Tag: Holy

Newspaper Route

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

Hi Peeps,

“Your job is to deliver the newspaper; you can’t force people to read it.” 

TB

Designation

God designates specific paper routes for His children. Some deliver to those who are first saved. Some deliver to those who’ve sprouted seeds. Some deliver to those who are experiencing deep hardship or those who backslide. Others deliver to those who’ve walked with God for some time. The point is, each delivery route is spiritually designed by Christ. It is not up to us to reroute ourselves.

Delivery

If God has graciously given you a paper route, stick to it– nothing more, and nothing less. Remember that Christ alone saves people; we are merely messengers. So, when you deliver papers, do just that. There is no need to stuff them down people’s throats. More to the point, there is no need to intercede on someone else’s route. That responsibility falls upon God, the Holy Editor.

Today’s Question

Are you sticking to the route that the Holy Editor assigned to you?

Enjoy the reading

Exodus 19

1 Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. 2 After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai. 3 Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” 7 So Moses returned from the mountain and called together the elders of the people and told them everything the LORD had commanded him. 8 And all the people responded together, “We will do everything the LORD has commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to the LORD . 9 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.” Moses told the LORD what the people had said. 10 Then the LORD told Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. 11 Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch. 12 Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death. 13 No hand may touch the person or animal that crosses the boundary; instead, stone them or shoot them with arrows. They must be put to death.’ However, when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, then the people may go up on the mountain. ” 14 So Moses went down to the people. He consecrated them for worship, and they washed their clothes. 15 He told them, “Get ready for the third day, and until then abstain from having sexual intercourse.” 16 On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram’s horn, and all the people trembled. 17 Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the LORD had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. 19 As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply. 20 The LORD came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain. 21 Then the LORD told Moses, “Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the LORD, or they will die. 22 Even the priests who regularly come near to the LORD must purify themselves so that the LORD does not break out and destroy them.” 23 “But LORD,” Moses protested, “the people cannot come up to Mount Sinai. You already warned us. You told me, ‘Mark off a boundary all around the mountain to set it apart as holy.’” 24 But the LORD said, “Go down and bring Aaron back up with you. In the meantime, do not let the priests or the people break through to approach the LORD, or he will break out and destroy them.” 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them what the LORD had said.

Check, Please

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“To grow farther in your walk with Christ, become open to receiving correction and feedback from wise counsel.”

TB

Holy Fiber

In one way or another, we’re all full of it. The best way to combat the BS we feed ourselves is by following it with a dose of Holy Fiber. God will always be honest with us. And, when we don’t hear Him loud and clear, He sends someone along to give you the recommended dose. Holy Fiber, also known as the Truth, enables us to listen, learn, and loves as our Father in Heaven instructs. Without it, we’d all be backed up and bloated by our foolish nature. More to the point, we become prone to foolishness and poor choices that ultimately we beg God to relieve us from.

Recommended Dose

Because the Truth is optional, it is up to you to cleanse your palate. Pride and arrogance push the Truth and those who bring it away. But friends, practice humility and discipline to take the spoonful as recommended. This happens when you listen to God and the people He sends your way to help you remain on the straight and narrow. Of course, feedback and correction at first are hard supplements to swallow. But ask yourselves this, if God is loving enough to tell us the Truth, and send folks to reinforce it, perhaps we ought to ask for the check.

Today’s Question

Are you taking your recommended dose of Holy Fiber or are you full of it?

Enjoy the reading

Genesis 24

1 Abraham was now a very old man, and the LORD had blessed him in every way. 2 One day Abraham said to his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, “Take an oath by putting your hand under my thigh. 3 Swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. 4 Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.” 5 The servant asked, “But what if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to travel so far from home? Should I then take Isaac there to live among your relatives in the land you came from?” 6 “No!” Abraham responded. “Be careful never to take my son there. 7 For the LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and my native land, solemnly promised to give this land to my descendants. He will send his angel ahead of you, and he will see to it that you find a wife there for my son. 8 If she is unwilling to come back with you, then you are free from this oath of mine. But under no circumstances are you to take my son there.” 9 So the servant took an oath by putting his hand under the thigh of his master, Abraham. He swore to follow Abraham’s instructions. 10 Then he loaded ten of Abraham’s camels with all kinds of expensive gifts from his master, and he traveled to distant Aram-naharaim. There he went to the town where Abraham’s brother Nahor had settled. 11 He made the camels kneel beside a well just outside the town. It was evening, and the women were coming out to draw water. 12 “O LORD, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham. 13 See, I am standing here beside this spring, and the young women of the town are coming out to draw water. 14 This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’—let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.” 15 Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and his wife, Milcah. 16 Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again. 17 Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.” 18 “Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink. 19 When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw water for all his camels. 21 The servant watched her in silence, wondering whether or not the LORD had given him success in his mission. 22 Then at last, when the camels had finished drinking, he took out a gold ring for her nose and two large gold bracelets for her wrists. 23 “Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “And please tell me, would your father have any room to put us up for the night?” 24 “I am the daughter of Bethuel,” she replied. “My grandparents are Nahor and Milcah. 25 Yes, we have plenty of straw and feed for the camels, and we have room for guests.” 26 The man bowed low and worshiped the LORD . 27 “Praise the LORD, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The LORD has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.” 28 The young woman ran home to tell her family everything that had happened. 29 Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, who ran out to meet the man at the spring. 30 He had seen the nose-ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man had said. So he rushed out to the spring, where the man was still standing beside his camels. 31 Laban said to him, “Come and stay with us, you who are blessed by the LORD ! Why are you standing here outside the town when I have a room all ready for you and a place prepared for the camels?” 32 So the man went home with Laban, and Laban unloaded the camels, gave him straw for their bedding, fed them, and provided water for the man and the camel drivers to wash their feet. 33 Then food was served. But Abraham’s servant said, “I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.” “All right,” Laban said, “tell us.” 34 “I am Abraham’s servant,” he explained. 35 “And the LORD has greatly blessed my master; he has become a wealthy man. The LORD has given him flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, a fortune in silver and gold, and many male and female servants and camels and donkeys. 36 “When Sarah, my master’s wife, was very old, she gave birth to my master’s son, and my master has given him everything he owns. 37 And my master made me take an oath. He said, ‘Do not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. 38 Go instead to my father’s house, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son.’ 39 “But I said to my master, ‘What if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to go back with me?’ 40 He responded, ‘The LORD, in whose presence I have lived, will send his angel with you and will make your mission successful. Yes, you must find a wife for my son from among my relatives, from my father’s family. 41 Then you will have fulfilled your obligation. But if you go to my relatives and they refuse to let her go with you, you will be free from my oath.’ 42 “So today when I came to the spring, I prayed this prayer: ‘O LORD, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission. 43 See, I am standing here beside this spring. This is my request. When a young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.” 44 If she says, “Yes, have a drink, and I will draw water for your camels, too,” let her be the one you have selected to be the wife of my master’s son.’ 45 “Before I had finished praying in my heart, I saw Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water. So I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’ 46 She quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and said, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ So I drank, and then she watered the camels. 47 “Then I asked, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She replied, ‘I am the daughter of Bethuel, and my grandparents are Nahor and Milcah.’ So I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her wrists. 48 “Then I bowed low and worshiped the LORD . I praised the LORD, the God of my master, Abraham, because he had led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife. 49 So tell me—will you or won’t you show unfailing love and faithfulness to my master? Please tell me yes or no, and then I’ll know what to do next.” 50 Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The LORD has obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can say. 51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go. Yes, let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has directed.” 52 When Abraham’s servant heard their answer, he bowed down to the ground and worshiped the LORD . 53 Then he brought out silver and gold jewelry and clothing and presented them to Rebekah. He also gave expensive presents to her brother and mother. 54 Then they ate their meal, and the servant and the men with him stayed there overnight. But early the next morning, Abraham’s servant said, “Send me back to my master.” 55 “But we want Rebekah to stay with us at least ten days,” her brother and mother said. “Then she can go.” 56 But he said, “Don’t delay me. The LORD has made my mission successful; now send me back so I can return to my master.” 57 “Well,” they said, “we’ll call Rebekah and ask her what she thinks.” 58 So they called Rebekah. “Are you willing to go with this man?” they asked her. And she replied, “Yes, I will go.” 59 So they said good-bye to Rebekah and sent her away with Abraham’s servant and his men. The woman who had been Rebekah’s childhood nurse went along with her. 60 They gave her this blessing as she parted: “Our sister, may you become the mother of many millions! May your descendants be strong and conquer the cities of their enemies.” 61 Then Rebekah and her servant girls mounted the camels and followed the man. So Abraham’s servant took Rebekah and went on his way. 62 Meanwhile, Isaac, whose home was in the Negev, had returned from Beer-lahai-roi. 63 One evening as he was walking and meditating in the fields, he looked up and saw the camels coming. 64 When Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she quickly dismounted from her camel. 65 “Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?” she asked the servant. And he replied, “It is my master.” So Rebekah covered her face with her veil. 66 Then the servant told Isaac everything he had done. 67 And Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.

