Fathers

James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Happy Father’s Day. I was thinking of some of the fathers that have touched my life. Some of the memories are good, some not so good, but I learned from them all. I am now in my 6^th decade, but I still have fond memories

Maternal Grandfather

My maternal grandfather was always fun to be around. He would pick me up from my house on Fridays so I could sleep over. One of his favorite past times was “junk collecting”. He was one of the original “American Pickers”. People would leave “trash” on the side of the road and he knew all the “good places”. I loved to go with him when I was young.  While driving and “looking for the right junk” he told me stories about the area. He loved to tell the  “I remember when”  stories as we traveled around the town or city.

His cellar was loaded with all types of “treasure”. He had “a place for everything and everything was in its place”. My brothers and I would go downstairs with him to see the newly acquired  “stuff”.  In those days, my grandfather found many things lying on the side of the road. I still own two brass chandeliers, which he gave me when I moved to my own home.  

My grandmother was crippled with arthritis, and my grandfather did whatever he could to help. He did laundry, grocery shopping and “straightening up” around the house. He installed a “buzzer” in the cellar (the original man cave) so grandma could just push from upstairs to get his help or call him to supper.

My maternal grandfather and my father did not speak to each other for eighteen years. During all those years he was still faithful to his grandchildren. He would visit, when my father wasn’t home. When my father was home, he would respect him and not go into the house but wait patiently for his grandchildren to bring them to his home for a visit. In all the years that the “feud” went on, I never heard my grandfather say an unkind word about my father.

My grandfather died of Alzheimer’s disease when he was in his mid 70s. I have many fond memories of him and his love for me and my brothers.

Dad

My father did not have a good role model from his own father. My father’s goal in life was, “I don’t want to be like my father”. To this end he worked very hard. He spent time with his children. He taught us many things: playing basketball, riding bikes, and fishing to name a few.

My father did not have a high school education, yet he was a very smart man. It always amazed me that he could figure out math problems “in his head” before I could write them down. He had his own contracting business for many years. He was a hard worker who provided for his family.

 My dad was  very sentimental and very emotional. He would cry very easily. I remember one time shortly before his death, when my family traveled to visit him. He lived in FL while I lived in New England. When we arrived at the house, he was standing at the door, crying like a baby, because he was overjoyed to see us.

 He was also a “worry wart”. He would worry about things that might happen. I sometimes think he would not know what to do if he did not “worry” about something.

I am so thankful for the father God gave me. He was not perfect but he was mine and I have many fond memories of him

Dad L

Another dad I knew was my father-in-law. Unfortunately I only knew him for 5 years before he died of cancer. He was an orphan at a very young age and reared by an aunt, who was not very kind. He did not have a father so his parenting skills were nil. He loved his seven children and wife but had a hard time showing it. One of my favorite memories is dad playing with “fisher price people” on the floor with my daughter.

My father in law would give his wife a “darling wife” birthday card and not sign it. When questioned about this he would reply, “she only has one husband.”

Here are a few of my father-in-law’s sayings:

·        What my necktie pay attention.

·        You can call me anything but late for dinner.

·        It’s a long ride home give the children some cookies for the ride. (we lived 15 minutes away)

The father of my children:

My husband is a wonderful man. He is a hardworking man who loves the Lord with all his heart. He was brought up in an Irish household where stoic is the main word. He was taught from a very early age that “boys don’t cry”.

Mark has always been there for me and the children, who are now adults. He worked extra jobs when the children were young so I could be home with them. He went to  Bible College at night while working a full and part time job. Many nights he stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to complete homework assignments.

He has a quirky sense of humor but always gets laughs at his corny jokes. Our granddaughters adore him and love to have “papa days” which include playing at the park and going to McDonald’s or Dunkin Donuts. Our grandsons, who are not local, also love to Skype and tell him what is happening in their lives.

He worked a full time job for many years while pastoring a church. He is one of the most dedicated and faithful men I know.  I am so thankful for a godly husband. I love you, Mark!

