He added that no one prefers new wine to old wine, for the old wine is better.

This parable was to explain to the scribes and Pharisees that the Old Covenant (Testament) and the New Covenant (Testament) are not the same. In the Old Testament, God visited specific men to direct them in the manner they were to lead His people – the Israelites. In the New Testament, Jesus came to earth as a Man so He might understand the struggles of man in meeting the requirements Christ set forth for His church. The Old Testament required sacrificial blood be shed for the forgiveness of sins and for various cleansings. These were done on a yearly basis to roll the sins forward a year. In the New Testament, Jesus was the “sacrificial lamb” whose blood was shed to wash away the sins of all who would believe on His name and follow His teachings.  The Old Covenant was a sacrificial one. The New Testament is a forgiveness based on mercy because the blood has already been shed.

So, in answer to the Pharisees’ question, Jesus explained: As long as He was with his followers, there would be no need for them to fast. Only when He left would there be a need for his disciples to fast. Thus, the old fabric and the new fabric as well as the old wine and the new wine illustrated the scribes and Pharisees followed one path and would not be well served by expecting Jesus followers to worship in the old way for they now worshiped with Jesus in the new way. He was telling them, you do your fasting as you always have if you so choose. His followers would fast when He was no longer there and they would continue to worship him in the same manner as when he was with them..

Jairus,’ a ruler of the synagogue, had a daughter who was very sick and about to die. He went to Jesus and fell at His feet begging that He come to his house and heal her. When Jesus heard his plight, He went with Jairus to his house.

On the way to Jairus house, Jesus felt power leaving his body, going into someone who touched Him. He turned to the crowed who thronged Him and asked, “Who touched Me?” His disciples apparently were incredulous at this question. Peter said, “Master, see how many people are thronging around and against You—and You ask who touched You?” Jesus replied, “I felt power leaving My body.”

Then a woman stepped forth and admitted she had touched the hem of His garment, believing it could heal her if only she could touch His clothing. Immediately, she had felt the healing; the blood flow from which she had suffered for twelve years had stopped. She had seen many doctors about the problem and had exhausted all resources trying to find a treatment for the ailment which continued to grow worse. Then Jesus told her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go, in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

About that time, one from the house of Jairus, came and said to him, “Your daughter is dead. Trouble the Teacher no more.” Then Jesus said to Jairus, “Only believe! Your daughter is not dead,” and they continued to his house. Upon arrival, there was a crowd already there lamenting his daughter’s death—weeping and wailing loudly. Jesus said, “Why do you make this commotion? She is not dead but sleeping.” Then the crowd ridiculed Him.

Jesus only allowed Peter, James, and John to accompany Him to Jairus’ house. He took them–Jairus and Jairus’ wife–with Him in to where the girl was lying. Then, when He took her hand and told her to arise, she arose and walked. All were amazed. Jesus instructed them to tell no one of these happenings, but word spread like a wildfire throughout the region.

When Jesus left Jairus’ house, two blind men followed Him calling out to Him, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” Those who were around Jesus tried to quiet them, but they kept crying and calling. Jesus turned to them and asked them what they wanted. They told Him if He would lay his hands upon them, they would be able to see. Jesus asked, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” To this, they replied, “Yes, Lord!” So, Jesus touched them, and they were able to see. Then He instructed them to tell no one of this event. But, when they left, they told everyone they saw.

Then a demon-possessed man was brought to Jesus. When He cast out the demons, the people marveled at His power. The Pharisees, on the other hand, said He could only cast out demons by the power of the ruler of the demons. This did not stop Jesus from healing the sick and tormented. Everywhere He went, the sick, the maimed, and the tormented were brought to Him, and He had compassion on them—healing everyone—because He saw them as being like sheep with no shepherd to care. He told His disciples the harvest was plentiful but laborers were few, and He instructed them to pray for God to send laborers to reap the harvest for Him.

Every time Jesus healed someone and told them not to tell anyone of the miracle, the region knew of it in rapid form. This seems to be human nature. As sure as we are told not to tell or do something, usually we do just what we have been instructed not to do. I wonder, if Jesus were on earth today healing all who were brought to Him, what would the response of the multitudes be? Would they welcome Him and bring the sick, the maimed, and the tormented for His healing, or would they question and ridicule Him?

