Fragrance of Life

"How sweet Your Word is to my taste-sweeter than honey to my mouth." Psalm 119:103
"Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path." Psalm 119:105
"I have treasured Your Word in my Heart so that I may not sin against You." Psalm 119:11
All Scripture from CSB

Do you have a hunger and thirst for God's Word?
Is your Bible on a book shelf, or amongst your "other things" laying on your dresser? Maybe you keep your Bible in your car, ready and convenient for next Sunday. Maybe your Bible is in your closet, way up on the top shelf, behind all of the keep sake treasures you have collected in your life. Maybe you think often about reading the Bible but don't quit get around to doing it, after all you are really busy, you have good intentions.
Stop looking at Bible reading as a chore, or another thing to cross off your list of "to do things."
How are we going to know God, know what He is like, and what He wants to tell us, if we are not reading the Bible? How will we grow in respect to our salvation if we are not reading His Word, breathing in His Word, chewing on it, digesting it.
I want His Word deep into my bone, in my marrow and in my blood stream, I want to be immersed in it. His "Word is sweeter than honey to my mouth," and I cannot wait to meet Him every morning at our little spot on the couch, near the window, and we talk just He and I, I listen as He reveals to me all of His treasured Words.

Bible Reading Challenge

Home of Mary in Ephesus

Tomb of John the Apostle

Bible Reading Challenge, formally known as Wednesday's Challenge.

Today I caught up on my daily Bible reading, I finished reading the Gospel of John and read the first chapter of Acts.

It has been said that in John's Gospel John is never visible (his name is never mentioned) but Jesus is always visible. John is the 4TH Gospel and the last that was written, it was written by the Apostle and also one of the 12 Disciples, John. It was written sometime between 80-100 A.D. John wrote this Gospel when he was living in Ephesus, in modern day Turkey. The reason for writing this Gospel is stated in John 20:31, "but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." ESV

John stresses that Jesus is the Son of God, He is also very much human, He gets tired, hungry, sad, loving and in pain. The Gospel is divided in to 4 parts; the prologue, signs, passions narrative and the epilogue. John's opening in chapter 1 describes Jesus as the Word, in Greek Word is Logos, meaning the expression of thought,not just the mere name of an object. It is through Jesus that we know what the mind of God is. Jesus is the full expression of God, He is God in the flesh.

J.B. Phillips wrote in his New Testament, "At the beginning God expressed Himself. That personal expression, that Word, was with God and was God, and He existed with God from the beginning. All creation took place through Him, and none took place without Him. In Him appeared life and this life was the light of mankind. The light still shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out."

The Apostle John was a fisherman in partnership with his older brother James, their father Zebedee, and also Simon Peter and his brother Andrew. John's mother was Salome and she was possibly the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus. John had been a follower of John the Baptist, and he and Andrew were Jesus' first disciples. John was a passionate man, a deep thinker, he was close to Jesus, at Jesus' death on the cross he became the caregiver of Mary the mother of Jesus. John pastored the Church in Ephesus for many years and was very influential in the early Church. John was exiled in later age on the Isle of Patmos, it was there that he wrote the book of Revelation. John lived to old age in Ephesus, when he was old and unable to walk he would be carried into Church meetings, and he whispered again and again, "Little children, love one another."

A codex papyrus the size of a business card was found in Egypt in 1920. On one side of this codex is John 18: 31-38 and on the other side is John 18: 37-38. The dating of this codex could be as early as 100 A.D. up to the 2ND half of the 2ND century. It is the earliest manuscript that has been found.

Question Of The Week #12

Question Of The Week#12 from Operation Read Bible http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com

"Do you ever find yourself conflicted when reading books, does your faith ever stand in the way of you enjoying other books - secular books? Do you try and read only Christian books? Do you read secular books regularly? Have you ever enjoyed a book but hesitated to share it with your Christian friends? Do you think you should judge a book critically looking through the lens of faith...or do you think that fiction is fiction and that it's just a story? When does entertaining become dangerous?"
Great questions Becky!