Closing thoughts

Today is Father’s Day, thank a father who has been an encouragement to you. Think with me of the “fathers you know”. Do you have great memories of your dad or  grandfather? Can you remember playing a favorite game with them or maybe having a “scary” story told by them?  Maybe you don’t have fond memories as I do but do not despair.

You have a great Father in Heaven. James calls him the “Father of lights”, he never changes. He is better than ten earthly fathers. God is always there right by our side. He is a kind and compassionate Father.

The Bible is rich in descriptive words explaining our Great and wonderful Father in Heaven. Here are a few verses to get you started:

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:5 

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Psalm 103:13 

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Psalm 17:6 

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Psalm 27:10

Have a wonderful day

 Donna

Lessons from Esther: The sons of Haman

And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. :7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha, 8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, 9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha, 10 The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand. 11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king. 12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.  13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows. 14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons. 15 For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand. Esther 9:6-15

The fighting continues, Jews everywhere are “fighting for their life”. Enemies of the Jews are falling rapidly. All of Haman’s sons are killed with many more of their countrymen.

Each of Haman’s sons is named in this portion of scripture. The death toll is getting higher. The king receives the number of deaths (500)and tells Esther. He also asks if she has any petitions, which he will grant.

Esther asks for the sons of Haman to be hanged on the gallows. She also asks for another day for her countrymen to fight. A total of eight hundred men were killed in Shushan, the city where the palace was located.

In all this, the Jews did not take any spoil, even though they were entitled to it according to the king’s decree.

The words of Psalm 118, though written by King David, fit in this section of Esther’s story.

5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. 6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? 7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. 8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. 10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. Psalm 118:5-10

Esther continued to trust God with every being of her life. We need to trust God with the details of our life.

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psalm 9:10

... Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. Psalm 16:1

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5

Join me next week as I finish Esther’s story.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: The king’s permission

8 Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse. 9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. 10 And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries: 11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey, 12 Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. 13 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. Esther 8:8-13

The king has not finished his proposal. He now explains the rest of his plan. The first thing that needs to be done is to start the “writing campaign”. Letters need to be written and delivered to all 127 provinces.

This was not a job for Mordecai but the king’s scribes were called in to do the job. Remember there were no computers, iPads, word processors or even typewriters. Each word needed to be written by hand. Each letter was written separately, over and over the words were written in 127 letters. The letters were written in the various languages of the provinces, this was a very labor intensive project. Each letter was sealed by the king’s special seal; the letters could not be reversed. As always what the king said would stand.

When the writing was done, the letters were packed and sent by horse, mules, camels and even dromedaries. This was serious business the news had to get out and get out fast.

This letter was to counteract the letter sent by Haman. The letter sent by Haman stated:

13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. 14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. Esther 3:13-14

The letter that Mordecai sent said the Jews could fight back and defend themselves against “all the power of the people…that would assault them” (Esther 8:11-12). Now the Jews could prepare to fight, they could get together and make plans on how to defend themselves.

Throughout the book we do not see the name of God, but Mordecai and Esther certainly trusted the Lord. He would see them and their people through this horrible time.

As Christians, we need to trust God. He knows the end of the story and He will be with us, as He was with Mordecai and Esther, in all troubles and tribulations.

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psalm 56:3

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: The Special Banquet

6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. 7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is; 8 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said. 9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. Esther 5:6-9

The banquet is ready and the food and wine are served. Still very curious about why the queen would request his presence the king asks again, “what is your request?”

Esther does not have complete peace. Fasting for wisdom and guidance from the Lord she knows this is not the time to speak about the situation regarding her people. Esther quickly asks for another banquet. Again she requests the presence of both the king and Haman. The king, as we see from previous chapters, loves a good banquet. He confirms for both of them and I’m sure Esther starts the preparations right away. This next banquet needs to be perfect and the time needs to be right for her to brooch the delicate subject.

