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No resolutions...just better decisions in 2025!
Happy New Year!
Until next time...
~Rebecca
Showing posts with label scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scripture. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Scripture Study - Habakkuk 3:17-18
This morning's Bible study took me to Habakkuk 3. I took note of several things in this chapter, but verses 17 and 18 is what really stuck with me.
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."
In these verses Habakkuk proclaims with confidence the ultimate victory of all who live by faith in God. Does that include you?
"...the just shall live by his faith."
(Habakkuk 2:4)
Until next time...
~Rebecca
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Master To-Do List and Menu Plan Monday - May 13, 2024
Friday, January 26, 2024
More Than Conquerors
I've been struggling in multiple areas lately but, in the midst of it all, the Lord has made it abundantly clear that He sees my struggles and that He knows and cares.
This morning's Bible study led me to Romans 8 and I felt led to share some of my study with you. I hope it ministers to someone who is reading this today.
Romans 8:31-39
32 He that spared not 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 lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth:
34 Who is he that condemeth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh 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 thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that 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 creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Footnotes:
The adversities listed by the apostle in verses 35 and 36 have been the experience of the people of God in all generations. Believers should not think it strange if they experience trouble, persecution, hunger, poverty, or anger. Trouble and calamity do not necessarily mean that God has deserted us, nor that He has stopped loving us. On the contrary, our suffering as believers will open up the means by which we experience more of God's love and comfort. Paul assures us that in all these adversities we will overcome and be more than conquerors through Christ.
"More than conquerors" - The entire phrase "we are more than conquerors" is one word in the Greek, hupernikomen. In the entire New Testament, this compound word only occurs here; huper means "over, above" (Latin, "super"), and nikomen (from nikao, "to conquer") means "victors, conquerors." Thus Paul is literally saying that instead of believers being "victims" in a fallen world, in Christ we are "over and above victors" (super-victors); instead of barely getting by in life's difficult experiences, in and through Christ we are "overwhelmingly conquerors." Jesus gained the decisiver victory "for us" at the cross! Because of His victory and the power or the Holy Spirit within us, we are empowered to be "more than conquerors" in our struggles of life.
Footnotes taken from Life in the Spirit Study Bible - King James Version - Copyright 1992 - Thomas Nelson
Until next time...
~Rebecca
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Friday, October 22, 2021
Moving Into Hard Economic Times
There's no doubt that we are moving into some hard economic times in our nation...perhaps some of the hardest that we've ever experienced as a whole.
In the midst of supply chain disruptions and the rising costs of gas, food, and everything else, in what areas are you and your family feeling the biggest impact thus far? In what areas do you anticipate feeling the biggest crunch in the months ahead? And what steps are you and family taking now to prepare for the coming winter?
Until next time...
~Rebecca
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There's only one day left to enter the drawing for the Sue Hooley 2022 Daily Planner giveaway! For more details click HERE.
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
The Widow's Mite
Since
losing John to pancreatic cancer in July, I have spent much time
seeking the Lord as to how to live, and walk out, this new role of
widow. It hasn't been easy on any front, but, little by little, I'm
finding my way. I have a feeling that I've a long way to go.
Part of my seeking has included searching the Scriptures. I've looked up every reference to widows in the Bible that I can find and have discovered that widows hold a very special place in the heart of our Lord. It is expressed by His special love for, and tender care of, them. Realizing that, and taken along with the admonition found in I Thessalonians 4:13 to “sorrow not as those who have no hope” has helped immensely.
Some that I have talked with...some that are in a similar place as myself...have trouble referring to themselves as a widow and don't like the reference at all, but, to me, the word “widow” is a Biblical term that the Spirit Himself uses throughout Scripture to describe a woman who was married, but whose husband has died. Therefore, to me, the word and reference is totally appropriate. My apology to those who disagree.
In
studying the many references to widows in the Bible I find that a
couple of my favorite Scripture passages are among them...the entire
book of Ruth and the story of Elisha and the widow woman with the
vessels of oil (2 Kings 4:1-7). Both of these passages are
exceptional and are profitable for study on multiple
levels...but...that's not where I'm headed today. I do recommend that
you read and study those passages though. They are both very good!
