January Weekly Verses

Although things are not perfect

Because of trial or pain

Continue in thanksgiving

Do not begin to blame

Even when the times are hard

Fierce winds are bound to blow

God is forever able

Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without His love

J oy would cease to be

Keep thanking Him for all the things

Love imparts to thee

Move out of "Camp Complaining"

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield the power

Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future

Redeem the time at hand

Start every day with worship

To "thank" is a command

Until we see Him coming

Victorious in the sky

We'll run the race with gratitude

X alting God most high

Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...

Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

01. Psalm 103:1-2; Psalm 103:3-4

02. Jeremiah 9:23; Jeremiah 9:24

03. Romans 8:28

04. Hebrews 4:12

05. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Jesus Came To Seek and Save that Which Is Lost

I am reading a book on evangelism called Search and Rescue by Neil Cole. (Luke 19:10) In the book, the author tells of his experiences as lifeguard and being a witness for Christ. I love how he recounts his visit to Rome where he visited a prison cell in the Mamertine Prison. (This may have been the last prison cell that the apostle Paul was in prior to his death by beheading for being a Christian. It may also be where Paul wrote his last letter to Timothy.
To prepare for the trip, the author reread the Second Epistle of Timothy numerous times with his daughter (2 Timothy 3:14-15) to get into the mindset of Paul. Later he writes that his visit to the Vatican paled in comparison to the visit of that dark and dingy prison cell. The author's connection to Paul was obviously greatly impacted because of his Bible studies. (2 Timothy 2:9)
Reading the scriptures daily (and diving deep into God's Word will help you in preparing for being a powerful witness for Christ. The world has a dangerous undertow! This author is a hero who reminds us how to stay a float! Jesus is our Life Saver. (Luke 17:33)
I am having fun reading this book! 2 Timothy 2:25-26

Becoming a more Effective minister in 2009

For me the primary function of a blog is to communicate with others of what is going on in your life. In 2008, I dabbled in social networking using the internet. Typically, the few folks who visit a blog or site by accident may rarely decide that they would like to get to know you, but most often prefer to pass by on the other side, kind of like "I don't want to get involved or be accountable, especially if you appear to be beaten or exposed." I am thinking of the story of the Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:30)
The few blogs that I have taken the time to read are when people seem to open up and reveal their victorious experiences and or more often it seems their struggles in their Christian walk.
However, I too find myself refraining from posting comments but choosing to safely pass by on the other side and simply whisper a prayer to God on their behalf perhaps sometimes thinking, look how "spiritual" I am. Honestly, it's such a safe approach, no long term commitment, get in get out no one gets hurt. (Luke 10:31-32)

I recognize which one I am most like in the story. Can you guess? Is it the robber, the victim, the priest or the Levite? I can tell you that it has not been the hero of the story as much as I would like it to be. I am convinced that there is more to do.
In the story, Jesus wants us to be like the Good Samaritan. The mission is to get actively involved in the lives of our neighbors in positive ways! (Luke 10:33) In 2009 it's time for me to roll up my sleeves and get into the trenches and be more like Jesus by getting into action to help the hurting and rescue the perishing who are all around me. (Matthew 18:14)
Today, the Good Samaritan still carries a prepared first-aid kit. (Luke 10:34; Luke 10:35) God has graciously given me a willing spirit with a dedicated heart to actively apply the Word of God to every situation being constantly reminded that the souls of people (my neighbors) are at stake. The next few posts will be ways that I am working to have a ready to use first-aid kit. Yes, praying is a good start (1 Thessalonians 5:17) but putting faith into action is when lives are miraculously changed and a whole lot more exciting! (James 1:22-23) Be careful if you choose to join me. Sometimes it can get a little messy in the neighborhood. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Walking out the door whistling a familiar song: It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, ...won't you be my neighbor?

Ya'll Come Back, Now ya hear?!