Imagine the pride that is welling up in Haman. Not just one banquet but two, he is “beside” himself. Being invited to a private banquet with just the king and queen, could he be any more special.

Haman’s joy is soon turned to indignation when he sees Mordecai. Indigation from the Hebrew means heat; figuratively anger, poison (from its fever): - … In other words, he is so hot with anger that it makes his blood curdle.

There are a few lessons to be learned from this short portion of scripture:

1. There are times to speak and there are times to be quiet.

… a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; Ecclesiastes 3:7

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19

2. Don’t let pride “creep” in

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. Psalm 10:4

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.  Proverbs 14:3

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Proverbs 29:23

3. Beware of anger

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. Psalm 37:8

A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.  Proverbs 15:18

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  Ephesians 4:31

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.  Ecclesiastes 7:9

As we travel in our daily life let’s put on the courage of Esther (#1) not the character of Haman (#2&3).

Have a blessed day, 

Donna

Moments

Happy Moments,

Praise God.

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35:28

Difficult Moments,

Seek God.

Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. I Chronicles 16:11

Quiet Moments,

Worship God.

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2

Painful Moments,

Trust God.

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5

Every Moment,

Thank God.

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.  I Chronicles 29:13

Be thankful,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: Anger controls or Control anger

5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. 6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. 7 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. 8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them. 9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries. 10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy. 11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee. Esther 3:5-11

Have you ever been angry? I mean really really angry? Well, Haman was so angry that he was ready to burst!! He was full of wrath. His anger was taking complete control of him. He was so angry he didn’t just want to kill Mordecai, for his act of disobedience, but destroy all of his people, the Jews.

Haman had a plan, to kill all the Jews. He needed to pick a time when this would happen. Haman and his cronies got together to “cast pur” today we would call it “throwing dice.” They decided which day and month would be the best to kill the Jews by casting pur. Albert Barnes says, “A lot seems to have been cast, or a throw of some kind made, for each day of the month and each month of the year. The day and month which obtained the best throws were then selected.”

Once the decision was made which day would be best, Haman goes to the king and presents his plan. Basically he said, “O King there is a certain people who are not like us, they have strange laws and they certainly don’t keep the king’s law. I really don’t see much profit for the kingdom in having them around. So king, I have a plan. What a deal! Let me kill all these people and I’ll give the kingdom 10,000 talents”.  After looking at various commentaries and authors many had different amounts that would have equaled 10,000 talents, but all agreed that it was a considerable amount of money.

If there was any doubt in Ahasuerus’ mind, it was dissolved with the discussion of money. It did not take the king any time to make his decision as a matter of fact; he didn’t even ask who the people were. Whatever you say Haman, do what you want with these people. The king seems so wishy washy to me, no problem just do whatever you want. I’ll get the money.

Everything Haman did was anger driven. Anger was in every pore of his being.

 Let’s take a minute to see what the Bible says about anger.

Anger hinders

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. Psalm 37:8

There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. Psalm 38:3 

Watch your words

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1 

Pick friends carefully

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Proverbs 22:24 

Self control

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Proverbs 16:32 

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9 

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Ephesians 4:31 

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Ephesians 4:26 

Does anger control you or do you control your anger?

Pray and ask God for help. We need to “hid God’s word in our heart” by memorizing anger verses to help us conquer the problem.

Have a blessed day, 

Donna

Women of the Bible – Sarah (part 2)

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Genesis 18:14 

As the years pass Sarai still doesn’t have children. Meanwhile she had her own ideas. She suggests to Abram to take her maid Hagar and have children with her. This was a common practice during this time, the results, hopefully, was to give the man a male heir. Hagar does conceive but it causes problems. The main problem was it is not God’s plan.

In Genesis 17 God changes their names from Sarai and Abram to Sarah and Abraham (Gen 17:13, 15-16). Sarah means princess while Abraham means ”father of many nations”. Changing their names was God’s way of sealing His promise with them.

We can learn much from Sarah’s life. One of the things that “jumped” out at me, was the way she handled the “heir” situation. Sarah knew what God had promised but she had a hard time believing it. Instead of waiting on God and His time table, she ran ahead of God and made her own plan (the wrong way). She spoke to Abraham and said, “God is “restraining” me from having children so go and try with my servant, Hagar. (Gen 16:1-4) Almost immediately, Sarah realized her wrong and lashed out at Abraham. (Gen 16:5)

Do we ever lash out at someone for our mistakes? Is that the right way to handle the situation? Are our emotions controlling us or are we controlling our emotions? I can only answer for myself and sad to say many times I let my emotions control me.

The right way is to wait on God and search His word. Waiting for anything is extremely hard for us, but waiting on the Lord, sometimes, is almost impossible for impatient humans to do! A few verses that come to mind:

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:14 

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: … Psalm 37:7

Search His word for answers to your problems. As we are waiting on the Lord for a clear answer to a problem we need to be looking in His word for the answer. He will give us comfort as we wait for His lead in the next step.

 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Psalm 130:5 

To know how to wait is the great secret of success. ~ Joseph De Maistre

As the story unfolds we find that Sarah’s faith is increased. Hebrews 11:11 says, Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Sarah is just one of two women mentioned in the “hall of faith” chapter in the book of Hebrews.

At the age of 90, Sarah had a son, Isaac, meaning laughter. Abraham was 100 years old. It was certainly a miracle that she had a child at this age but another phenomenon was her ability to nurse him. 

Sarah died when she was 127 years old. She is the only woman in the Bible whose age at death is recorded.

Faith is to believe, on the word of God, what we do not see, and its reward is to see and enjoy what we believe. ~ Augustine

As we travel through life we need to wait on Him in all situations and have faith that nothing is too hard for the Lord.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Aging

7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: 8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. Ecclesiastes 11:7-8

Solomon says if a man lives many years he needs to rejoice. Seeing the light each morning is a blessing. Waking up and taking a breath of air is something to be thanking God for.  The day is coming that we will be old. It is part of life.

With old age there will be days of darkness. As one ages simple things become much harder than when younger, there are more “aches and pains” as one ages. Climbing stairs may become more of a burden. Picking up items may be harder to do as arthritis or other aliments set in. Aging should not be looked on as a curse but a blessing, if you know Jesus as your Savior it is one step closer to eternity with Him.

I have a few quotes about aging, enjoy a laugh or a sigh, depending on where you are in the “aging” process.

Old age is not for the feeble.

Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many. ~ Unknown

Let us respect gray hairs, especially our own. ~ J.P. Senn

No wise man ever wished to be younger. ~ Jonathan Swift

Old age is not for sissys ~ Eric Lindell

It is a rare and difficult attainment to grow old gracefully and happily. ~ L.M. Child

Gray hairs seem to my fancy like the soft light of the moon, silvering over the evening of life. ~ Henri Richter

Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age. ~ Victor Hugo

The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head. Proverbs 20:29 

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalm 37:25  

Have a blessed day,
Donna

A warning about anger

9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. Ecclesiastes 7:9-10

Anger is not good, but uncontrolled anger is the worse of all types of anger. There are many books written about anger and how to control it. In my own library I own the following counseling books:

Anger is a choice

Uprooting Anger

The Heart of Anger

The reason there are so many books about anger, is there are many people who have anger issues. The Bible tells us we can be angry but the key is not to sin in our anger. (Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:)

Solomon tells us that anger rests in the bosom (within) of fools. I do not want to be a fool. There are many times I was a fool with uncontrolled and very foolish anger. What does God’s word say about anger?

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. Psalm 37:8 

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1 

A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. Proverbs 15:18 

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Proverbs 16:32 

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Ephesians 4:31 

An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. Proverbs 29:22 

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Proverbs 22:24 

I Googled the word anger, 43,000,000 sites with the word anger came up. Wow! Do you think people today have a problem with anger?

Some of the titles of the sites were:

Controlling anger

Anger management

Taking charge of anger

What is anger?

Strategies for Controlling Anger

National Anger management association

Here are some quotes that should make one think before letting anger get the upper hand.

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. ~ Buddha.

Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret. ~ Ambrose Bierce.

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

      

 Anger dwells only in the bosom of fools. ~ Albert Einstein (Ecc. 7:9)

Whenever anger comes up, take out a mirror and look at yourself. When you are angry, you are not very beautiful. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind. ~ Robert Green Ingersoll

Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured. ~ Mark Twain

Anger is not new but it is certainly something we need to control. Anger is a problem in the world today both in Christian and non-Christians circles. As Christians we do have the answer but the question is: What are we going to do about it?

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. Psalm 103:8 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Man or Beast??

18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. 20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? 22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? Ecclesiastes 3:18-22

Man compared to beast (animals). Are we like animals? In one sense we are inclined to say yes, because both are born, both eat to physically strengthen themselves, both breathe air to live and both die.

Warren Wiersbe says,”For when man leaves God out of his life, he becomes like an animal. He lives like a beast and dies like a beast.” (Be Satisfied, loc 973, Kindle version)

19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. II Peter 2:19-20

Man has body, soul and spirit. Animal has body. The similarities end there. Are we better than animals? I say yes, there are some that would disagree but let’s look at what God’s word says about man.

God made us in His own image

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26 

God wants us to walk right

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23 

They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Psalm 119:3 

God wants us to trust Him

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8 

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8 

God wants us to follow Him

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. III John 1:11 

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 1Thessalonians 5:15 

God wants us to obey Him

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:9 

Next time you see an animal remember you are not related, but you were created in the image of God. Praise God for giving you LIFE!

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Job’s Wife

[9] Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.[10] But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.  Job 2:9-10

When you first hear “Job’s wife” what runs through your mind. My first thought, “she was not supportive but wanted him to just curse God and die.” Think for a minute with me, Job was not the only one who lost everything, so did his wife. The livestock that was killed was part of her livelihood too. The children that died were her children also. Her heart must have been breaking. I cannot image losing a child never mind ten, all at once. Not only did she lose everything with her husband, but it appeared that she was now losing him.

He was covered from head to toe with boils. Boils are extremely painful. He did not have one or two but so many that he was literally covered. He probably could not walk very well, because they were on the soles of his feet. His hands, most likely, were covered so he could not carry or hold anything without being in excruciating pain. He could not sit, he could not stand, and he could not lie down without pain wrenching his whole body. Thoughts from theologians believe it was anything from small pox, or leprosy to elephantiasis. The Hebrew meaning of boil is to burn; inflammation, that is, an ulcer: - boil, botch.

It appears that her faith was not as strong as Job’s, “do you still retain your integrity?” was the question asked. She was suffering too. She did not know how to reach out and comfort her husband. Maybe communication was not good between them. We need to remember this was a time when women kept silent. Eugenia Price says, “She saw her husband strictly from her own viewpoint, not at all from his.” We learn in Job 19 that his breath was offensive to her. It probably was because of the dreaded infection he had.

Only four verses mention Job’s wife. We do not know much, most is conjecture. We do know God gave Job double at the end than what he had in the beginning (Job 42:12).  God gave his wife a second chance with the birth of more children. Again there is much said about the end of Job’s life. Some believe it was a second wife, some believe it was his first wife. I side with it being the same wife. After looking through scripture I could not see the “second wife” theory.