As for me, I am thankful Jesus came to earth and died for my sins. Never am I worthy of such love, but I am grateful to my dying day for the grace He has bestowed upon me.

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  • Lesson One: Zacharias to Have Son
  • Lesson Two: Jesus Birth Foretold
  • Lesson Three: Zacharias’ Son, John, is Born
  • Lesson Four: Jesus is Born
  • Lesson Five: And Jesus Grew . . .
  • Lesson Six: John Begins His Ministry
  • Lesson Seven: Jesus is Introduced to the World
  • Lesson Eight: Jesus’ Ancestral Lineage
  • Lesson Nine: Jesus is Tempted by Satan
  • Lesson Ten: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 1)
  • Lesson Eleven: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 2) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 1)
  • Lesson Twelve: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 3) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 2)
  • Lesson Thirteen: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 4) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 3)
  • Lesson Fourteen: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 5) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 4 — Conclusion)
  • Lesson Fifteen: Jesus Turns Water to Wine — The Wedding at Cana
  • Lesson Sixteen: Jesus Heals the Sick, Casts Out Demons
  • Lesson Seventeen: Jesus Talks With Nicodemus
  • Lesson Eighteen: Jesus and Jairus’ Daughter

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Photo Above: from http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.

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Living in Today

a devotional

~~ by tkbrown ~~

Scripture Source: Holy Bible — New King James Version (NKJV)

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Matthew 6:34 — “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Holy Bible — New King James Version (NKJV)

So often we hear someone refer to tomorrow and what it may bring, or another may rue something that happened a year ago. Do we not realize that when we are worried and fretting about what has already passed or what will happen in the future, we are forgetting–even neglecting–what is happening right now?

For those familiar with the 12-Step Program, the phrase, “One Day at a Time,” is heard often. It is a reminder to quit worrying about what is over and cannot be changed or what has not even arrived yet. It is a reminder to focus on “today” and the events occurring “right now.”

Some, who prefer a more crass reference to the thought might say:

“If ye have one foot in yesterday and ye other in tomorrow, ye are a-peeing all over today.”

Michael J Fox

When you think about it–crass or not–there is much truth in this saying. We simply cannot address, enjoy the events of, or resolve the problems of today, if we are rolling around on the ground wailing about yesterday or tomorrow. “. . . Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present,” Alice Morse Earle.

“The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”

Alice Morse Earle — as per Travis Dultz (below).

So, in this light, I would like to bring our attention to the woes presented in the media today. Each–and every–day, the media complains about what one politician or the other has been doing or saying. If not about what has been done or said, then about what will be done or said. We cannot do anything about the many speculations and even falsehoods found in modern media, but we can change our response to it. While it may be important to be aware of what is being touted as real in the media, it is also important to realize most of it has either already happened or is yet to occur–if it does present itself. So, worrying and fretting about what the media says does no one any good.

  • It can raise your blood pressure. — Not good for you!
  • It can cause a heart attack or stroke. — Not good for you!
  • It can drive you to drinking or doing drugs, if you are so prone. — Not good for you!
  • It can make you depressed. — Not good for you!
  • It can lead you into actions you might never consider if you had not read it or heard it on the news.

So, why does the media have such power over our lives in this day? Perhaps because we have lost the ability to focus on those thoughts, events and concerns of “this day.” When we lose this perspective, today becomes “lost” in the quagmire. Are you guilty of this?

If so, I challenge you to “grab hold” of your focus and shift it back to its intended position. Practice focusing on what is happening right now. Give “it–right now” your undivided attention! You cannot change what happened yesterday, and you cannot do anything about what may or may not happen tomorrow. So, focus on what you can do something about–whatever is happening “right now.” Only when you regain control over your focus can you do anything about the concerns that are most important–the people, places, and things in your life right now.

Yes, sometimes it is important to remember the positive events of the past to help us through the trials and tribulations of the present, but we must limit our past focus to those memories we can utilize to improve the present.

Regarding what the media is saying in reference to this or that politician, I would refer you to the thirteenth chapter of Romans (NKJV), verses one through seven:

Romans 13:1-7
  • 1 — “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”
  • 2 — “Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”
  • 3 — “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.”
  • 4 — “For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.”
  • 5 — “Therefore, you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.”
  • 6 — “For because of this, you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.”
  • 7 — “Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”

As we, here in America–and in other parts of the world–adapt to new leadership styles in new governing authorities over the next months, many are predicting failure and trepidation. Others are touting the reduction of governmental authority and power. Which will it be? Only time can tell the true tale of what lies ahead. One thing is certain, living in a mode of fear and dread will only exacerbate the situation and make it worse. Therefore, I would caution against deciding now what next month, or next year, will hold. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Sometimes we make the events of our lives worse than they would normally be by worrying and creating a “Self-fulfilling Prophecy.” Sometimes we actually create the very problem we worry might occur.

