PRECIOUS JEWELS

PRECIOUS JEWELS

Little children, little children,

Who love their Redeemer,

Are the jewels, precious jewels,

His loved and His own.

Like the stars of the morning,

His brightness adorning,

They shall shine in their beauty,

Bright gems for His crown.

This old song reminds us of the verse of scripture which expresses how GOD feels about children

Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

This is one of the most succinct statements in all of scripture. It is so all encompassing that no one could argue against it.

Luke 17:2 It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin.

This is one of those cautions in the scripture that doesn’t have an expiration date.

Psalms 127:3 Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

1 Samuel 1:26-28 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Most parents have learned that it is in the first few years you must train your child, if you don’t take them to church and read the Bible to them and tell them the Bible stories when they are young you have missed your chance to direct their path.

Enjoy this great song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPfa54jKApc

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

A FEW LOVE QUOTES - Repost

"The very idea that you could control a man's body was intoxicating; that you could make his head turn, follow your passing steps, that you could lean just so, or speak just so, or simply glance and toss your head, and he would be caught." (Talk about power)

“Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker.” (That’s so true)

“Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it.” (Okay.)

“You're playing with my heart and it's getting really lame. Decide what you want. The girl or the game?” (she really says it)

“He felt that his whole life was some kind of dream, and he sometimes wondered whose it was and whether they were enjoying it.” (Describes all old men)

“It's not what I feel about him; it's what I don't feel for anybody else.” (What girls have to settle for)

“In a perfect world, there would be no mirrors. Because every girl would have a perfect guy to tell her that she looks beautiful.” (Something guys need too)

“Dear Heart, I met a boy today. Prepare to shatter!” (Whoopee)

“Sometimes the girl has to be the one to step forward. When Prince Charming didn't come to Cinderella, she went to the palace and got him.“  (What P C means to a romantic girl)

“You're not even mine and I'm scared to lose you.” (Great imagination)

“Love doesn't hurt. If it hurts, it isn't love. If it hurts, he isn't worth it. The one person who is worth it won't let anything hurt you.” (Love without a little pain? Humm)

“I don't like missing you. But I love having you to miss.” (Sounds good)

“One day, all the memories, tears, and pain will go away - - Just like you did.” (I hope, I hope, I hope)

“Love sucks, love is great, love is like a mixed tape filled with everything you love and hate.” (The ins and out)

“You never truly love a person until the mere thought of you hurting that loved one is enough to break your own heart.” (Enough said)

(I invite you to make your own comments about the above quotes)

And this is one of the reasons I love the music of the fifties
Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GLamMQ3x6o&feature=related

This post has been linked to One Word Carnival.  The Word this week is Romance

BE CAREFUL TO BAPTIZE?

image courtesy photobucket

Baptizing someone by some standards is a rite whereby the one baptized is cleansed, made fit and becomes a part of a Christian group.

Baptism identifies one with Christ as sanctified and holy. Being buried with Him in baptism associates a believer with Christ. It is a testimony to the world.

As a further extension of this rite there have been rituals of blessing animals, fishing fleets and in some cases, houses which in my view may be pushing the envelope too far.

In any case it is an act where something or somebody is considered to be consecrated to GOD for service. There has been an attempt to associate a myriad of things with the Christian faith and be made part of it.

Things that they wish to fall under the Christian umbrella they “Baptize” them in Jesus name in an attempt to give them some spiritual credence.

Some of the lesser items are $25.00 “Jesus Saves” tee shirts and $5.00 “Virgin Mary and baby Jesus decals.” Or perhaps you need a pair of shoelaces imprinted with the slogans "Jesus makes me happy" or "Jesus loves you."

Bumpers stickers are great especially when you cut somebody off in traffic and your bumper sticker says “Christians aren’t perfect only forgiven,” that will win many to Christ.

One of the more blatant attempts is to try to baptize Greed and call it GOD’S prosperity and at the same time the extollers of this heresy are being enriched by preaching their message, one by the way Paul never discovered even though they quote him often.

The attempt to baptize slave music (?) and use it to extol the virtues of Christ is another example of disrespect in worship. It is a “Look at me performance” in disguise as lifting up Jesus.

This blurring of crossing the line allows everything but the vilest of conduct and is accepted by sustainable groups of confessing Christians.

How about baptizing lust and calling it love? No matter how you try to Christianize it - - lust just isn’t love. It may work wonders in the bedroom but won’t sustain a marriage during the difficult times of stress. Desire for ones mate is a must for a happy marriage, and is a long term proposition, for it isn’t only for sexual intimacy and home cooked meals.

So what is your preference; how about some Rose of Sharon postcards or a 1Timothy 4:12 tote bag, and don’t forget the “Seek his will” mouse pad.

"Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11).

"Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:3-6).

I must confess you will find some plaques on my walls with verses on them but if I didn’t have them in my heart they would only be an irritant not a blessing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii8SNOisvUM

This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

Drawing Near

Awhile back, I was sitting around doing nothing and actually just being bored. I didn't want to listen to bad news on the TV. So there I sat. All at once I thought maybe I should read my Bible for awhile. So I found my Bible and opened it, and immediately saw the verse in James 5:8 which says; “Draw near to GOD and He will draw near unto you."

A similar verse I found in 2 Chronicles 15:2; “The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you;”

And then I opened my Bible again and saw Hebrews 4:16; “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.”

I thought is this just a happenstance or perhaps it is divine direction. I mused on this for awhile, and came to the conclusion that I'll just go up to the throne room and see what happens.