Another great Christmas Family Supper! We enjoyed good food, fun and fellowship. I am reminded of the wonderful fellowship we have yet to enjoy with Jesus in heaven because we opened the door to our heart. Revelation 3:20

Example of a 5 Year Memory Verse Plan

Year 1 = A, Year 2 = B, Year 3 = C, Year 4 = D, and Year 5 = E

(A) 1 John 1:8-9
(A) 1 John 2:15-16;17
(A) 2 Corinthians 12:9
(A) 2 Corinthians 9:6-7;8
(A) Deuteronomy 10:12;13
(A) Deuteronomy 7:9
(A) Ephesians 2:8-9;10
(A) Ephesians 4:26
(A) Ephesians 6:10;12
(A) Ephesians 6:13-14;15
(A) Ephesians 6:16-17;18
(A) Isaiah 40:28-29
(A) Isaiah 40:30-31
(A) Isaiah 46:9-10;11
(A) Isaiah 64:4
(A) James 1:12
(A) James 1:2-3
(A) John 14:2-3; 15:5
(A) Lamentations 3:21-22
(A) Lamentations 3:23-24
(A) Lamentations 3:25-26
(A) Lamentations 3:31-33
(A) Matthew 10:28
(A) Matthew 11:28-30
(A) Philippians 1:6
(A) Proverbs 1:10
(A) Proverbs 19:11;20
(A) Proverbs 3:5-7
(A) Psalm 1:1-2
(A) Psalm 1:3-4
(A) Psalm 1:5-6
(A) Psalm 121:1-2
(A) Psalm 121:3-4
(A) Psalm 121:5-6
(A) Psalm 121:7-8
(A) Psalm 125:1-2
(A) Psalm 141:3-4, Psalm 147:5
(A) Psalm 20:6-8
(A) Psalm 23:1-2
(A) Psalm 23:3-4
(A) Psalm 23:5-6
(A) Psalm 4:4
(A) Psalm 56:3-4
(A) Psalm 62:5-6;7-8
(A) Psalm 73:25-26
(A) Psalm 77:13-14
(A) Psalm 86:15
(A) Psalm 86:5-7
(A) Romans 11:34-36
(A) Romans 12:1;2
(A) Romans 8:28
(A) Romans 8:32
(B) 1 Corinthians 10:13
(B) 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
(B) 1 Peter 2:24
(B) 1 Peter 3:18
(B) 1 Peter 4:16
(B) 1 Peter 5:6-7;8
(B) 1 Peter 5:9;10
(B) 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
(B) 2 Corinthians 5:17
(B) Deuteronomy 6:4-5,6-7
(B) Ephesians 4:29
(B) Ephesians 4:31-32
(B) Galatians 2:20
(B) Galatians 5:22-23;24-25
(B) Hebrews 12:1
(B) Hebrews 13:5-6
(B) Isaiah 30:18
(B) Isaiah 40:8
(B) Jeremiah 29:11-12;13;14
(B) Jeremiah 32:40
(B) John 3:36
(B) John 6:35
(B) Numbers 23:19
(B) Philippians 4:13;19
(B) Proverbs 17:22; 18:10
(B) Proverbs 29:1
(B) Proverbs 29:11
(B) Proverbs 4:20-21;22-23
(B) Proverbs 4:24-25;26-27
(B) Proverbs 6:20-21
(B) Proverbs 6:22-23
(B) Psalm 103:11-12;13-14
(B) Psalm 103:1-2;3-4
(B) Psalm 103:15-18
(B) Psalm 103:19-22
(B) Psalm 103:5-7
(B) Psalm 103:8-10
(B) Psalm 16:11
(B) Psalm 79:9
(B) Psalm 84:10;11;12
(B) Psalm 9:9-10
(B) Psalm 91:11-13
(B) Psalm 91:1-3
(B) Psalm 91:14-16
(B) Psalm 91:4-5;6
(B) Psalm 91:7-8;9-10
(B) Psalm 94:14
(B) Romans 10:13-14
(B) Romans 14:7-8
(B) Romans 15:1-2
(B) Romans 8:38-39
(C) 1 Corinthians 10:31
(C) 1 Corinthians 15:1-2;13
(C) 1 John 3:1;2
(C) 1 John 4:4
(C) 1 Peter 2:9;10
(C) 1 Timothy 6:6
(C) 2 Chronicles 16:9
(C) 2 Timothy 1:7
(C) Colossians 3:1-3
(C) Colossians 4:6
(C) Hebrews 10:39
(C) Isaiah 26:3-4
(C) Isaiah 43:25