I have learned to take very seriously the images that I choose to replay in front of my eyes; I am a very visual person and I have a sensitive spirit, and it does not matter if it is a movie, or a book I am reading, I know I will be affected by what I have seen. I also do not want certain input toying around with my thinking, or inviting trouble especially in the erotic avenues of many of the books and movies that are available. In my opinion it is important to chose wisely what we read and watch on t.v., or at the movies, or even on the Internet. Even the wisest Christian can stumble and fall into temptation, and I am not interested in borrowing trouble (as my mother used to say.) I also do not want to be a Christian in name only, I want to live in my witness and testimony, that I am a follower of Jesus Christ. There have been only a couple of books that I have chosen, both secular, that I had enjoyed reading, and then WHAM, I am shocked by the story line. In both of those books I speed read through the part I was shocked about and finished the book. It is rare for me to pick a book that I don't like, much less that shocks me with something I believe is lewd. I read both secular books and Christian books, probably I read more Christian books, but I try and vacillate between the two.

Update

My dad was sick and in the hospital, he is home now and feeling better; please give me a few day's to get "caught up" then I will be back posting.
I am reading "The Shack" by William P. Young, "Riding" by H.S. Cross, "The Six Miracles of Calvary" by William R. Nicholson, "Kept For The Master's Use" by Frances Ridley Havergal, "Evelina" by Fanny Burney, and "Mark of The Cross" by Judith Pella.

"The End Of Reason, A Response To The New Atheists"

"The End Of Reason, A Response To The New Atheists" by Ravi Zacharias

This book was written in response to recent atheist theme books written recently by:
Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and Richard Dawkins.
I have not read any of their books and will not, too many books, and too little time for me to spend reading trash. "Garbage in garbage out." I am aware that was a snotty remark, but I am being honest.
Ravi could have been a court room attorney, he has the ability to express himself and withholds no punches in his confrontations in answering some of the questions raised by atheists. Ravi has traveled all over the world in his international ministry. He speak from both a heart for and a knowledge of people from other religious belief's, this gives him an astuteness that not many in the Christian community have. His book is a clear and concise retort to atheists.
Many unbeliever's are in hopes that Christians will stay in the back corner and keep our mouths shut. They want us out of the political arena, keep our opinions to our self, and certainly do not tell them that they are wrong. They want the freedom to make their own moral choices, and they decide what is morally wrong or right.
What is your opinion on this last paragraph?

"Is That You God, A Taste Of Discerning The Voice Of God"

"Is That You God, A Taste Of Discerning The Voice Of God" by Priscilla Shirer

This mini book has 61 awesome pages on discerning and understanding God's voice. The book has 5 chapters and all of them were my favorite. The author gives great insight on distinguishing our conscience that we hear, from the voice of the Holy Spirit. She writes that we should always wait for confirmation in what we are hearing from God, we should ask Him for that confirmation.
I could quote and quote from this book, but I cannot; I wish I could memorize it, but will instead use it often for reference. I am though enticed to read more of her books and her Bible study.

"Deeper, Living In The Reality Of God's Love"

"Deeper, Living In The Reality Of God's Love" by Debbie Alsdorf

This book is written with deep insight on several issues that women deal with: divorce, caring for an elderly parent, the death of a parent, identity and self worth, fear, anger, friendship and support, and the feeling of not being able to measure up. In the book after each chapter there are great discussion questions that can be used for individual or group use.
At the beginning of each chapter the author uses many great quotes from other Christian author's.
"You have a God who hears you, the power of love behind you, the Holy Spirit with in you, and all of heaven ahead of you." Bob Coy
I enjoyed this book immensely, I have chosen it to be one of the books my Church will read for our book club this summer.

"The Beginner's Guide To The New Testament"

"The Beginner's Guide To The New Testament" by William Barclay

This is a small book but packed with information about every New Testament book. William Barclay was a master writer in Bible commentaries; you can read many other commentaries gaining information, then read Barclay's books and everything comes together, he clarifies and brings understanding to New Testament passages.
Barclay writes that "Luke is a scholar of the New Testament, careful investigation and research, an apologist for Christianity and a defender of the faith, a first century Church historian."
"Acts was written with political aim, historical aim and theological aim."
The letters of 1 and 2ND Timothy and Titus are now considered Pastoral letters, but in the beginning they were known as letters of affection.
My dad has the entire collection of William Barclay New Testament commentaries, also several other books written by Barclay, all of them are wonderful!

