"THE ROMANTIC LOVER"

Good Afternoon to All!

(1) Behold, you are fair my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove's eyes behind your veil.
(2) Your hair is like a flock of goats, going down from Mount Gilead. Your teeth are like a a flock of shorn sheep, Which have come up from the washing, Every one of which bears twins,
And none is barren among them. (3) Your lips are like a strand of scarlet, And your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil Are like a piece of pomegranate.
(4) Your neck is like the tower of David, Built for an armory, On which hang a thousand bucklers, All shields of mighty men. (7) You are all fair, my love, And there is no spot in you.
(Song of Solomon 4:1-4, 7 NKJV)

WOW! Ladies, doesn't that passage just make you melt and blush with confidence? Doesn't it make you feel admired? Well, if we were back in Biblical times it would.

Men want to be romantic and please a woman with words of love, but men's ideas of "beautiful" and women's are quite different. "Hair like a flock of goats" to us as women says "scraggly and uncombed, but to a man who raises goats, would be perceived as "rich and pricey". Lips like a scarlet thread" to me would imply a thin red tight mouth, but men see costly red thread woven into soft fabric and identify the color and richness with lovely lips.

Cheeks like a pomegranate might sound like bright and blotchy to a woman, but to a man depicts the sweetness of a blushing bride. To a man, jewels on the neck resemble symbols of victory and shields of protection.

This passage on beauty reflects a man's imagery. What a man enjoys blends with his values. A man who likes fishing might think about his wife in terms of calm water, jumping fish, and a fine lure! god made women's and men's minds to think differently, but the bottom line is that the man finds the woman a beautiful and flawless creation of God. Rejoice when your man tries to state what he finds attractive.

I will definitely have to change my mantra to my hubby. I'm always saying "it's not what you say, it's how you say it. (His mentor is Don Rickles)! LOL! Anyway, I will appreciate what he says from now on, because he doesn't compliment with metaphors.

I understand what this writer is attempting to say, but at the same time, I will never complain about my hubby's way of complimenting me ever again! The only thing I usually get compliments on is my cooking, so I will gracefully accept and cherish them. Just because he says "Good Supper Hon!"

The answers to Last Night's Bible Challenge "Teachings Part 2" are as follows:

1. c) servants in the house of the Lord (Psalm 134)
2. c) heart (Proverbs 28:26)
3. d) those who are merciful ( Matthew 5:7)
4. b) wolves in sheeps' clothing (Matthew 7:15)
5. c) earthquakes (Matthew 24:7)
6. If ye abide in me and my words abide in you . . . " (John 15:7)
7. a) faith (Romans 1:17)
8. d) Mount Sinai (Galatians 4:24)
9. poisonous (James 3:8)
10. a) loveth (1 John 4:8)

Here's hoping you have a wonderful night and May God Bless!

Bible Challenge - "TEACHINGS" Part 2

Good Evening to All!

I don't know why, but this challenge seems familiar. I checked through my posts to see if I had already done it, but didn't find it, so I guess it is my imagination.




1. Psalm 134 directs what specific group of people to praise the Lord? (Psalm 134)

a) those in bondage
b) the Israelite nation
c) servants in the house of the Lord
d) young people

2. Proverbs 28 teaches that it's foolish to trust in your own __________. (Proverbs 28:26)

a) ability
b) wisdom
c) heart
d) strength

3. In the Beatitudes, Jesus said these people will obtain mercy.weight: bold;"> (Matthew 5:7)

a) those who are poor
b) those who are just
c) those who are obedient
d) those who are merciful

4. Jesus' warning about false prophets inspired the modern adage about _________. (Matthew 7:15)

a) the pot calling the kettle black
b) wolves in sheep's clothing
c) a stitch in time
d) a bird in the hand

5. Speaking of His second coming, Jesus said it would be prefaced by a time of "famines and pestilences, and ______________, in divers places." (Matthew 24:7)

a) floods
b) burning cities
c) earthquakes
d) hail storms

6. In John's Gospel account, the famous "ask and it shall be given" promise by Jesus is prefaced by a vital but often overlooked "if" condition. what is the requirement? (John 15:7)