(C) Isaiah 46:3-4
(C) Isaiah 65:24
(C) James 4:16-17
(C) Jeremiah 1:7-8
(C) John 8:31-32
(C) Joshua 1:9
(C) Matthew 20:26-28
(C) Matthew 22:37-39
(C) Philippians 4:6-7;8
(C) Proverbs 15:1; 16:24
(C) Proverbs 22:1
(C) Proverbs 26:20
(C) Proverbs 31:30
(C) Psalm 100:1-3
(C) Psalm 100:4-5
(C) Psalm 18:30-31
(C) Psalm 19:7-8
(C) Psalm 19:9-10;11
(C) Psalm 27:1-2;3
(C) Psalm 27:13-14
(C) Psalm 27:4;5
(C) Psalm 30:4-5
(C) Psalm 32:8-9
(C) Psalm 37:1-2
(C) Psalm 37:23-24
(C) Psalm 37:3-4
(C) Psalm 37:5-6
(C) Psalm 37:7
(C) Psalm 37:8-9
(C) Psalm 42:11
(C) Psalm 96:1-3
(C) Psalm 96:4-5;6-7
(C) Psalm 96:8;9-10
(C) Romans 12:14-16
(C) Romans 12:17-18;19
(C) Romans 12:20-21
(C) Romans 12:9-10;11-13
(D) 1 Corinthians 13:4-5;6-7
(D) 1 Corinthians 15:58
(D) 1 Thessalonians 5:14-17
(D) 1 Thessalonians 5:18-22
(D) 1 Timothy 4:12
(D) Acts 5:29
(D) Galatians 6:4-5
(D) Galatians 6:9-10
(D) Isaiah 41:10
(D) Isaiah 43:1;2;3
(D) James 1:17
(D) James 1:19-20
(D) James 1:22-24
(D) James 4:7-8;9
(D) Jeremiah 1:12
(D) Jeremiah 7:23
(D) John 10:27-28;29-30
(D) John 11:25-26
(D) John 15:7
(D) Proverbs 16:32
(D) Proverbs 17:9
(D) Proverbs 3:11-12
(D) Proverbs 3:9-10
(D) Psalm 105:4
(D) Psalm 118:13-14
(D) Psalm 118:5-6;7-8
(D) Psalm 119:14-16
(D) Psalm 127:1
(D) Psalm 139:11-12
(D) Psalm 139:1-3
(D) Psalm 139:13-14
(D) Psalm 139:15-16
(D) Psalm 139:17-18
(D) Psalm 139:23-24
(D) Psalm 139:4-5
(D) Psalm 139:6-8
(D) Psalm 139:9-10
(D) Psalm 34:1-2;3
(D) Psalm 34:12-14
(D) Psalm 34:17-18
(D) Psalm 34:19-20;21-22
(D) Psalm 34:4-5
(D) Psalm 34:6-8
(D) Psalm 34:9-11
(D) Revelation 2:10
(D) Revelation 21:3
(D) Revelation 21:4
(D) Revelation 21:5;6;7
(D) Romans 1:15-16
(D) Romans 5:9-10
(E) Daniel 2:20-21
(E) Matthew 10:18-19;20
(E) Matthew 5:10-11;12
(E) Matthew 5:13-14
(E) Matthew 5:15-16
(E) Matthew 5:17-18
(E) Matthew 5:19;20
(E) Matthew 5:21;22
(E) Matthew 5:23-24
(E) Matthew 5:25-26
(E) Matthew 5:27-28
(E) Matthew 5:29;30
(E) Matthew 5:31-32
(E) Matthew 5:33
(E) Matthew 5:34-36
(E) Matthew 5:3-5;6
(E) Matthew 5:37
(E) Matthew 5:38-39;40
(E) Matthew 5:41-42;43-44
(E) Matthew 5:45-46
(E) Matthew 5:47-48
(E) Matthew 5:7-9
(E) Matthew 6:1;2
(E) Matthew 6:14-15
(E) Matthew 6:16
(E) Matthew 6:17-18
(E) Matthew 6:19-20;21
(E) Matthew 6:22-23
(E) Matthew 6:24
(E) Matthew 6:25;26
(E) Matthew 6:27-28;29
(E) Matthew 6:30
(E) Matthew 6:31-32
(E) Matthew 6:33-34
(E) Matthew 6:3-4
(E) Matthew 6:5
(E) Matthew 6:6
(E) Matthew 6:7;8
(E) Matthew 6:9-12;13
(E) Matthew 7:1-2
(E) Matthew 7:13-14
(E) Matthew 7:15-16
(E) Matthew 7:17-18;19-20
(E) Matthew 7:21
(E) Matthew 7:22-23
(E) Matthew 7:24-25
(E) Matthew 7:26-27
(E) Matthew 7:3-4;5
(E) Matthew 7:6
(E) Matthew 7:7-8
(E) Matthew 7:9-10;11-12

2009 Memory Verse List

01. Psalm 103:1-2; Psalm 103:3-4
02. Jeremiah 9:23; Jeremiah 9:24
03. Romans 8:28
04. Hebrews 4:12
05. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
06. Isaiah 53:4;Isaiah 53:5; Isaiah 53:6
07. Philippians 1:6
08. 1 Timothy 3:16
09. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
10. Psalm 19:7-8; Psalm 19:9
11. Ephesians 2:8-9
12. Colossians 2:13; Colossians 2:14
13. Matthew 28:19-20
14. Joshua 1:8
15. Romans 6:12; Romans 6:13
16. Luke 9:23-24
17. Romans 5:6-7; Romans 5:8
18. 1 Peter 1:18-19
19. 2 Corinthians 5:21
20. 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 1:4
21. Galatians 5:22-23
22. 1 Peter 2:1-2
23. Proverbs 3:5-6
24. 1 John 3:2-3
25. Jude 1:24; Jude 1:25
26. 1 John 4:9-10
27. John 3:16-17
28. 1 John 2:15-16; 1 John 2:17
29. 2 Timothy 2:15
30. Titus 2:12-13
31. Psalm 63:1; Psalm 63:2; Psalm 63:3
32. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
33. Psalm 23:1-2;Psalm 23:3-4; Psalm 23:5-6
34. Romans 10:9-10
35. Matthew 5:16
36. Galatians 2:20
37. John 13:34-35
38. Matthew 11:28-29; Matthew 11:30
39. John 14:2-3
40. Philippians 4:8
41. John 16:33
42. Romans 12:1; Romans 12:2
43. 1 Corinthians 15:58
44. Psalm 1:1-2
45. Romans 8:38-39
46. Psalm 24:3-4; Psalm 24:5
47. 1 Corinthians 10:13
48. Psalm 40:1-2; Psalm 40:3
49. Lamentations 3:22-23
50. 2 Corinthians 3:18
51. Philippians 2:15; Philippians 2:16
52. James 1:2-3; James 1:4

I put the verses up in a way that Ref Tagger can show the verse(s) in their entirety.
This is a list that MacArthur complied using the NKJV in 2003. A special thanks to my wife who got the CD's for me for Christmas. I love you.
I have set my blog for viewing ESV.

The Word of God Says...

A short but powerful list of important verses:

1. Salvation, Romans 10:17

2. Growth, 1 Peter 2:2-3

3. Boldness, Psalm 119:42

4. Guidance, Psalm 119:105

5. Power, Jeremiah 23:29

6. Conviction, Hebrews 4:12

7. Fellowship, John 15:7

8. Cleanses, John 15:3

9. Victory, Matthew 4:3-4

10. Success, Joshua 1:8

11. Satisfaction, Psalm 119:20

12. Joy, Jeremiah 15:16

13. Life, John 6:63

14. Wisdom, Psalm 19:7

15. Conversion, Psalm 19:7

16. Warning and Great Reward, Psalm 19:11

Faith, Family & Friends

We are thankful to God for these. My prayer for each is this: Colossians 3:16

What the Bible Does

What does it not do?" One has tersely said of the Bible in a general way: "Every hour I read you, it kills a sin, or lets a virtue in to fight against it."
Many are the things the Bible does; the following will illustrate a few of the things:
Acquaints us with the theme of the Gospel -- I Corinthians 15:3,4.
Blesses us as we obey its precepts -- Psalms 119:2.
Consecrates us as we follow its injunctions -- Numbers 6:1-7.
Defeats the enemy as we use it against him -- Matt. 4:4,7,10.
Edifies the life as we heed it -- Acts 20:32.
Fires the heart to a faithful testimony -- Jeremiah 1:1; 23:29.
Guides those who follow its light -- Psalms 119:105.
Heals the spirit as it is applied -- Psalms 107:20.
It forms the mind as to its secrets -- I Corinthians 2:9; Isaiah 64:4.
Judges the conduct and maketh wise -- Psalms 19:9-11.
Keeps us abiding in Christ's love -- John 15:10.
Leads to the true and beautiful -- Proverbs 6:20-24.
Moulds us like to itself -- Romans 6:17.
Nourishes the spiritual life -- I Peter 1:2.
Orders the steps of our life -- Psalm 119:133.
Purifies the mind -- II Corinthians 7:1.
Quietens the heart -- Isaiah 30:15.
Rewards those who keep it -- Psalms 19:11.
Sanctifies those who live in it -- John 17:17.
Teaches those who are led by it -- Psalms 25:4,5.
Unites us to the Lord -- Psalms 86:11; John 17:8.
Verifies the experience -- II Peter 1:19,20.
Warns the observant -- Psalms 19:11.
'Xamines the heart -- Psalms 26:1-3.
Yokes us with Christ -- John 17:8.
Zeals the soul -- Psalms 69:9; John 2:17.

The Bible, this book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book.

Read this Outloud and Be Encouraged!

~He Is God~
He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...
unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and "Oprah" can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders,
the overseer of the overcomers, and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me and
never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!
I love the Lord and thank Him for all that He has done in my life.
Author Unknown

A Day in the Life of a Temple Priest

I made a list of the duties of the priests. These included: Performing the daily and weekly services, served as doorkeepers, guards, and servants of the temple. Taking care of the tools and vessels of the temple. They were singers, musicians, and choir leaders. Lighting the altar fires, disposing of the ashes. Keeping the candle stick lit. Attending to the offerings of incense. Maintaining the temple treasury. Placing of the Show Bread (unleavened) bread. Offering up the sacrificial animals. The high priest's responsibility of offering atonement on the Day of Atonement.
Today we have the honor as part of Jesus' royal priesthood to lead His people as we teach them about giving, worshiping, praying, and understanding God’s Word as we learn to serve Him. Jesus is the Bread of life, the light of the World and God's ultimate sacrifice for sin. At church I portrayed the role of Zechariah before his angelic encounter. I think his son John described Jesus well in John 1:29.

Learning About the Temple

An eye catching site at the Holy Land Experience was the mock up of Herod's temple. The area was great for presentations. We learned the most about the temple when we viewed the model of the city of Jerusalem as a teaching tool to show what was present at the time of Christ. This was the largest known indoor model of the city. It was very interesting and got us looking into the role of the priest. My son and I had a great adventure!

He's Not Here, He Is Risen!

While visiting the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, We had the chance to go behind the scenes and see the props used for making the presentations of the Good News of the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ! There is no greater joy then to realize that Jesus is alive forevermore! The tomb was temporary, death is defeated! The grave could not hold the King! He is risen indeed. The dramas were gripping as you witnessed what was happening up close and personal. My eyes welled up as so many images and Bible studies rushed through my head and my heart. To know Jesus and the power of His resurrection as a born again believer is tremendous. There is no greater experience in this life.
Matthew 28:5-7

http://www.holylandexperience.com/

Having fun celebrating the events surrounding the life of Jesus!
Hearing about the wine/olive press and the garden by the tomb carved from the rock and seeing the stone that sealed the tomb rolled away, brought a smile to my face and a thrill to my heart. I enjoyed the visual helps and these helped me to better understand the significance of the surroundings. I was refreshed and found out more information regarding the original sites.

Here is an interesting link: http://www.lifeintheholyland.com/gordons_calvary.htm

An Angel Strengthened Him

There appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Did the angel help Jesus pray in earnest? Was the angel there to wipe His brow? Or to collect His tears that were like drops of blood? Did he rest his hand on His shoulder and remind Him that all of His life was for the very day that was now at hand? Perhaps the angel encouragingly delivered the loving message, "The Father is well pleased with what You are about to do."

Jesus Is Knocking

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me [Rev. 3:20].This is a picture of the Lord Jesus at the heart’s door of the sinner.
But, the artist left off the handle of the door?!
This door is a picture of the human heart, and the handle of the door is on the inside. He stands at the door and knocks. He will not crash the door. The Lord Jesus has moved heaven and hell to get to the door of your heart, but when He gets there, He will stop and knock. You will have to open the door to let Him in.

Don't Be Slow To Believe

Then Jesus said to them, “You are foolish and slow to believe everything the prophets said. They said that the Christ must suffer these things before he enters his glory.” Then starting with what Moses and all the prophets had said about him, Jesus began to explain everything that had been written about himself in the Scriptures.

Reflect Him

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men

This Water

Then Jesus said, "Whoever drinks from the water from this well will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst again."

He Leads Me to Calm Water

A song that went "Don't Worry; Be Happy" some years ago can only truely appreciated, when combined with scripture: Do not worry about anything. But pray and ask God for everything you need. And when you pray, always give thanks. Philippians 4:6
Jesus leads us, for it is written, He leads me to calm water. Psalm 23:2b