“In 1948, Robert K Merton coined the term, “self-fulfilling prophecy” to describe a false definition of the situation evoking a behavior which makes the originally false conception come true. . . . “

Derek Schaedig.

It will help us to remember, God says He put the current leaders into power, and we are to be subject to them. We are not to denigrate and denounce the powers that be. We are not to oppose the powers that be. That does not say we cannot work for change, but if we do, we must do it in a respectful manner toward the present powers that be–because those powers are ordained of God.

Hopefully, the thoughts presented in today’s devotional will help with some problem you are facing today. If it does, please let me know that in the comments section below. Just a general summary statement is good–do not feel you are being asked to give personal details. This might make you uncomfortable, and I would never intentionally do that. If you like what has been presented here, click the “Like” button and share it forward. Thank You Much!

I pray that we might always be reminded to keep life as simple as possible by focusing on the “right here, right now” instead of allowing the past or the future to complicate things. May we always look to God, His Son, and His Word for guidance in coping with concerns of this day! Blessings!

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Sources:

Dultz. Travis. (27 August 2015). “Who said ‘Yesterday is history tomorrow is a mystery today is a gift?'” Yesterday Tomorrow Today Phrase Origin. yesterdaytomorrowtodaypresent.blogspot.com. (15 November 2020). http://yesterdaytomorrowtodaypresent.blogspot.com/2015/08/yesterday-tomorrow-and-today-phrase.html.

Schaedig, Derek. (24 August 2020). “Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and The Pygmalion Effect. Simply Psychology. simplypsychology.org. (15 November 2020). https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-fulfilling-prophecy.html#:~text=A%20self%2Dfulfilling%20prophecy%20is,ways%20which%20confirm%20the%20expectations.

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Photo Above: from Public Domain Images @ pixabay.com.

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My Morning Do . . . Milk of the Word

~~ by tkbrown

1 Corinthians 3:1, 2 (NKJV)

  • 1 — “And I , brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal , as to babes in Christ.”
  • 2 — “I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;”

23 September 2020 — While working on posts for the “Greek Words for ‘love’ in the New Testament” series, I have thought much on my Biblical studies through the years. During my younger years, I studied mostly by verse and by topic. When I needed spiritual strengthening, I would search out scriptures on a particular topic and study it. The scripture was indeed food for my soul.

I grew up in a rural area, so our church family was small. When I was fourteen, I began teaching the Sunday night Children’s Class. There were five children in the class, ages five to twelve. We could not afford the purchase cost of lesson materials, so I started with the four Gospels, and we would take a few verses each week. I would write out the lesson sheets for each child.

The lessons consisted of scripture, copied word for word, with blanks to be filled in. During class, we would read the lesson scripture and fill in the blanks. The youngest could not write, but his siblings helped him fill in the blanks on his sheets. I knew from when I was younger, he could remember what we talked about, especially with two siblings who probably talked with mom and dad about what had been studied. During the two years I taught the class, we digested many morsels as they began being introduced to solid spiritual food.

As I have pondered the purpose for my reminiscing, I realized, the study of Greek words for “love” began in my teen years. The minister taught the teen / adult class. We did much the same as I did with the children, except we did not have fill-in-the-blank sheets. We studied directly from the scripture–a few verses a night. It was during my teen years, in these classes where I learned to study more in depth. The minister spoke of the Greek words for “love” occasionally during these classes, as he did for other words when he thought we could benefit from the learning.

I awoke this morning with understanding of why I had been pondering my younger days. I was being shown, during my teen years, how to study as a mature Christian. In order to do this, we begin as babes in Christ needing the “sincere milk of the word,” referenced by Peter in 1 Peter 2:2:

  • “as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” (King James Version — KJV).
  • “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” (New King James Version — NKJV).

The King James Version (KJV) of the New Testament uses the wording, “sincere milk . . .,” whereas, the New King James Version (NKJV) has changed “sincere” to “pure.” Personally, I prefer the “sincere milk . . .” for this thought process. Just as I fed my babies “milk” in their early days in order to aid their healthy growth — especially bone and teeth growth needing much calcium, we as new Christians need the “milk” of the scriptures to form a firm foundation for our Spiritual growth. As we grow, we are introduced to the more mature instruction so we can develop strength in other areas as we also continue consuming the “milk” to aid continued strengthening of the foundation.

As I pondered this, I realized my attention was being brought to the “solid food” aspect of scriptural study. When I prepare an especially savory meal for physical nutrition, I savor every morsel. This savoring is part of the spiritual growth process too. It is necessary, at times, to take a scripture word by word to learn the true meaning behind the original Greek text in the New Testament. It is necessary to chew it slowly, try to discern which spices were added during preparation. What were the other solid foods added to the dish? Our spiritual study must be taken just as slowly at times.

I said all of the above to say this: The series on Greek words used for “love” in the New Testament is a word by word type of study. We are taking each word as a single morsel of solid food and savoring each flavor (meaning) in order to absorb the most nutrition (understanding) from the food. By learning the various words used in the original Greek text, we are sorting through the flavors of Greek nutrition in order to truly understand what the English version says when it only uses one word, “love,” in its translation.

It was necessary for me to step back and explain this before progressing any further with the Greek words for “love” study in order for you, the readers, to understand the importance of knowing the original Greek term. Just as a chef must know exactly which flavors are needed to achieve a certain flavor, it is necessary for us to know what words added to the flavor of the original text. This is what is meant by the apostle Paul’s reference to “solid food” in 1 Corinthians.

I hope this little aside helps you to understand the “why” behind the “what” of what we are doing with this study. This is my prayer! Blessings to all!

Jesus Talks with Nicodemus

John 3:2 — “This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.'”

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Scripture is from the Holy Bible — New King James Version (NKJV)

Notes on Scripture (below) by tkbrown

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Lesson Scripture — John 3:1-36

  • 1 — “There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.”
  • 2 — “This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.'”
  • 3 — “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'”
  • 4 — “Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?'”
  • 5 — “Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'”
  • 6 — “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.'”
  • 7 — “‘Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again‘.'”
  • 8 — “‘The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.'”
  • 9 — “Nicodemus answered and said to Him, ‘How can these things be?'”
  • 10 — “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?'”
  • 11 — “‘Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.'”
  • 12 — “‘If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?'”
  • 13 — “‘No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.'”
  • 14 — “‘And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,'”
  • 15 — “‘that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.'”
  • 16 — “‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.'”
  • 17 — “‘For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.'”
  • 18 — “‘He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.'”
  • 19 — “‘And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.'”
  • 20 — “‘For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.'”
  • 21 — “‘But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.'”
  • 22 — “After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.”
  • 23 — “Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.”
  • 24 — “For John had not yet been thrown into prison.”
  • 25 — “Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification.”
  • 26 — “And they came to John and said to him, Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified–behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”
  • 27 — “John answered and said, ‘A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.'”
  • 28 — “‘You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him‘.'”
  • 29 — “‘He who has the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is fulfilled.'”
  • 30 — “‘He must increase, but I must decrease.'”
  • 31 — “‘He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.'”
  • 32 — “‘And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.'”
  • 33 — “‘He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.'”
  • 34 — “For He who God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.'”
  • 35 — “‘The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.'”
  • 36 — “‘He who believes in the Son has everlasting life, and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.'”

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Old Testament Prophecy Related to John 3:1-36

v 8Ecclesiastes 11:5 — “As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything.”

v14Numbers 21:9 — “So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole, and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.”

v16Isaiah 9:6 — “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

v231 Samuel 9:4 — “So he passed through the mountains of Ephraim and through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. “Then they passed through the land of Shaelin, and they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them.”

v28Malachi 3:1 — “Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming, says the Lord of hosts.’

v29Song of Solomon 5:1 — The Beloved: “I have come to my garden, my sister, my spouse; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk (To His Friends) Eat, O friends! Drink, yes, drink deeply, O beloved ones!”

v30Isaiah 9:7 — “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

v34Deuteronomy 18:18 — “I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.”

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New Testament Scripture Related to John 3:1-36

v 2John 7:50, 51

  • 50 — “Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them,”
  • 51 — “‘Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?'”

v 2John 19:39 — “And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.”

v 2John 9:16 — “Therefore some of the Pharisees said, ‘This Man is not from God because He does not keep the Sabbath.’ Others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?’ And there was a division among them.”

v 9John 9:33 — “‘If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.'”

v 2Acts 10:36-38

  • 36 — “The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ–He is Lord of all–“
  • 37 — “that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached;:
  • 38 — “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

v 31 Peter 1:22-25

  • 22 — “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,”
  • 23 — “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,”
  • 24 — “because ‘All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away,'”
  • 25 — “‘but the word of the Lord endures forever,'”

v 5Acts 10:36-38

  • 36 — “The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ–He is Lord of all–“
  • 37 — “that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached;”
  • 38 — “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

v 61 Corinthians 15:50 — “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.”

v 9John 6:52 — “The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, ‘How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?'”

v 9John 6:60 — “Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can understand it?'”

v11Matthew 11:27 — “‘All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.'”

v11John 3:32 — “‘And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.'”

v11John 8:14 — “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I came from and where I am going.'”

v13Ephesians 4:8-10

  • 8 — “Therefore He says; ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.'”
  • 9 — “(Now this, ‘He ascended’–what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?”
  • 10 — “He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)”

v14John 8:28 — “Then Jesus said to them, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself, but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.'”

v14John 12:34 — “The people answered Him, ‘We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of Man?'”

v14John 19:17, 18

  • 17 — “And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Galgotha,”
  • 18 — “where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center.”

v15John 6:47 — “‘Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.'”

v15John 3:36 — “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he wo does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

v16Romans 5:8 — “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

v17Luke 9:56 — “‘For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.’ And they went to another village.”

v18John 5:24 — “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.'”

v18John 6:40 — “‘And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up in that last day.'”

v18John 6:47 — “‘Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.'”

v18John 20:30, 31

  • 30 — “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;”
  • 31 — “but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

v19John 1:4 — “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

v19John 1:9-11

  • 9 — “That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”
  • 10 — “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.”
  • 11 — “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”

v20Ephesians 5:11-13

  • 11 — “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”
  • 12 — “For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.”
  • 13 — “But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.”

v211 Corinthians 15:10 — “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

v22John 4:1-3

  • 1 — “Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John”
  • 2 — “(though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples),”
  • 3 — “He left Judea and departed again to Galilee.”

v23Matthew 3:5, 6

  • 5 — “Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him”
  • 6 — “and were baptized by Him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.”

v24Matthew 4:12 — “Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee.”

v26John 1:7 — “This man came for a witness to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.”

v26John 1:15 — “John bore witness of Him and cried out saying, ‘This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.‘”

v26John 1:27 — “‘It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.'”

v26John 1:34 — “‘And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.'”

v26Mark 2:2 — “Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door, and He preached the word to him.”

v26Mark 3:10 — “For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him.”

v26Mark 5:24 — “So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.”

v271 Corinthians 3:5, 6

  • 5 — “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?'”
  • 6 — “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

v271 Corinthians 4:7 — “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”

v28John 1:19-27

  • 19 — “Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?'”
  • 20 — “He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.'”
  • 21 — “And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ “Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No,'”
  • 22 — “Then they said to him, ‘Who are you, that we many give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?'”
  • 23 — “He said: ‘I am The voice of one crying in the wilderness; make a straight the way of the Lord.’ As the prophet Isaiah said.'”
  • 24 — “Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.”
  • 25 — “And they asked him, saying, ‘Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?'”
  • 26 — “John answered them, saying, ‘I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know.'”
  • 27 — “It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.'”

v292 Corinthians 11:2 — “For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”

v31John 3:13 — “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.'”

v31John 8:23 — “And He said to them, ‘You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.'”

v311 Corinthians 15:47 — “The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.”

v31John 6:33 — “‘For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.'”

v32John 3:11 — “‘Most assuredly, I say to you, ‘We speak what we know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.””

v32John 15:15 — “‘No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.'”

v331 John 5:10 — “He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself, he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His son.”

v34John 7:16 — “Jesus answered them and said, ‘My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.'”

v34John 1:16 — “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.”