There
are so many directions that I could go with this, but, believe it or
not, widowhood is not the focus of my writing today. It is through
the study of it, though, that led me to where I am headed and that is
to the story of the widow's mite found in Mark
12:41-44.
Interestingly enough, in the verses just prior to this passage (verses 38 through 40) Jesus was warning His followers to beware of the scribes (religious leaders) who seek recognition, honor, and prestige and who “devour widow's houses” (take advantage of unsuspecting and lonely widows).
Jesus had just finished warning His followers about this, when what does He see, but a certain poor widow throwing her two mites into the temple treasury. He calls his disciples over and makes note to them that the poor widow had cast in more than all the others. He said that they had cast in of their abundance, but that she, of her want, cast in all that she had.
As noted here by Jesus, the rich often give only a token from the abundance of their wealth that involves neither sacrifice nor generosity. Though the widow gave only a small amount, her giving represented a heart of extravagant generosity. She cast in “all the living she had.” She gave as much as she possibly could.
From this and other passages we can clearly see that the Lord doesn't evaluate our lives and ministry by outward success, but by the quality of our love, faith, and extravagant giving of ourselves to Him in sincere devotion.
Are you an extravagant giver of yourself to the Lord? Do you, of your want (of what you lack), give all that you have, or all that you possibly can (your hopes, your dreams, your talents and abilities, your substance), to Him...His service...His people? I'd like to encourage you today to seek the Lord on how to use what, you appear, to have little of to do great and mighty things for the Kingdom of God.
Now...just for fun...what is, and exactly how much is, a mite?
According to Google, “the mite, also known as a lepton, was a Jewish coin and the smallest used in New Testament time. At the time of Mark's writing, it was worth 1/64 of a denarius. A denarius was a day's wage for a common worker. In today's terms, it would be worth about 1/8 of a cent.”
The widow put in two mites. According to our passage (Mark 12:42), two mites equal a farthing. A farthing equals one-quarter penny.
I recently acquired a real mite that would have been in circulation between 100 B.C and 60 A.D. I can't help but wonder if it wasn't one of the very two that the poor widow observed by Jesus and His followers put in the temple treasury that very day. It's not probably, but it is possible!
The widow's mite coins above are replicas of those originals
that were used in the Holy Land. May they serve to remind you of
Jesus's teaching in Mark 12: 41-44 concerning the story of the poor
widow and her extravagantly generous heart.
May we all have such a
heart when it comes to the things of our Lord and Saviour in these
end of days in which we live!
Until next time...
~Rebecca
Scritpture
references: I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Mark 12:38-44; 2 Kings 4:1-7;
Ruth Chapters 1 through 4
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Wisdom Wednesday - August 11 - Proverbs 11:22
"As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion." (Proverbs 11:22)
That brings a pretty picture to mind, doesn't it? Maybe something like this...
Discretion - "prudent, circumspect, and judicious (that is, having good or well-reasoned judgment) in one's words or actions; being modestly unobtrusive in behavior."
Discretion, Ladies!
Let each of us invite the Lord to reveal our indiscretions as we allow Him to heal us and help us in using Biblical discretion at all times.
Until next time...
~Rebecca
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Sunday, April 19, 2020
"To Every Thing There Is A Season..."
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Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that "to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." And, oh, what a season we find ourselves in...individually, as families, as a nation, and as a global community.
As for the ultimate purpose in all of this, I won't pretend to know the mind of God, and I can't speak for anybody but myself, but I do know that God's Word is truth and His Word tells us that "...all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purposes" (Romans 8:28), so I have to believe that, whatever His purposes are in all of this, I have to trust Him.
For many, these are tough times. Many are depressed and discouraged. For many, fear prevails where there is no faith and, sadly, where there is no faith, there is no hope.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
For those that are willing to receive Him, Jesus is there. He loves you. He died for you. If you don't know Him, ask Him into your heart. Ask Him to make Himself real to you today. If you want or need help in doing that, feel free to message me. I am here for you and I am praying over you right now.
Yes, "to every thing there is a season" but this, too, shall pass. Don't let this season that you find yourself in right now pass without making the most important decision of your life.
Until next time...
~Rebecca
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Sunday, April 5, 2020
Christ's Final Week - A Reading Schedule
As Passion Week begins I am reminded of the many in-depth Bible studies that our family has done over the years concerning that "final week" in Jesus's life and all that it entailed.
Here is a reading schedule that covers the Triumphal Entry through the Resurrection. I'd like to invite you to follow along as we focus our hearts and minds on all that Jesus endured during that final week life wrapped in human flesh for my sake and for yours.
Won't you join me?
Sunday (Palm Sunday) - The Triumphal Entry
Matthew 21:1-11
Matthew 21:1-11
Mark 11:1-11
Luke 19:28-44
John 12:12-19Luke 19:28-44
Monday - Clearing of the Temple
Matthew 21:10-17
Matthew 21:10-17
Mark 11:15-18
Luke 19:45-48
Tuesday - Day of Controversy and Parables
Matthew 21:23 - 24:51
Mark 11:27 - 13:37
Luke 20:1 - 21:36
Wednesday - Not Mentioned in the Gospels
Thursday - Passover (The Last Supper)
Matthew 26:17-30
Matthew 26:17-30
Mark 14:12-26
Luke 22:7-23
John 13:1-30
Friday - Crucifixion
Matthew 27:1-66
Mark 15:1-47
Luke 22:66 - 23:56
John 18:28 -19:37
In The Tomb
Matthew 27:57-61
Mark 15:42-47
Luke 23:50-56
John 19:38-42
John 19:38-42
Resurrection (Easter) Sunday -The Empty Tomb
Matthew 28:1-13
Matthew 28:1-13
Mark 16:1-20
Luke 24:1-49
John 20:1-31
Stay in the Word and have a beautiful and blessed Holy Week!
Until next time...
~Rebecca
Palm Sunday - Day One of Passion Week
Greetings, Dear Ones!
I pray that you and yours are enjoying a lovely Palm Sunday as Christians around the world celebrate the first day of Passion Week 2020! 🌴
What does the week ahead look like for you? How will you celebrate the various aspects of Passion Week in your home?
I've heard several say that secular news is reporting that, because of the pandemic, Resurrection (Easter) Sunday is canceled this year. No it's not! Death could not keep Jesus in the grave and empty buildings cannot keep His followers from celebrating His death, burial, and resurrection!
In fact, thanks to modern technology, more Word is going out right now than ever before and, what's more, many people that have never heard the gospel, or have paid little attention to it in the past, are in a position, not only to hear the gospel, but to receive it.
Despite all the bad stuff that is going on in our world today, there are a lot of good things happening, too, and I'm excited! I honestly believe that we are going to see some amazing, wonderful, and miraculous things in the days ahead! As my cousin, Dave, says, "What an exciting time to be alive!"
What work has God called you to in the midst of all this?
Whatever you do, don't get over into fear! Use this opportunity to get into God's Word and study it. Draw nigh unto God and He will draw night unto you (James 4:8)!
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| The Triumphal Entry Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44 and John 12:12-19 Taken From Last Year's Prayer and Bible Study Notes |
Throughout the week I hope to post several things that pertain to Passion Week and, if I can get it together, I will post a reading schedule for those that are interested in following Christ's journey throughout that last week of his life wrapped in flesh. If I get it done I will post it here later this evening.
Well, dear ones, that's it for now. You all have a lovely Passion Week ahead and I'll be with you again soon!
Until next time...
~Rebecca
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Saturday, April 4, 2020
We Walk By Faith (2 Corinthians 5:7)
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Until next time...
~Rebecca
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Sunday, March 29, 2020
Like A Tree (Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Psalm 1:1-3)
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"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)
Until next time...
~Rebecca
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Saturday, March 28, 2020
The Steps of a Good Man (Psalm 34:23-24)
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| "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand." (Psalm 34:23-24)
Stay the course, dear friends, and be not discouraged! The best is yet to come!
Until next time...
~Rebecca
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Sunday, March 22, 2020
Psalm 27:1
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| "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1) |
Until next time...
~Rebecca
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Saturday, March 21, 2020
Psalm 27:14
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"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord" (Psalm 27:14). |
Until next time...
~Rebecca
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