Lessons I learned from Job’s wife:

Judgemental – do not be quick to judge, we need to walk in someone else’s shoes

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. ~ John 7:24

Offend – don’t be offensive, think before you speak, think before you act

My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. ~ Psalm 49:3

Bitter – Bitterness festers inner “sores”

Let all bitterness… be put away from you… ~  Ephesians 4:31

Stern – Watch the tone of your voice

… a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; Ecclesiastes 3:7

Weary – when one is emotionally drained it brings everyone down

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. ~ II Thessalonians 3:13

Inadequate –  realize we are inadequate but Jesus is there to help us

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. ~ I Peter 5:7

Fatigue – when going through hard times find time to rest your tired body (physically and emotionally)

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: ...~ Psalm 37:7

Encourage– pray and ask God to help you be an encourager not a discourager

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Restoring order

[9] Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense. [10] And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. [11] Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place. [12] Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. [13] And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren. [14] Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.  Nehemiah 13:9-14

This last chapter in Nehemiah is all about restoration. In this portion, the chambers, it appears that Tobiah had more than one to live in, are cleansed and restored to the original use. The vessels and offerings were placed back in the chamber.

Nehemiah continues his investigation and finds that the Levites had not been paid and went “back to the field” to earn their living. He gathers the rulers to ask “why God’s house is forsaken”, bringing back the words they said to him when the covenant was made (Nehemiah 10:39).

Gathering the Levites, Nehemiah brings them back to the temple to perform their duties. Ever the organizer Nehemiah appoints treasurers to oversee and distribute the tithes brought into the treasury.

Through all this Nehemiah does not lose sight of why he is doing this. He prays and calls out to God. Commentaries call these prayers, ejaculatory prayers. In this brief but powerful prayer, Nehemiah asks God to remember him and not wipe out his good deeds for the temple.

God is with us, just as He was with Nehemiah. Our prayers do not need to be elaborate, but sincere from the heart.

Three things I learned from this portion of scripture:

Let God lead:

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23  

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133 

Be organized:

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1Corinthians 14:40 

Be prayerful:

Pray without ceasing. 1Thessalonians 5:17  

Have a blessed day, 

Donna

Safe Harbor

As I look outside my office window, I reflect on the view and how blessed I am to work in a beautiful place. The water is serene and still as the boats gently float attached to the moorings. Sometimes I live my life more like a wild storm then being in the middle of a safe harbor.

Christ is the safe harbor. I need to pull into the harbor, and rest in the calm and tranquil waters; no matter what the problem He is there.

Hebrews 13:5 says,” for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

This doesn’t mean sometimes, or once in a while, but never leave us. He is there through each and every storm of our life.

Each one of us has problems in his/her life, some are very small and really insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Some problems are extremely large and we wonder if we will ever get over it. We need to trust Christ to see us through.

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5

There are so many problems we may go through in this life, the big question is: How do I handle these problems in the light of God’s word? I am not an expert at always doing the right thing, but through the years I have learned, most of the time, to look at God’s word to see how to handle a problem.

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Proverbs 30:5

Are you going through rough and choppy waters?

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. Psalm 93:3 -4

Stormy seas – problems in your life

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Psalm 107:29

Is the current against you (people or circumstances against you)?
Quite a few years ago my husband had a problem with someone spreading lies about him. Throughout the whole episode we trusted God to work it out. The offender soon stopped when he could not get the desired results, getting people to dislike my husband.

One day I was reviewing some of my Bible notes I noticed that just before this happened I had studied and made notes on a few verses. The verses had to do with the problem we were about to face. Here are the verses:

Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Psalm 143:8

A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. Pro 11:13

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Pro 12:19

Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. Pro 20:22

God was preparing me for the current that would be working against us. These verses helped me to do the right thing. My usual reaction is to speak first and think afterwards. God had different plans and His plans are always right. He worked the whole problem out, we never said a word but people knew the truth.

Dashed upon the rocks - painful.

Are there problems in your life that feel like you are being dashed upon the rocks? God will make a way.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1Corinthians 10:13

Is the foamy surf making the way unclear? Are you discouraged?

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Psalm 119:71

When discouragement comes, we need to look UP.

How can we stay in the safe harbor?

* Time alone to read, think, pray, journal – set time aside to spend with God

* Prayer walks

* Do something where there will be immediate visible progress – focus on others

* Rest

* Play music that ministers to you

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: Isaiah 26:3-4

Have a blessed day,
Donna