Question Of The Week #11

Question Of The Week #11 from Operation Read Bible http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/

"Have you ever watched Vegie Tales? If yes do you have a favorite episode? A favorite character? A favorite song? Do you think it's good biblical fun? Or do you think its just silly and more a waste of time?"

I am going to stumble and stumble on the questions for this week, because I have never watched a "Vegie Tale" episode. I am aware of them, I know that kids love them, I know that my 2 grandchildren love them, that is all. Heavy sigh!

Wednesday's Challenge

It has rained all day, dark, dreary, windy and cold. I am not complaining, we need the rain desperately. I love the sound of the rain, it is soothing, calming. We have not had any thunder or lightening, just the constant steady fall and dripping of rain.
In my daily Bible readings I have moved in to the Gospel of John, reading John chapter 6 today.
In John chapter 4 is the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus talked to her about "living water," the "living water" is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to live in a person that has accepted and believed by faith in Jesus, as the Christ the Son of God. The Holy Spirit sets His seal on the believer as ownership. In this verse Jesus is using the term "living water," to represent the Holy Spirit as the quenching and satisfying indwelling of the Holy Spirit in a believer. We were created with a need deep within us to have fellowship with God, it is the Holy Spirit that lives within us that satisfies our every longing and desire to know Him and have fellowship with Him. Saint Augustine wrote, "Our hearts are restless until it rests in you."
There is a problem that humans have had from the beginning, pride.
Pride is "a feeling of elation or satisfaction at achievements, qualities, or possessions, etc. that do one credit, a high or overbearing opinion of one's worth or importance." "Oxford Pocket American Dictionary."
Pride is the attitude of "I'm going to do it myself and give myself all of the satisfaction, and praise, and honor." Pride can keep us stumbling over our same mistakes time and time again, not admitting that we could be wrong, needy, insecure, afraid. After all we are just flesh and bone, and we will eventually die. We are frailer and weaker than we realize.
Pride stands in the way of what we need the most, what will satisfy our very deepest reaches of our soul, God, and fellowship with Him.

"Rock Harbor Series, Abomination"

Book four in the "Rock Harbor Series" is "Abomination" by Colleen Coble

A woman in trepidation is fleeing her attacker, she has been violently beaten, she is cut and bleeding, she has a young child with her. Bree Matthews and her young son find this woman and her young child walking on a deserted road, they offer to help in what appears to be a dire situation, and they drive her and the young child to their home. The young woman cannot remember her name, nor where she lives, nor her past, nor of the vicious attack. Bree and her husband Cade Matthews (both introduced in book one of Rock Harbor Series) work to help her find out who she is, and to protect her. The book from the beginning does not leave the reader to doze, the author keeps the reader on the edge to find out who the attacker is, what is the mystery of her past, and as the story unfolds the esoteric reason behind the attack.

Question Of The Week # 10

Question Of The Week #10 from Operation Read Bible http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/

Do you remember your first Bible? How old were you? When did you first begin reading the bible? Do you remember liking it? loving it? finding it too frustrating? too boring? too intimidating? Have your feelings changed through the years?

My first Bible was given to me and dated in the Bible 10-1-1967, I was 3 1/2. The Bible is the size of my hand, full of wonderful vivid color photo's. It has the New Testament only, published by Cambridge At The University Press. The binding and covers are in excellent condition, inside it appears that little Annette wrote on a few of the pages. My earliest memories of this Bible is that I was so proud of it, and now, I still love to look at the pictures, the familiarity of it is comforting. I do not remember when I first started reading the Bible, my parents took me to Sunday school from the very beginning of my life. I remember Bible drills, scripture memorization and receiving small colored sticker stars when I could remember a verse. I remember many of the Bible stories that my Sunday school teachers would tell us while holding up, large 10x13 colored photo's of the stories they read. I never felt like the Bible was intimidating, because I knew it was God's Word, my parents read the Bible and they both taught Sunday school, and the Bible was talked about in our home. When I was nearly 30 I started reading the Bible daily, I have continued this practice of having a daily devotional time every morning, along with my first cup of coffee. I have noticed that my day is "just a mess" if I miss out on my daily Bible reading.

Wednesday's Challenge

Wednesday's Challenge is an update on my reading the Bible daily. I am taking part in a challenge to read the Bible through this year, from Operation Read Bible http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com

I finished reading Luke 22 today, I am nearing the crucifixion.

Luke 19:41 "And when He drew near and saw the city, He wept over it."

Do you weep over the lostness of people? Do you weep over the sadness that is weighing them down because of their lives?

Last night I attended a Bible study taught by a very well known female Bible teacher and speaker. When the program was over I stood in line with several other women all of us for various reasons. My reason is that my dad had adamantly requested her autograph. While I stood in line I had an eye opening and life changing experience, I was impacted by the amount of hurting, crying women that looked so helpless, "like sheep without a shepherd." I heard no conversations, but I studied their facial expressions, their posture, their reactions when this speaker hugged them and prayed for them. I was moved to tears. All day today I have turned this experience over in my head, asking God what is He trying to teach me from this. God has planted in my heart a heightened cognizance of the need to share Jesus with others, and to mentor those that are Christian's. This fall I will be actively involved in a revival in Waco for "Just Give Me Jesus" that Anne Graham Lotz will be preaching at. I have signed on to be a counselor for those making a decision for Christ. I believe that God put me in a position last night in order to prepare me for the revival this fall. Praise you Jesus!

Question Of The Week #9

Question Of The Week #9, from Becky @ Operation Read Bible http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com

"Where do you go for comfort? When you're feeling sad? Anxious? Depressed? Out of sorts? Where do you turn when life has got you down? When you're feeling lost and disturbed to borrow a term from good-old-Wycliffe? Do you turn to God? Do you turn to your family? Your friends? To food? To chocolate? To exercise? To a book? A song? A Movie? Your teddy? These days do come to all of us, and it has always been interesting to me to see how different people cope, coping is an important skill after all! If and only if you feel comfortable sharing, answer a few of these questions I don't want to make anyone feel to exposed or vulnerable. But this is big, really big, and sharing ideas and thoughts could be helpful, you know..."

Once upon a time I had a lot of dependence on what others thought of me, their reaction, their acceptance of me, another words if they thought I was okay then that meant I was really okay.
But, through many life experiences God has worked in my life (and important to note I allowed Him free reign) to change this. I now live for an audience of one, and that one is Jesus Christ.
I have tried it "all" in turning to this or that in order to make me feel better when I was depressed, or out of sorts, of down, etc. But the "all" never pacifies, and is certainly never enduring. The "all" never quenches deep down into your soul the thing that you are craving the most. Why can't we get it? Why do we turn to a physical pleasure, when what we need to do, we don't?
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
The word trust in Hebrew is batah and it means to trust, rely on, put confidence in, to be confident, to lead to believe, to feel secure. Put all of your trust, confidence, and security in Jesus, go to Him first with everything. Not just with a few things, or the really big things, but with all things! Cling to Him like Velcro!
Should you never take counsel with someone? No, that is not what I am saying, be discreet and choose wisely those whom you choose to counsel with, but always go first to Jesus!

Fragrance of Life

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?" 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 ESV

How seriously do you take the words that you publish on your blog?
Do you pray before you click the publish post button?
It is easy to take up a platform of speech on our own little piece of blogosphere. We can become enamored from the pride of being published and that people are actually reading what we have to write. This is toxic thinking.
Our focus as a Christian is to glorify Jesus Christ, not ourselves. We have a great tool at our finger tips, we have the ability to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, we can share what Christ has done in our lives, and we can share with a hurting, sad, and lonely world, what Jesus can radically do in a persons life, if they will believe in Him.
We can give away all of the books that we can afford in contests, we can post great reviews of books, we can be chatty and cute, we can have colorful and enticing pictures, we can have group chats on questions; but keep the course, keep the focal point on "the author and perfecter of our faith," Jesus.