v35Hebrews 2:6-8

  • 6 — “But one testified in a certain place, saying: ‘What is man that You are mindful of him, or the Son of Man that you take care of Him?'”
  • 7 — “‘You have made Him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned Him with glory and honor and set Him over the works of Your hands.'”
  • 8 — “‘You have put all things in subjection under His feet.’ For in that He put all in subjection under Him; He left nothing that is not put under Him. But now we do not yet see all things put under Him.”

v36 John 3:16, 17

  • 16 — “‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.'”
  • 17 — “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.'”

v36John 6:47 — “‘Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.'”

v36Romans 1:18 — “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”

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Notes on Scripture: by tkbrown

Nicodemus came to Jesus by night to discuss differences of opinion he had been hearing and to get some clarification on some specific points. Nicodemus is a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. He told Jesus they knew He was from God because, if He were not, He would be unable to do the many signs and wonders. He also wanted to find out how he might become a part of the kingdom of God about which Jesus taught. Jesus told him,, “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This confused Nicodemus and he asked, “How can one who is old enter his/her mother’s womb and be born again.”

Jesus explained, one must be born of both water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom. He differentiated the fleshly birth from the Spiritual birth. He and John had been baptizing with water; so, this indicates one must be baptized of water and the Spirit. Nicodemus struggled to understand.

Using the example of wind blowing and the inability to “know” from whence it comes or where it goes, Jesus told Nicodemus it is not something one can fully understand. “It just is.” Still confused, Nicodemus said, “How can these things be?” Jesus referenced Nicodemus’ position in the Jewish community–teacher of Israel,”–and pointed out that he should know these things. He said, “I have told you earthly things which you do not understand; so, how are you going to understand heavenly things.”

Jesus proceeded to discuss His coming down from heaven as the same Son of Man who was then in heaven–meaning He was both places. He discussed the need to be ‘lifted up’–crucified–because God is not willing that any should perish but that all might have everlasting life. He explained, “God loves the world so much He sent Jesus to earth to die for every man/woman so their sins did not have to keep them from heaven. Everyone who believes He is the Son of God might, thus, enter the kingdom. Anyone who does not believe He is the Son of God has already condemned himself, or herself.” Then He repeated, “God’s desire is that every person be saved, so His coming to earth was never to condemn anyone– that condemnation is fully completed by every man or woman who does not go to heaven. The love of darkness and evil keeps the sinful from the light. Those who believe and adhere to truth live in the light. Their deeds are clearly seen–not hidden as those of persons preferring darkness.

After His meeting with Nicodemus, Jesus and His disciples went to Judea and remained there teaching and baptizing. Jesus taught; His disciples baptized. John was also teaching and baptizing not far away. He had not yet been imprisoned. The Pharisees were confused by the need for both John and Jesus to be teaching and baptizing. A dispute arose among them and some of John’s disciples who then took the matter to John for answers. John reminded them he had always told them there was One who came after him who was before him– whose sandal strap he was unworthy to loose. Finally, they specifically asked him if he was the Christ. John replied he was not. They asked if he was a prophet, or Elijah. Each time, John responded in the negative. They ultimately asked him, “Then just who are you that we might tell the true answer to those who sent us?”

John, using the example of the bride and the bridegroom, stated it is the bridegroom who has the bride, and the one who stands with the bridegroom is his friend. The friend is happy for the bridegroom, but once the bride belongs to the bridegroom, his friend must discreetly disappear. They mentioned that Jesus was now baptizing more than John. This, John explained as being God’s plan in that Jesus, having the testimony of God via direct contact, had certified that God is real and true. Thus, He would continue to increase in followers and John would steadily decrease and fade from the picture.

John then reiterated what Jesus had told Nicodemus. God sent His Son into the world to save everyone from their sins. God desired that every man and woman be saved and have an eternal home in heaven. Therefore, everyone who believes Jesus Christ is God’s Son has the opportunity to be saved. Those who do not believe He is the Son of God have already condemned themselves.

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  • Lesson One: Zacharias to Have Son
  • Lesson Two: Jesus Birth Foretold
  • Lesson Three: Zacharias’ Son, John, is Born
  • Lesson Four: Jesus is Born
  • Lesson Five: And Jesus Grew . . .
  • Lesson Six: John Begins His Ministry
  • Lesson Seven: Jesus is Introduced to the World
  • Lesson Eight: Jesus’ Ancestral Lineage
  • Lesson Nine: Jesus is Tempted by Satan
  • Lesson Ten: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 1)
  • Lesson Eleven: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 2) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 1)
  • Lesson Twelve: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 3) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 2)
  • Lesson Thirteen: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 4) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 3)
  • Lesson Fourteen: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Part 5) — Sermon on the Mount (Part 4 — Conclusion)
  • Lesson Fifteen: Jesus Turns Water to Wine — The Wedding at Cana
  • Lesson Sixteen: Jesus Heals the Sick, Casts Out Demons
  • Lesson Seventeen: Jesus Talks With Nicodemus

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Photo Above: by en.wikipedia.org.