Productive

jonmbarnesLeave a comment
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Hi Peeps.
Today’s Quote
 
 
 “Follow your productivity trail with God’s path to see where the joys of walking with God shall be experienced and do not fall weary of the evil traps set by satan.”  ~  Jon Barnes

Glad

Be glad you have been invited to the party and that God accepted your invitation. The devil cannot stop you. Continue to get rid of your old fleshy ways of this world and transform into the best persona  God had designed for your lifestyle. Always pick yourself up and count your mistakes as joyous learning curves in life. Properly use, save, and share your resources, experiences, and stories.

Thankful

Thank God for sharing great ideas with you and don’t forget where they came from.  Your daily communication and prayers with God are critical.  Give credit where credit is due and share your success stories with others.  In thanksgiving, you will help many people, because your light of love shines through in all of your personal stories, lifestyle, and actions.

Honest

When you make a mistake, stop, and check with God for the proper solution, and do what you are supposed to do.  Why would you spread lies about your mess.  Just clean it up.  Repent, stop living a lie, and tell the truth by living the truth.  God will be pleased with your honesty and obedience.  Your character will shine with your productivity and choices.
Today’s Question
Have you been reading your Father’s book to improve your productivity, character, life, and future or have you given up to live for the devil?
Enjoy The Reading

John 16 

1 “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. 3 This is because they have never known the Father or me. 4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

5 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. 7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’

Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy

16 “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”
17 Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? 18 And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”
19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
25 “I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. 26 Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, 27 for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. 28 Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”
29 Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. 30 Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”
31 Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Tee Hee Hee

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“In case of emergencies (or in everyday life), tap into the Holy Humor of God.”~TB

The Divine Chuckle

God has to have the greatest sense of humor of all time. Just look at us, we are a funny bunch. I’m sure He looks down at us, and has a good chuckle from time to time. And if you learn how, you too can get in on the joke. The older I get, the more I’m convinced that when we endure trying times, in those moments we are able to experience the the kindness and humor of God. If you take a step back and look, you can begin to see God in His kindness and mercy, rather than the Old Testament look we tend to view Him as. Take the holidays and family, for example. Many of us in the Western part of the world are wrapping up the holiday season, which means time spent with your family– for better or worse.

 

Lighten Up

Family can bring the greatest sense of joy. They can also provide the greatest amount of strife as those closest to us know (consciously or otherwise) how to get under our skin. Family functions will always have a sort of dysfunction because we’re all flesh-bag beings who are severely imperfect, and no amount of strategically choreographed photos can change that. Be that as it may, the art of seeing the humor in discord serves two purposes. 1.) You learn not to pick up the sword and you can disarm a brewing battle. 2.) It’s a fun way to take the sting out of the situation. Like the gauge of a pressure cooker, Holy laughter alleviates the boiling pot of tension in family gatherings, safely dismantling a lethal weapon, repurposing it into a fun endeavor.

For Better or Worse

This life is full of hills and valleys, highs and lows. If you can’t find the humor or absurdity in situations, friends it’s going to be a long and arduous venture. So the next time Uncle Frank (no offense to the Franks of the world) makes an insensitive comment or your cousin asks to borrow a couple bucks from you, have a laugh with God, and let the moments float on by as punch lines of your Holy Comedy Routine. The more you learn to chuckle and roll with the punches, the less opportunities are available for the opposition to sow seeds of discord. Remember, when in doubt, have a chuckle with God and laugh it out.

Today’s Question

Are you able to see God’s Humor or are you the butt of the joke?

Enjoy the reading

Isaiah 58

1 “Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins! 
2 Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me. 
3 ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’ “I will tell you why!” I respond. “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. 
4 What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. 
5 You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD ? 
6 “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. 
7 Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. 
8 “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. 
9 Then when you call, the LORD will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! 
10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. 
11 The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. 
12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes. 
13 “Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD ’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. 
14 Then the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

Vantage Point

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Your ability to see things from Christ’s ultimately depends on your vantage point.”~TB

Senses

We are all given senses and common sense to understand how to navigate the ways of this world. We are also given the choice to be in relationship with our Father in Heaven so that he can give us the Biblical compass to lead lives that bring honor to Him. Using Christ’s compass sharpens our senses, giving us the ability to see things from a Christ-like perspective. Alternatively, using your own vantage point will give you a finite and inaccurate understanding of a flawed world. But friends, just because we are broken does not mean that God’s perspective is. Understand this distinction.

Man’s Viewpoint

Man’s viewpoint is flawed and judgmental as we are unable to fully understand or practice mercy, grace and forgiveness in our own right. To the undisciplined and untrained, behaviors like submission and forgiveness seem foolish. That is because the ego and flesh tells us that our understanding of right and wrong is correct! From a legalistic standpoint, everything is black and white. In this mindset, it’s ok to judge and condemn your neighbors, family, and friends when they screw up or offend. It’s ok to rob and enslave the naive because they ‘should’ know better and technically you did not break the law. But don’t be fooled, the wicked may seem successful, but according to who’s vantage point?

Holy Perspective

Friend’s God’s ways are infinite and never fully understood by man. We lack the ability! Fortunately, what is true and what we can rely on is that this life is not as unpredictable as we like to believe. Look at all of the stories in the Bible. If you read them enough, you will see the behaviors and patterns from old have the same themes of your own. Just adopt God’s vantage point, and you will see that His people do the same good, dumb, shameful, repentant deeds since Adam and Eve. These are the same stories, just different people and different times. So in whatever you do, take His vantage point so that you can see the world and its people as God sees you.

 

Today’s Question

How does the view look from where’ you’re sitting?

Enjoy the reading

Isaiah 9

1 Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
3 You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.
4 For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
5The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
8 The Lord has spoken out against Jacob; his judgment has fallen upon Israel.
9 And the people of Israel and Samaria, who spoke with such pride and arrogance, will soon know it.
10 They said, “We will replace the broken bricks of our ruins with finished stone, and replant the felled sycamore-fig trees with cedars.”
11 But the LORD will bring Rezin’s enemies against Israel and stir up all their foes.
12 The Syrians from the east and the Philistines from the west will bare their fangs and devour Israel. But even then the LORD ’s anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike.
13 For after all this punishment, the people will still not repent. They will not seek the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
14 Therefore, in a single day the LORD will destroy both the head and the tail, the noble palm branch and the lowly reed.
15The leaders of Israel are the head, and the lying prophets are the tail.
16 For the leaders of the people have misled them. They have led them down the path of destruction.
17 That is why the Lord takes no pleasure in the young men and shows no mercy even to the widows and orphans. For they are all wicked hypocrites, and they all speak foolishness. But even then the LORD ’s anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike.
18This wickedness is like a brushfire. It burns not only briers and thorns but also sets the forests ablaze. Its burning sends up clouds of smoke.
19 The land will be blackened by the fury of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. The people will be fuel for the fire, and no one will spare even his own brother.
20 They will attack their neighbor on the right but will still be hungry. They will devour their neighbor on the left but will not be satisfied. In the end they will even eat their own children.
21 Manasseh will feed on Ephraim, Ephraim will feed on Manasseh, and both will devour Judah. But even then the LORD ’s anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike.

Reject

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Being made new in Christ means rejecting your old ways and adopting the lifestyle of Christ”~TB

Change

Now that the Truth has been revealed to you, you are marked, cemented in God’s stable. This means that you have to reject previous sins, thoughts, and actions. The same behavior that got you into a turbulent lifestyle cannot remain when you are made new in Christ. You can try to cling onto your past life, but what you will find is the behavior of yesterday will never grant you the peace you experience in Christ. This is because the Holy Spirit within you can never find satisfaction in the fleshly sinful practices of man. No, it requires Biblical fuel to thrive. Save yourself some time and headache by adopting the principles and behaviors of Christ.

Exist

Freedom in Christ means existing in the Holy peace that a Christlike mentality brings. This can only happen when you let your guard down and allow Him to lead your life. If you can continually check your ego and pride at the door, you will eventually see that what you were trying to defend was not yours to defend at all! Allow God to handle your affairs. Live in peace among one another and do not let the judgments of man dictate your perception of the Lord. Focus on Him to learn how to Biblically move in this world and you will see that life isn’t as chaotic and random as the world would let you believe.

Today’s Question

Are you hitting your head trying to keep a dead lifestyle or are you reading to adopt your new life?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 112

1 Praise the LORD ! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands. 
2 Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. 
3 They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. 
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. 
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. 
7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. 
8 They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. 
9 They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. 
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

 

Spinning Wheels

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Why waste time arguing with fools? If the message is falling on deaf ears clearly it’s not intended for them.”~TB

Burnout

This world is full of fools who are willing to believe stupid things due to their blatant disobedience. They seek any justification to stay in their stupor and will look for supporters high and low. Friends, let the wicked have this world, they’ve made their choice. When you fight with the willfully deaf, you are engaging in a battle that isn’t meant to be won. Instead, you’ve wasted your resources and energy on a futile effort. Focus your efforts on yourself and your service for God. He will instruct your steps if you allow Him to. Don’t let the evil one deceive you by distracting you with dumb people. It’s a trap, keep your eyes peeled and sidestep the noise.

Focus

It’s important to understand that we aren’t here to change hearts and minds. That’s God’s job. We are here to live and speak the Truth. Though we may be part of that plan, our job is the mirror the Truth to the best of our abilities and let God handle the God stuff. He knows how to handle that far better than humans, so let’s just stick to our holy occupations. When you focus your efforts and habits, you will see that your honest, Biblical deeds yield more fruit than arguing with an idiot who is souled out for the devil. Do not engage with them. If you practice kindness and humility, their own deeds will heap coals on their heads, without you having to do a thing.

Today’s Question

Are you wasting your time on stupid stuff or are you focusing on your personal holy employment?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 91

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 
2 This I declare about the LORD : He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 
3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 
4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. 
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. 
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. 
7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. 
8 Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. 
9 If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 
10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. 
11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. 
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! 
14 The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 
15When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 
16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Rooted

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Don’t root your faith in man, because the roots will not take hold. For a firmly rooted foundation, look to God.”~TB

Weak Roots

When you base your faith solely on the actions of your brothers and sisters in Christ, you will be disappointed time and time again. Humans are imperfect, prone to sin, and fundamentally flawed. Even the wisest will fall prey to their wickedness. So what happens when the wise fall? All of a sudden you begin to question your Creator over the misdeeds of your leaders. How foolish! It is arrogant and naive to hold God accountable for the actions of man. Free will gives us the choice to obey or disobey. When your faith is rooted in man, what you thought was firmly planted gets ripped away by the gentlest breeze. Plant your seeds accordingly.

Holy Roots

When you place your faith in God and God alone, He opens your eyes to the Truth, planting you firmly in His Holy Garden where you are permanently rooted. With that Truth, you begin to crave discipline and obedience. Forgiveness becomes easier and you give it as freely as He freely forgives you. When the wise fall, as they do, you understand that it happens and that the transgression is between them and God. You begin to experience the joy of minding your own relationship with God rather than rationalizing your shortcomings because “other people are doing it too”. Tend to your Holy roots by reading the Word and walking close to the Lord. Watch how it changes your world view.

Today’s Question

Are your roots planted in the Holy Garden or are they shallowly rooted in foolishness?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 89

1 I will sing of the LORD ’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. 
2 Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. 
3 The LORD said, “I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant. I have sworn this oath to him: 
4‘I will establish your descendants as kings forever; they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.’” Interlude 
5 All heaven will praise your great wonders, LORD ; myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness. 
6 For who in all of heaven can compare with the LORD ? What mightiest angel is anything like the LORD ? 
7 The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne. 
8 O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD ? You are entirely faithful. 
9 You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves. 
10 You crushed the great sea monster. You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. 
11 The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours—you created it all. 
12 You created north and south. Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon praise your name. 
13 Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength. 
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. 
15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD . 
16 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness.
17 You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong. 
18Yes, our protection comes from the LORD, and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king. 
19 Long ago you spoke in a vision to your faithful people. You said, “I have raised up a warrior. I have selected him from the common people to be king. 
20 I have found my servant David. I have anointed him with my holy oil. 
21 I will steady him with my hand; with my powerful arm I will make him strong. 
22 His enemies will not defeat him, nor will the wicked overpower him. 
23 I will beat down his adversaries before him and destroy those who hate him. 
24 My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him, and by my authority he will grow in power.
25 I will extend his rule over the sea, his dominion over the rivers. 
26And he will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’ 
27 I will make him my firstborn son, the mightiest king on earth.
28 I will love him and be kind to him forever; my covenant with him will never end. 
29 I will preserve an heir for him; his throne will be as endless as the days of heaven. 
30 But if his descendants forsake my instructions and fail to obey my regulations, 
31 if they do not obey my decrees and fail to keep my commands, 
32 then I will punish their sin with the rod, and their disobedience with beating. 
33 But I will never stop loving him nor fail to keep my promise to him. 
34 No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said. 
35 I have sworn an oath to David, and in my holiness I cannot lie: 
36 His dynasty will go on forever; his kingdom will endure as the sun. 
37 It will be as eternal as the moon, my faithful witness in the sky!” Interlude 
38 But now you have rejected him and cast him off. You are angry with your anointed king. 
39 You have renounced your covenant with him; you have thrown his crown in the dust. 
40 You have broken down the walls protecting him and ruined every fort defending him.
41 Everyone who comes along has robbed him, and he has become a joke to his neighbors. 
42 You have strengthened his enemies and made them all rejoice. 
43 You have made his sword useless and refused to help him in battle. 
44 You have ended his splendor and overturned his throne.
45 You have made him old before his time and publicly disgraced him. Interlude 
46 O LORD, how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your anger burn like fire? 
47 Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence! 
48 No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave. Interlude
49 Lord, where is your unfailing love? You promised it to David with a faithful pledge. 
50 Consider, Lord, how your servants are disgraced! I carry in my heart the insults of so many people. 
51 Your enemies have mocked me, O LORD ; they mock your anointed king wherever he goes.
52 Praise the LORD forever! Amen and amen!

 

Buffer

jonmbarnesLeave a comment
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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Great teachers have learned to buffer, package, and deliver difficult concepts, ideas, and standards from God’s Holy Word so that people, students, and families can understand why we all must follow, do, and teach the truth.”

Make

Too many people are making up their own fake math, logic, and things to discuss, implement, and disguise their evil intentions. They make up a new law to change the standards, hurt the poor, enslave their friends, and hoard life, liberty, justice, and freedom for themselves.

Shift

Shift your thinking and position to channel and challenge the youth in mastering the standards God has set before us.  Then they will be able to discern the truth from injustice.  Give age appropriate answers and guidance to the next generation to make better choices and decisions for the future.

Cover

Cover your wisdom with the buffer of love so that people, students, family, and enemies can receive God’s message of hope, charity, thanksgiving, and honesty.  We have the liberty to choose right from wrong so make it plain for people to choose better answers and solutions to their own problems.  You are the buffer of Hope.
Today’s Question 
Will you allow God to use you as a buffer and beacon of light?
Enjoy Your Reading
 

2 Chronicles 36 

36 1 And the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.

Jehoahaz King of Judah

2 Jehoahaz[a] was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. 3 The king of Egypt dethroned him in Jerusalem and imposed on Judah a levy of a hundred talents[b] of silver and a talent[c] of gold. 4 The king of Egypt made Eliakim, a brother of Jehoahaz, king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Necho took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt.

Jehoiakim King of Judah

5 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God. 6 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon attacked him and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon. 7 Nebuchadnezzar also took to Babylon articles from the temple of the Lord and put them in his temple[d] there.
8 The other events of Jehoiakim’s reign, the detestable things he did and all that was found against him, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. And Jehoiachin his son succeeded him as king.

Jehoiachin King of Judah

9 Jehoiachin was eighteen[e] years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. 10 In the spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon, together with articles of value from the temple of the Lord, and he made Jehoiachin’s uncle,[f] Zedekiah, king over Judah and Jerusalem.

Zedekiah King of Judah

11 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. 12 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the Lord. 13 He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him take an oath in God’s name. He became stiff-neckedand hardened his heart and would not turn to the Lord, the God of Israel. 14 Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the Lord, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem.

The Fall of Jerusalem

15 The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. 16 But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. 17 He brought up against them the king of the Babylonians,[g] who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and did not spare young men or young women, the elderly or the infirm. God gave them all into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. 18 He carried to Babylon all the articles from the temple of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the Lord’s temple and the treasures of the king and his officials. 19 They set fire to God’s temple and broke down the wall of Jerusalem; they burned all the palaces and destroyed everything of value there.
20 He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and his successors until the kingdom of Persia came to power.21 The land enjoyed its sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah.
22 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:
23 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up, and may the Lord their God be with them.’”

Love,

Jonathan

Despondency

jonmbarnesLeave a comment
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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“We can talk ourselves out of our blessings with a despondent attitude and mindset for stepping away from our work, choices, time, and money because our low spirit does not want to pay the cost of studying, learning, or improving with God’s lifecycle.” ~ Jon Barnes

Discouraged

We become easily discouraged by ignoring our responsibilities, studies, and daily chores that we must do to improve our personal standing with God, as we grow in our Parent / Child relationship with Him. When we don’t get our candy, toy, or way with Him, we act like little babies, who pout, cry, or become unresponsive to God’s Commandments. Then the rod of correction becomes necessary for the ones God Loves. He will spank you.

Correction

God will spank and correct you when your pride thinks that you are smarter than Your Heavenly Father. Many people fall within this category, unfortunately. When you are stuck, it is because you are not listening to the correction course that is set in your life and you are always feeling hopeless in your thinking and ways. Stop being despondent, get up, and get on it, so that you can move forward with God after He corrected your actions, thinking, and motivation. Step into correction, not away from it.

Rejection

You should feel hopeless when God rejects you. You should know that God has rejected you when He doesn’t spank you or correct your wicked, prideful, disobedient ways. His Holy Correction is your friend so that you can get right with God from within. Then and only then, others can see your improvement, as you help, share, and give love to other people all around you, who do not deserve your love, just as much as someone who deserves your love. Be the encouragement in your own environment.
Today’s Question
Did you get rid of your pride, poor self-esteem, and low spirit, by replacing them with God’s Holy Spirit of Love and courage?
Enjoy The Reading

Joshua 16 

Allotment for Ephraim and Manasseh

16 The allotment for Joseph began at the Jordan, east of the springs of Jericho, and went up from there through the desert into the hill country of Bethel. 2 It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz),[a] crossed over to the territory of the Arkites in Ataroth, 3 descended westward to the territory of the Japhletites as far as the region of Lower Beth Horon and on to Gezer, ending at the Mediterranean Sea.
4 So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance.
5 This was the territory of Ephraim, according to its clans:
The boundary of their inheritance went from Ataroth Addar in the east to Upper Beth Horon 6 and continued to the Mediterranean Sea. From Mikmethath on the north it curved eastward to Taanath Shiloh, passing by it to Janoah on the east.7 Then it went down from Janoah to Ataroth and Naarah, touched Jericho and came out at the Jordan. 8 From Tappuah the border went west to the Kanah Ravine and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the Ephraimites, according to its clans. 9 It also included all the towns and their villages that were set aside for the Ephraimites within the inheritance of the Manassites.
10 They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.
Love,
Jonathan