Jesus #atozchallenge

Palm Sunday 16 (Photo credit: Waiting For The Word)

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
    From the house of the Lord we bless you.
27 The Lord is God,
    and he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
    up to the horns of the altar.

Psalm 118:26-27

New International Version (NIV)

        The Holy Bible is a book of many things--history, law, guidelines for healthy living, biography, poetry, and others.   Ultimately though it is the story of Jesus. Even the books of the Old Testament are setting up the coming of Jesus Christ.  The sages and prophets prior to Christ's coming knew that a Messiah was on the way.  They even described some of the specifics of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of the coming Messiah.

         When we study the Old Testament from the standpoint of the story of Jesus, many things become more understandable.   Concepts such as sacrifice make more sense.  Stories such as that of Jonah seem prescient.   The words of the prophets come into focus.

          During the time when Jesus walked this Earth the writings of previous generations were often mentioned as they were put into context of the times.  Jesus even told us in his own words.

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

Luke 24:44

English Standard Version (ESV)

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What's On Your Mind?

Prayer (Photo credit: Chris Yarzab)

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!

Psalm 139:23

English Standard Version (ESV)

          The above quote strikes me as a rather bold statement.   One would have to be very confident to say this to God--or have a sincere attitude of repentance with a true desire to do what is right in God's eyes.  

         Yet God knows our hearts and our very thoughts and minds.  We are assaulted by what the world tells us.   That input of data jumbles in our heads to taint our hearts.   God offers His way and so much of the time we want to do things our way.  What we want.  What others want.  What the world wants.

         We can't have it both ways if the world is not for God.  Sometimes we have to say no to ourselves, others, and the world.    It's essential for us to seek what God wants for us because that is what is best for us.    God's way is the key to our salvation.

          Pray.  Seek counsel of those of good repute.  Study the scripture.  And pray some more.

          When we strive to dwell within the heart of God, then we become closer to having a cleaner heart within us.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

English Standard Version (ESV)

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What Does the Bible Say About Swearing (Profanity)?

King James Version of the Bible (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

King James Version (KJV)

        In recent weeks on my main blog Tossing It Out I have been offering a Monday series on the topic of swearing and the use of profanity in conversation.  This series came about as a result of some conflict during the Blogging from A to Z Challenge from bloggers who like to engage such language into their blog posts and were upset that the A to Z organizers had asked them to label their blogs with adult content warnings.

        Several bloggers--including some who proclaimed to be Christians--expressed that they had no problem with hearing others use profanity or for some even using it themselves.   Some of them stated outright that the Bible doesn't say anything about profanity being wrong while others asked where in the Bible the admonition against profanity was made.   A few conceded that there is clear censure of using the Lord's name in vain, but didn't see any problem with other types of crude language. 

        I don't think any of these people have been reading their Bible very closely if at all.  As is often the case, many people will cite what the Bible says based on what they think it should say, what they want it to say, or what they've heard others say that the Bible says.  So where does the Bible say that speaking and even reading certain types of language is wrong?

       Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

New International Version (NIV)

        One can find many instances in the Bible that not merely suggest, but pretty clearly state what our language should be.  It seems to be the vogue of our age for many to take Bible verses and inject them with more liberal interpretations.  Some might say that those verses were written in the olden days and no longer apply to our modern times.  What do you think?

          Here's a final thought on this:   Words mean something.  Words have histories, inferences, and connections.  When something is said a mental image is created.  That's what words do.  If we are saying something we are planting seeds in our minds and the minds of others.  Even if the Bible didn't say anything about the use of indecent language, sheer logic should tell us there is a problem connected with the use of such language.

           These days it seems that logic is often the offensive term.  

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

New International Version (NIV)

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You ( #atozchallenge )

 "I am the Good Shepherd" (from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 11).  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

       This blog--A Few Words--and all the posts for the A to Z Challenge are for you the readers.   I hope that I sometimes inspire or enlighten you if you are already a follower of Christ.  But most of all, it's my hope that I will reach you--the one who does not know Jesus as your savior.

        You--each of you--are one of God's children and you are precious to him.  Some of you may be lost, hurting, or unsure about your lives.  If this is you, then I encourage you to start at the beginning of my A to Z series and read through the posts.  Contemplate where you are in your life and where you are going.  Study the Bible.   Click on the tab on this page labeled Take the Next Step.  Ask questions.  Pray for guidance.

        I hope to see all of you visiting back to A Few Words now and then.  Let me know when you do.  Your encouragement is a big help to me.  I thank each of YOU for it.

 If you would like to know more about a true life change in a positive direction, then please read Take the Next Step. 

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Knowledge (#atozchallenge)

Knowledge will make you free (Photo credit: tellatic)

         Faith comes by hearing, but it does not end there.  This is only the first step.  It's up to us to step beyond to study the scripture.  What we are told by others may not always be absolutely correct.  Reading the Bible, contemplating its message, and praying for greater understanding of what we read are essential for us to gain a true knowledge of God's Word.

         Interpretations of scripture can be corrupted and distorted with passages taken out of context and scripture misapplied to create theologies that are false and misleading.   If we have confidence in our teachers we should listen, but we should also do our research to make sure what they are saying is correct.  There is nothing wrong with questioning those who appear to know more than we do.  That is a part of true learning.

          In the times of the early Christian church the group known as the Bereans were commended for their practice of listening carefully to Paul's teachings and then going home to study scripture to reaffirm that he was teaching them correctly.  They were considered to be of noble character due to their sincere quest for truth and true knowledge.  They were not lazy followers of Jesus Christ, but they worked at reaffirming and strengthening their faith.

         Take care as you gather your knowledge.  Rely on more sources than just one if you are reading outside of scripture.  Does what you are reading come from a credible source?   Also don't rely on what you have always believed or what you would like to believe.  Be sure that the knowledge you are acquiring is scripturally based.

        Then when you have the knowledge, what are you going to do with it?  Be sure to use it to lead others to begin their own search for knowledge.   Lead others to the well and drink the Living Water together.  Your quest for knowledge should be life long.

 If you would like to know more about a true life change in a positive direction, then please read Take the Next Step. 

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Evangelism

Jesus Army evangelism (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

       When you hear some great news you usually want to go out and share it.  You become excited and want to be the first one to tell your friends, family, and anyone who will listen to you.  Have you experienced this?   Someone tells you something that brings an incredibly happy feeling that makes you go around beaming and you can't help to keep talking about the news you've received.

       The Good News is that God is great and merciful.  He has provided you with hope in His saving grace.  Some will spend an eternity of suffering separated from the loving creator.   It's not what He wants for anyone, but sadly many will make this choice through their unwillingness to accept God's mercy.

       The Word is there for you.  If you know it's available will you still refuse to listen and learn what God has to offer.   It's your choice.  To not make a choice is making a choice.  You have to decide this and if you decide to invite Jesus into your life and submit to God's will, you will be renewed.  If you have done this, you should be compelled to tell others.

       Evangelism has taken a negative connotation for many.   Even the dictionary definitions make evangelism sound like something wacky and intrusive.  It's not something you have to do from a pulpit, in an arena, from a soapbox, or on television.  You can evangelize anyone and do it in your own way.  Just telling others about God and what's in the Bible can make a big difference in their lives.

        Shouldn't you be at least as excited about telling others about the truly Good News as you would be to tell them about a good movie you've seen or a book you've read?  Which news will have the most impact in the long run?

       Once you have truly heard the Word of God you have been delivered the Good News.  If you hear the Good News be sure to tell everyone who will listen.  It may be the most important thing you will ever do.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8

New International Version (NIV)

 If you would like to know more about a true life change in a positive direction, then please read Take the Next Step. 

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Is the Bible Still Relevant?

A bible from 1859. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your word, Lord, is eternal;
    it stands firm in the heavens.

Psalm 119:89

New International Version (NIV)

      Many people these days dismiss the Bible as an archaic document of history that is mostly irrelevant in our time.  Things have changed since those times described in the Bible some might say--we are more enlightened  now and have different needs.  The Bible is fine for some, but not for the scoffers who think they can get along without God.  Even many who call themselves Christians rarely delve deeply into what the Bible has to say.

       The Holy Bible is not a mere collection of words, but it is The Word that is a collection of historical records, laws and rules to live by, prophecies, words of praise and poesy, and some of the deepest and most beautiful thoughts ever written.  The Bible was written for all people of all times and is probably more relevant now than ever before in human history.

         For those who say "God is dead" or "There is no God", I say He is not only alive in the World, he is alive in the Word.   It's up to the reader to let God out of the pages and into their life.  Atheists are frequently well studied in the Bible, yet they have not allowed God to come to life for them.  They are reading with the atheistic mindset firmly in place and resisting the Spirit to breathe into their lives.   When God comes knocking at your door you must open that door on your own and listen to what He has to say.

         Study with honesty and a clear head.   God is there.  Jesus is alive.  The Holy Spirit is ready to work in your life when you are willing to do the work required of you.   Read the Bible regularly with joy in your heart. Don't always just accept as truth what you think you heard or misremembered from some cursory reading long ago.  The Bible was, is, and will be.   The Holy Bible is alive and will give you a fuller life if you are willing read, heed, and learn from it.  

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Acts 17:11

New International Version (NIV)

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Christ for All

Bible (Photo credit: Light from Light)

Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns. ”
    The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; 
    he will judge the peoples with equity.

Psalm 96:10

New International Version (NIV)

         Who have you told?  Do you ever tell other people about Jesus Christ?  Have you ever been a defender of your Christian faith?   Are you thankful for the freedoms you enjoy to worship as you please?

         We in the United States and most other Western nations have been fortunate in the relative freedom we have to believe what we want to believe with virtually no persecution.  Sure, we might deal with some verbal barbs that might get thrown our way, but we can still go to church, listen to religious radio or television programs, read our Bibles, and freely discuss among ourselves our faith without fear of imprisonment, torture, or even death.  The day will come, but fortunately we are not there yet.

      This thought crossed my mind this past week.  As I was visiting some of the blog posts that I had missed during the April A to Z Challenge I ran across a post by Philips Verghese Ariel which moved me.  This man's defense of my faith was so wholehearted and sincere that it gave me pause to think.

      I hope you will stop by to say hello to PV Ariel and thank him for his post.

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

2 Timothy 1:8

New International Version (NIV)

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Dreams

Image via Wikipedia

I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; 
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

Psalm 16:7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

        God's voice is heard in many ways.  We must carefully watch and listen for what God is telling us.  

        Sometimes we draw conclusions from within, based on our own desires or what others tell us.  Always ask yourself first, "Is this God speaking to me?" And if it is God, then be sure that you are interpreting God's will and not your own.   

          There are numerous accounts in the Bible of people who were given dream messages.  Joseph's gift of dream interpretation incurred that wrath of his jealous brothers, but later endeared him to the ruler of Egypt.  The ability to understand God's dream messages placed Joseph in a position to help the family that had scorned him.

           Daniel likewise was able to tell King Nebuchadnezzar the meanings of this ruler's troubling dreams.  His God-given ability to decipher dream symbolism put Daniel in a place of importance in a kingdom where his people were enslaved.

           Not all dreams may be messages from God, but many may.  Through prayer and familiarity with God's word we can have a better understanding of what God might be telling us in dreams.   We can have a greater control over ourselves whether awake or sleeping if we practice what is instructed in Philippians 4:8:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

         These are words to live--or to sleep by. 

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Open 24 Hours

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The day is Yours, the night also is Yours;
         You have prepared the light and the sun.

Psalm 74:16

New King James Version (NKJV)

         Whether we are awake or asleep God is open for business.   


         God is like the 24 hour market that conveniently provides your needs whenever you need them.


         God is the fuel stop that never closes allowing you to reinvigorate yourself when you need a boost in life.


         God is like the emergency clinic where doctors are always available to tend to the sick and broken.


          God is the church that never closes its doors and is ready to accommodate prayer and worship at any time of day.


          God is open for business 24 hours a day.  The door is always open and the light is always on.

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Future Is Now

Image via Wikipedia

Restore us, O God;
         Cause Your face to shine, 
         And we shall be saved! 

Psalm 80:3

New King James Version (NKJV)

        Old year gone, new year here--

         Let God's love shine down on you.

         Don't be overcome by fear

         Or doubt--your soul's renewed.

         Lift up your hearts.  Rejoice His love.

         Angels sweep down from above

          To sing the glory of the Lord.

          Sing ye too and be restored.

                                        arlee bird

         

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