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My Morning Do . . . “Blessings”

~~ by tkbrown

20 September 2020 — This morning, I decided to do a search for scriptures related to blessings we are to give others. This is the flip side of receiving blessings from God through Jesus Christ. The scriptures abound regarding blessings from God–a topic of which I needed no convincing. God Blesses me daily in some way–at least once a day! I am ever thankful to Him for that! The convincing I needed was regarding my certainty I had seen scriptures depicting ‘our blessings granted to other people.’

Thus, my reasoning for searching out scriptures related to blessings from us to others is based on the topic of us receiving Blessings from God. When Jesus came to earth, through His life, He left an example of how we are to live. Since He regularly proffered blessings upon others, it seemed to me we must proffer blessings upon others. After all, to be a “Christian” means to be “like Christ,” “Christ like,” etc. Christ was always in prayer to God, thus I try to “pray without ceasing” as the apostle Paul taught us. So, I began my search . . . .

I found three New Testament scriptures related to us offering blessings to others. What intrigues me, is: We are to bless “those who curse us, those who render us evil, and those who revile us.” This is so very intriguing to me. I would have thought we should bless those needing encouragement. Then, when I thought on it, these would be precisely the ones needing encouragement in order to learn to live like Christ lived. This says, I am to bless those who practice witchcraft. I am to bless those who practice all manner of evil–which is Satanic, and I am to bless those who revile me. In other words, whatever the form of persecution directed toward me, I am to deflect it with a blessing in return. This would say, too, when someone does or does not agree with me, I should bless them. So, I believe my tendency to end my comments and responses with “Blessings!” is not a put-down or telling you I am being persecuted. I believe it is to be received in the Spirit intended–which is: “I care about you and any sufferings you may be going through, thus, I am blessing you in hopes of minimizing any suffering you may be receiving. When I do this, God Blesses me! Amazing! Simply Amazing!

Thank You, Jesus, for such a simple message in a world of such complexity!

Below, I leave you with the three New Testament Passages I found related to us giving blessings to others. If you know of any I missed, please comment and let me know their location. Also, please comment below and let me know what you thing of “Blessings” extended as a Sign-off Salutation.

Blessings to all!

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Romans 12:14 — “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

Luke 6:27, 28

  • 27 — “But I say to you who hear, ‘Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,'”
  • 28 — “‘bless those who curse you and pray for those who spitefully use you.'”

1 Peter 3:8, 9

  • 8 — “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous,”
  • 9 — “not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”

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Photo Above: by sachbearbeitung at pixabay.com.

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My Morning Do . . . “Pleasant Words”

~~ by tkbrown

12 September 2020 — Soft words spoken, when harsh words are expected, are often visibly appreciated. The look of surprise alone can be fuel to continue using soft words rather than berating the offender. I have always been one to readily forgive an offence. It just was not typically worth the effort or the time it took to argue the issue. Now, I am not always the best of persons when it comes to my words of offense. There have been times when I argued the point to the nth degree, but mostly I have always tended to allow the other person his or her view on the topic.

One day, I was reading in Proverbs and came across some scripture to support this approach. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger,” (NKJV). It is so true. I thought on the times when I had argued the point. Either I or the other person left the discussion upset. Untended anger can be a detriment to health. It can cause elevated blood pressure, which in turn can cause myriad other problems if it is a frequent occurrence.

On the other hand, Proverbs 16:24 says, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones,” (NKJV). When I read these scriptures, I began making a conscious effort to not get angry without a truly just reason, and I began checking myself to ensure I replied with pleasant words. This scripture prompted a more in-depth study of problems associated with off-the-cuff comments and the unbridled tongue in general. One can create so many problems for self and others simply because the tongue is left unchecked. If a wholesome tongue is “a tree of life,” I wonder that this lesson is not taught more often.

Needless to say, these and other scriptures have taught me the importance of “thinking before I speak.” The good news is I do not have to make amends by apologizing for an errant tongue as often as before. This is a “major blessing” because I am so ashamed when I have to atone for this or that pain caused by my mouth. Also, others are not angry with me when I speak with pleasant words. Earlier in the week, I wrote about “gossip” and the harm done by it. Have you ever dealt with this in yourself or someone else? If so, would you please comment below and let us know how you approached the situation?

Just some food for thought as social distancing continues, and we are inside with family more.

Have a Blessed Day!

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Scriptures above are from the Holy Bible — New King James Version (NKJV).

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Photo Above: by kangbch @ pixabay.com.

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My Morning Do . . . “Coffee and Gossip”

~~ by tkbrown

9 September 2020 — Good Morning, I hope you had a Blessed and Peaceful day since our last communication. I was reading a peer blogger’s site this morning and the three words below popped out! So, let’s look at them and see what this is about.

“Coffee and Gossip. . . . “

. . . coffee break
a haiku ~~ by tkbrown

Morning coffee break,
water fountain milieu crowd
gossip and banter.
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“Coffee and Gossip. . . . “ said a blogging peer, and I knew what the topic of “My Morning Do . . . ” must be. I had already debated whether to write about this and was still unsure. After reading the comment, I knew–Yes, this is today’s topic!

In my haiku, I mention the water fountain, but coffee and gossip can be brought together in most any place and in most any time. The effect and the affect are still the same. Medical science has now shown that coffee is good for the health in some persons–so long as you do not partake of more than four cups per day. (Always check with your doctor before you imbibe.) When I was told to increase from one to two cups a day. I rejoiced because there was a time, I drank much more coffee per day than that, but I had been advised to cut it out completely. I did cease consumption for a few years, but eventually added one cup per day back. The gossip part–I tried not to engage; however, I am human and must enter the guilty plea for occasional infraction.

Today, I would like us to think on gossip a bit. I would like to engage your minds a bit with some questions about gossip and you:

  • Do you enjoy the thought of being the subject of someone’s gossip?
    • I once thought long and hard on this question. The answer: No, I do not enjoy the thought of being the subject of someone’s gossip. If they cannot–or will not–say it to me, I believe they should not say it. So, I should not engage in gossip about someone–anyone–else. Jesus said, “‘Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets,'” Matthew 7:12. Personally, I believe gossip is a form of bullying. Gossip is never of the positive nature; thus it is always harmful to someone.
  • Do you ever engage in idle gossip about others?
    • While it is easy to say a particular negative behavior is never engaged, in all likelihood, it is engaged at some point–simply because we are human. We can never get it right one hundred percent of the time. I try extremely hard not to talk about others if I am not talking to that person. It is exceedingly difficult to maintain. I sometimes do not even realize I am gossiping about someone, then I catch myself–and I am so ashamed. I have prayed and asked God to help me not do this. So, I am sure it is He who shows me what I am doing–so I can learn to stop.
  • Do you believe your gossip has ever been harmful to another?
    • For much of my life, I never thought about this. Although I was never one to talk about others intentionally, I did engage this behavior from time to time. I am sad to say on this day: Looking back, my discussions about others–that I do remember–were never of the positive nature; so, yes, they were harmful to others. Regardless of how innocently we engage the behavior, it harms another because gossip is never in the positive or affirmative realm of discussion.
  • Do you know what God says about “gossip”?
    • Gossip is a topic rarely discussed in church settings. I wonder why. As Christians, it should always be foremost in our mind as a behavior to avoid. It is never pleasing to God.
      • Firstly, it does not please God because it is not what we would want others to do regarding us.
      • Secondly, Proverbs 17:9 says, “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.” Thus, any repeat of a transgression to another is harmful. I am separating myself from a friend when I do this. In many instances, the friendship will be no more.

I want to leave you with this thought: If you truly want to act as a Christian, ask yourself–“What would Jesus do?”–and ask God to show you how often you talk “about” others rather than “to” them. You might be surprised! I was!

A few other scriptures for your perusal at your own pace:

  • Proverbs 18:18 — “The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body.”
  • Proverbs 18:21 — “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
  • James 1:26 — “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
All scripture above is from the Holy Bible — New King James Version (NKJV).

I hope all who are reading have a wonderful and blessed day! Be safe!

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