7. In his letter to the Romans, Chapter 1, Paul explained that the just shall live by _____________. (Romans 1:17)

a) perseverance
b) faith
c) works
d) a peaceful river

8. The apostle Paul once likened Sarah's handmaid Hagar to ___________.
(Galatians 4:24)

a) Babylon
b) a martyr
c) the Tower of Babel
d) Mount Sinai

9. The apostle James warned that the tongue can be _____________. (James 3:8)

10. The apostle John wrote that "he that _________ not knoweth not God." (1 John 4:8)

a) loveth
b) repenteth
c) prayeth
d) none of the above


This last picture really hasn't much to do directly with this Bible challenge but I couldn't resist it. I was looking up pictures titled "poisonous words" and saw this. "EGO" or another word for self pride. People can say and do a lot of damage because of self pride or "ego". We must OVERCOME IT.




Good night to All and May God Bless!

"WITNESS IN TRUTH AND LOVE"

Good Evening to All!

I have always loved the writings of Paul. I have a habit when reading from the Bible. I try to envision the person writing the book. What they look like, what their demeanor is. Their personality and so forth.

Before Paul was encountered on the road to Damascus, I picture Him as being haughty, and over zealous when it came to "rounding up the Christians. After God got hold of him it seems as though it definitely knocked him down a peg or two and made him very unsure of himself at first.

I must admit, after reading accounts from all of them, I think Paul is my favorite to read, and he is the author of the following.

"We proclaim the Lord, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. ( "perfect, meaning mature in Christ-according to the Amplified Bible) To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me. . . . My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the fill riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 1:28-29, 2:2-3


I have been researching and researching these verses, and for some reason, I cannot see where what I feel in my spirit and the research explanations come together. So I will just put it out there and if there are any Pastors out there who have a better understanding, I would gladly appreciate your comments.

What I am "hearing in my spirit" is that it is our place as Christians, as the body of Christ, to carry on His work. To continue teaching and witnessing to people about our God as long as we have breath.

There are a lot of us out here who want to do just that, but unfortunately, are over zealous to the point of running people off and scaring them away from Christ instead of bringing them closer to Him. Unintentionally, while "we" think we are speaking in "love" just wanting to plant enough seeds and water so that God can make the increase that we forget, that last part. GOD will make the increase. If we start "pounding" the Bible into people, they will shut down because they will feel we are being judgmental. That is not our job.

In case you are wondering I am speaking to myself LOUDER than anyone else, because I USED to be that way. I hope I have matured enough to know how to deliver God's message in love with no sound of judgment, but I also know I get excited when I start talking about Him and sometimes revert back to my over-zealousness.

I also do this when I read or hear something that is "suppose" to be scripture, but makes salvation sound so vague and trivial. What I mean by that is telling people in so many words that nothing is expected of us for our salvation. My brothers and sisters, that COULD NOT BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. God expects us to Love Him. God wants us have a Deep Relationship with Him, which as in any relationship it takes communication to each other. God expects us to Obey Him and Adhere to His Word. In a nutshell Live for God. Put Him First.

I don't say anything because it's not my place, but I get so frustrated when I hear people talk about themselves as being Christian, yet anyone can see by the way they live, act and talk that they don't walk the walk. The only thing I can do when I see this is say Lord, show them the way. Touch their hearts.

Just through Prayer, and Sometimes Prayer and Fasting I have seen amazing results. I have seen people do a 180 degree turn around. I had people tell me that one day something just came over them and they decided they didn't want to drink anymore, or they realized that needed their money for more important things than partying. I just smile and say well, I've been praying for you, and I leave it at that.

Well, I hope that this post has made some sense to you. Like I said my research didn't seem to match up with what I was feeling in my spirit that God wanted me to say, so I'm hoping this was meant for someone out there.

Be sure and get your pens, paper and Bibles warmed up for tomorrow evening Bible Challenge!

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

MY FAVORITE BOOK IN THE BIBLE"

Good Evening to All!

I am so embarrassed! I didn't realize I had already typed on this topic. I'm sure however that I have some new insights on it, so I hope you will enjoy and glean something of interest from it.

My favorite book in the Bible is just that because I love structure. I need instruction in my life. I'm 57 years old, yet I feel that we are NEVER TOO OLD to learn. My favorite type of books next to the Bible are Self-Help Books. I never want to stop learning or growing.

I think we can all continue to grow. I do not believe we can stand still. Just as in our walk with God, we are either constantly growing in our relationship with Him or we are going backward.

I believe it is that way in life also. As an example I will use our physical bodies. If you break your arm and have it in a cast for a long time does it not lose strength? If you are ill for a length of time and have to remain in bed, do you not lose strength and muscle tone in your legs?

Our walk with God is the same way. If we don't continue to get closer to Him, we will eventually fall away, and more than likely stop listening to Him.

In answer to the question, "What is my favorite Book of the Bible and Why?" Can you guess? If you guessed Proverbs you are correct!

I can't get enough instruction.

My Pastor was speaking about "Law and Liberty", but I think his statement holds true for this also. He said. "genuine liberty can only exist where there are rules and laws. Even liberty has it's limitations. In other words, if we did not have laws or rules then everyone would run amuck and chaos would abound. Everyone could kill everyone for no reason, we could steal from one another with no consequences, People could have their way with others and nothing would be done about it. This is with no laws or rules.

The Book of Proverbs is my favorite because it is our instruction book. Proverbs specializes in practical advice, but it's more than simply a collection of tips and tricks. This book passes on a core of knowledge that God says everyone must have successful living.

Because the words in Proverbs concern human nature AND God's ways, they speak to the modern problems as much as the ancient ones. Although our landscapes and gadgets have changed since the time of Solomon who wrote this book of the Bible, human nature has not changed nor has God's nature.

Practical Everyday Help: Proverbs succinctly details some of the overall principles scattered throughout the Bible. The teachings of Proverbs are not expressed with the words like the prophets or Moses saying, "This is what the Lord says"; instead the proverbs are given form the practical experience of a man who is tested and tried in the experience. This book is like an owner's manual for life. Any owner's manual will explain what needs to be done to avoid serious problems but does not promise or guarantee that nothing will go wrong. The best guarantee for the life of faith is to read and learn the wisdom in this book.

A Sample of Proverbs: Here's a small sample of the wisdom from Proverbs which are commonly known in this book: "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 3:6-7). This is because God knows a lot more than we do. He knows everything from the end to the beginning, so who can argue with someone who already knows the outcome?

"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops, then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10). If we will do this, God will reward us. We will gain a lot more than we give. I know this from experience.

"Wine is a mocker and beer, a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." (Proverbs 20:1) This verse is self -explanatory

Last but not least, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17) What this verse says to me is that we are to build each other up with encouragement , not tear each other down with criticism.

At the end of the book Agur includes his sayings such as "There are three things that are too amazing for me, for that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden."
(Proverbs 30:18-19) There are just certain things that we are not to understand until we stand in front of God.

Proverbs concludes with a passage about the wife of noble character. "A wife of noble character who can find" she is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value." (Proverbs 3:10-11) Society now praises women who have initiative, education and independence. Look at the independence of this wife: "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard . . . She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night" (Proverbs 31:16, 18).
For each of the writers of Proverbs, wisdom isn't something unattainable. If a person faithfully and consistently follows the advice in this book, they will gain the wisdom which they seek.

This is the reason I love this book. Every time I read it I gain much more than the time before.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"

Challenge Answers and "EXPECT MORE"

Good Evening to All!

The Answers to the Challenge "Trees and Flowers" are as follows:

1. False (Genesis 1-2)
2. d) the trees of life and knowledge (Genesis 2:9)
3. cypress (Genesis 6:14)
4. shittim or acacia (Exodus 25:10)
5. c) bulrushes (Exodus 1:22-2:3)
6. c) tree (Exodus 15:23-25)
7. b) palm (Judges 4:5)
8. b) Lebanon (1 Kings 5:6-9)
9. b) willow (Psalms 137:2)
10. d) lilies (Matthew 6:28-29)


************

I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now. (John 16:12 AMP)

This is what Jesus told His disciples, because even though He was going to be leaving them there was a lot more for them to learn, but He knew they wouldn't be able to understand it. He did however promise them that the Holy Spirit would come to earth and guide them into all truths, (John 16:13) and teach us all things and help us to remember all that God had told us through His Word. (John 14:26).

We must remember however that when Jesus was saying these words, He was talking to men who had been with Him constantly for the previous three years. A person would think that spending all of this time with a person, that they would know all there is to know. After all they spent night and day with Him, but no. He felt there was more to teach them. Jesus always will have something new to teach us about each new situation we are faced with. Sometimes even the same situation at a different time will require a different way of handling.

This is why it is always best to pray about each different situation for God's guidance. Just like if we pray before we read God's Word, the meaning will become more clear. I have found that I can read the same scripture several times at different intervals and if I pray I will understand it at a deeper level. God's Word is alive and as we mature in Him, developing a relationship with Him by praying, talking to Him, and studying His Word, we will be able to understand more and more about what He wants to say to us and what He wants for our lives now and in the future.

This is SO IMPORTANT. In this day and time we need to be vigilant about what we are allowing into our lives, and also to help others to understand how important getting ready for the coming of Christ truly is.

I am not a "dooms day" preacher or witness. What I am is a "lover of God and His Word", that is simply stating that NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR OF CHRIST'S COMING. Therefore it is better to be knowledgeable of what the signs are and to keep our souls ready for Him. For His Word says He will come in the twinkling of an eye, which to me means that people won't have time to second guess themselves. Just remember, each day you can expect God to teach you something IF you will pay attention to what He is saying and revealing. Earlier I spoke about Him bringing to our remembrance things which God has told and revealed to us through His Word. The thing to realize is we have to have read His Word to begin with to be able to recall it.

Something to consider is doing something like I do and take notes during our church services and Sunday School, and also maybe keep a journal of what you learn through your reading of God's Word. There have been many times when I have heard something through our preacher, or elders of my church, or even read in the Bible, then several days later, a situation will come up, or I may be talking to someone even outside my church family that will actually re-affirm what I had read or heard. That is such a neat feeling. Many times I will have typed a post on a specific topic not knowing what my Pastor is going to preach on, and that next service, He will preach on the same topic and make some statement that I had just typed in my post. That is when I definitely know I have written a post which was "inspired by God". With God, there is no such thing as coincidences.

Good Night and May God Bless!

Bible Challenge - "Teachings I"

Good Afternoon to All!

I am sorry I got so messed up because of not being able to post the other night. As I explained last night, I was unable to post Saturday night because of my Internet connection being messed up. I got mixed up last night and instead of typing the Bible Challenge as I do every Sunday, I type the post that I had wanted to type Saturday. Now today I am typing the Bible Challenge. Depending on the Internet connection tonight, I will post another one, but at this time here we go with the Bible Challenge. I hope you enjoy it.

1. If you want to acquire wisdom, according to Psalm 111 and Proverbs 1, you first must have a ___________. (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7)
a) desire to learn
b) willingness to serve
c) godly fear
d) sound body

2. According to Proverbs 5, ____---is "the principal thing." (Proverbs 4:7)
a) truth
b) wisdom
c) courage
d) birthright

3. Proverbs 15 teaches us to moderate our _________-in order to diffuse anger.
Proverbs 15:1)
a) beverage consumption
b) speech
c) punishment of criminals
d) discipline of children

4. The final chapter of Proverbs contains the teachings of King Lemuel regarding_________. (Proverbs 31)
a) the virtuous woman
b) the slovenly man
c) the obedient daughter
d) the rebellious son

5. Scripture warns us that comforts and pleasures___________. (Job 21:13, Proverbs 21:17, Luke 8:14)
a) are fleeting
b) lead to poverty
c) choke a person's understanding of God's word
d) all of the above

6. Jesus enraged listeners in His hometown Nazareth synagogue when he told them, among other things that _____________. (Luke 4:16-30)
a) no prophet is welcome in His hometown
b) He had come to earth to reconcile the Nazarenes to God
c) He would die in Jerusalem not Nazareth
d) none of the above.

7. The Beatitudes are___________. (Matthew 5:3-12)
a) a sequence of warnings.
b) a sequence of commands
c) a sequence of blessings
d) a sequence of pardons

8. Don't worry--worry does nothing to lengthen your life. Who gave us this advice?
(Matthew 6:25-27)
a) Isaiah
b) Amos
c) Jesus
d) Peter

9. In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ said that if you judge other , God will do this. \(Matthew 7:1-2)
a) judge you.
b) reward you
c) honor you
d) expect you to be able to explain your rationale on Judgment Day

10. In the eight chapter of John, Jesus told His disciples the truth would make them _____________. (John 8:32)
a) blessed
b) free
c) wealthy
d) wise

Happy Hunting!

As I said above, depending on the Internet connection, I may post a devotional later this evening.

May God Bless!