By now my mind was in fast mode, I thought, I should take one more look at James 4:8. This time a closer observation revealed a second step which is; “Cleanse your hands you sinners and purify your hearts, you double minded.” Now I didn't think that applied to me but just in case I asked the LORD to forgive any wrong I might have done.

Having prepared myself, I was ready to enter the throne room and once there I thought what should I do now? So I began to bless the Lord and praise Him but every thing was quiet. I didn't know what else to do so I continued to worship.

After some time I was beginning to get nervous when all at once I heard this awesome voice, it wasn't the loudness of it - - but the sound of absolute authority. When I got over my fright I heard the voice saying; “What do you want?” After some time I found myself saying, “Oh nothing, I wanted to hang out here for awhile.” The voice then said, “AND” I had never heard the word “AND” said exactly like that.

I thought I had better answer, but what should I say? Being somewhat of a Wise Guy, I thought, “And - - what?” Well I decided not to say that. Instead I said: “To draw near so you so you would also draw near to me.” I thought that was a good answer! The voice spoke again and said “AND.” By now I began to freak out from that word, “AND.” It was scaring me. I tried once again, mustering enough courage to say, “I'm here to get some grace and mercy.” All the time I was thinking to myself please don't say, "AND" again. This prayer was answered; when the LORD spoke again saying, “Was there anything else?” Quickly I said, now that you mention it there is a couple of things I could use some help on - - - !

Not all these events happened as portrayed, but when you need to access GODS grace there are some things the born-again believer must keep in mind. First, you are going to address your awesome GOD and give Him the respect that is due Him. When you draw near Him He will draw near to you but chances are he will give you the same respect back to you that you give to Him.

There are several other things I could list for you, but you will need to learn them for yourself. This is a maturing process needed for each individual to personally go through.

This post is linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays 

SHUT UP FOOL



image courtesy photobucket.com


“Shut up fool,” is the message that Christians are being fed at every turn.

The Christian kids are not allowed to have a Biblical opinion unless they keep it to themselves.

Young women are considered freaks and are ostracized unless they are sperm dumps at a young age.

Young men are looked upon with disdain if they don’t hump everything in sight.

This is the message being spread abroad in our educational system, in magazines, books, movies and TV, and some Christians are dumb enough to fall for it.

Ministers are told to “Shut up fool” when it comes to certain subjects for they are not acceptable to these hell bound people of sin.

Entire denominations have kowtowed to these objections regardless of plain scriptural teaching against such conduct.

What an opportunity to shine forth in this world of darkness so let your light shine. It is time to wear the label of “Fool” proudly because we are fools for Jesus or in other words their characterizations have no meaning to us they are only a pitiful attempt to bring us down to their level.

Matthew 5:37 Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Never before has this scripture had a greater meaning for we are not falling for the wiles of you know who.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FCgc6Paj2c

This post has been linked to Laura’s, Brag on God Friday

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE WORD OF GOD

Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

This was in response to Satan’s taunting Jesus saying “If you are the son of GOD then turn these stones into bread.” When Jesus said “Man shall not live by bread alone” he was quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3.

Jesus as a boy, instead of joining the homeward bound caravan, stayed at the temple and was having a question and answer time with the teachers of the Old Testament

Luke 2:47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.

What we can take from this is; Jesus knew the word of GOD and when it came time for the temptation of Satan he was prepared, and just quoted the Word Of GOD to him.

Isaiah 55:11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

The word of GOD has power within it and when it meets faith it will accomplish what it was sent forth to do.

image courtesy photobucket

There were two men that were broke and hungry, one of which knew something of the Bible though he was not a Christian. He convinced the other one to go down to a busy corner, and he started to give forth the words of the Bible. He carried the pretence further and gave an altar call like he had seen preachers do. There were some people who stepped forward and were saved that evening. The two men had passed a hat around and collected some money and off they went on their way laughing about how they had pulled it off.

The fact was that God’s Word went forth regardless and it did not return void!

Perhaps this explains how unfaithful ministers seemingly get results even though they are not walking the way they should. It is the Word that when sent forth does not return to GOD without results.

Jesus knew the written Word and could without any hesitation declared “It is written” and he knew the power that resided within it. It is a must for every Christian to know for themselves the written word so in every situation they can say with Jesus; “It is written."

Psalms 119:11 I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

You might enjoy this song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SLHWFpSlq4

This post has been linked to Michelle’s  Thought Provoking Thursday
And with Iris, Hostess for February at: Thankful Thursdays  

DON’T PLAY WITH THE SNAKE

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When GOD placed Adam and Eve in the garden perhaps HE should have told them, “Don’t play with the snake.”

It is obvious that they developed a friendly relationship with the snake, and they trusted him to do them no harm.

From the time that Adam and Eve were deceived, mankind has been deception challenged or prone to it. You only have to look at the relationships men and women have gotten into which resulted in heartaches and misery. The root of this deception is from the very core of evil himself, Satan.

John 8:44 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

Just as the serpent yielded himself to Satan so also do the deceivers of today give themselves to him for Satans purposes. One paradoxical thing is that those who take advantage of people in a deceitful way are victims of Satan themselves for they have been also been deceived. They are snared and cannot seem to free themselves from his grasp.

In today’s world “The Snake” comes to us in many forms. It may be shady business dealings, illicit affairs, giving false impressions or whatever the case may be.  Behind it is the same entity that deceived Adam and Eve.

Paul gives some snake proof actions in Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

If the opposite of these things is evident then they are to be avoided at all costs for you are about to “Play with the snake.”

Ya’ll forgive for putting this song on here, but I thought you would enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceaLH8WmZ2E&feature=related

Linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday