Tag: Tests

Divine Delay

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“There are times where plans are delayed because we forgot something and God is giving us a chance to make it up.”~TB

Forgetting Something?

My dog, Abbey, absolutely loves going on walks. Whenever I open the drawer where her leash is kept, she runs straight for the door, anticipating an outing. There are times where I get to the parking lot stairs and realize that I’ve forgotten my phone or wallet, and we have to walk back to my door. If we have to turn around before going out, Abbey will anchor herself to the floor refusing to move, because she thinks we’re no longer going for the walk. After a few tugs, I’ll get her to come along, I’ll retrieve whatever I’ve forgotten and then we’re off to go on the walk. Then as if it’s a surprise, she becomes excited again that we’re going for the walk after all! Every single time this happens ( it happens a lot, I’m really forgetful.) the same behavior occurs and the other day, it made me realize there are times where I will do that with God too. How many times have you refused to change course because you thought your plans were being dashed? If we don’t reflect on our behaviors and circumstances, we can miss the tools and skills we need to progress to the next stage. If you’ve stalled, seek God to find our why. There is most certainly a purpose.

Delay is not Denial

I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of Christian colloquialisms— often because the people using them are trying to circumvent honest or good behavior (a different story for a different day). But, I will say that God will delay a change in course if we haven’t done the work to make it to the next step. For example, you can’t just run a marathon if you haven’t even trained to complete a 5k. God gives each of us a dream, purpose, or goal. And with those wonderful plans comes the responsibility of tilling your soil to fulfill that purpose. Many times we fail to actualize God’s plans for us because we either allow people to discourage such “crazy ideas” or we didn’t condition ourselves to prepare for the road less traveled. I’m thankful that He gives us a lifetime to answer our specific call. So the next time things aren’t going according to plan, look for the lessons or tools you may have forgotten along the way. Don’t worry, you haven’t been left behind, just delayed. God hasn’t forgotten the vision He planted in you, He’s just giving you time to catch up.

Today’s Question

Are you learning during your delay or are you missing the point?

Enjoy the reading

Isaiah 21

1 This message came to me concerning Babylon—the desert by the sea : Disaster is roaring down on you from the desert, like a whirlwind sweeping in from the Negev.
2 I see a terrifying vision: I see the betrayer betraying, the destroyer destroying. Go ahead, you Elamites and Medes, attack and lay siege. I will make an end to all the groaning Babylon caused.
3 My stomach aches and burns with pain. Sharp pangs of anguish are upon me, like those of a woman in labor. I grow faint when I hear what God is planning; I am too afraid to look.
4 My mind reels and my heart races. I longed for evening to come, but now I am terrified of the dark.
5 Look! They are preparing a great feast. They are spreading rugs for people to sit on. Everyone is eating and drinking. But quick! Grab your shields and prepare for battle. You are being attacked!
6Meanwhile, the Lord said to me, “Put a watchman on the city wall. Let him shout out what he sees.
7 He should look for chariots drawn by pairs of horses, and for riders on donkeys and camels. Let the watchman be fully alert.”
8 Then the watchman called out, “Day after day I have stood on the watchtower, my lord. Night after night I have remained at my post.
9 Now at last—look! Here comes a man in a chariot with a pair of horses!” Then the watchman said, “Babylon is fallen, fallen! All the idols of Babylon lie broken on the ground!”
10 O my people, threshed and winnowed, I have told you everything the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has said, everything the God of Israel has told me.
11This message came to me concerning Edom : Someone from Edom keeps calling to me, “Watchman, how much longer until morning? When will the night be over?”
12 The watchman replies, “Morning is coming, but night will soon return. If you wish to ask again, then come back and ask.”
13 This message came to me concerning Arabia: O caravans from Dedan, hide in the deserts of Arabia.
14O people of Tema, bring water to these thirsty people, food to these weary refugees.
15They have fled from the sword, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow and the terrors of battle.
16 The Lord said to me, “Within a year, counting each day, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end.
17 Only a few of its courageous archers will survive. I, the LORD, the God of Israel, have spoken!”

Trick Questions

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Don’t shortchange the importance of doing your Biblical homework as trick questions are difficult to answer if you haven’t practiced beforehand.”~TB

Practice

When I was in school, I seldom— if ever— did or turned in my homework or studied. I was clever enough to pass my tests and still receive somewhat decent grades in spite of my blatant disregard for homework. When I went to college, however, not turning in homework or studying was much harder to fake as the tests were more cumbersome and I couldn’t skate by as easily. I had to fail to realize how important studying and doing the homework correlated with a passing grade. As I continue my walk with God, I realize that studying and homework are even more important, as the opposition uses trick questions and fake answers to get us to stray.

Party Trick

The devil’s objective isn’t just about getting us to sin. It’s more to do with derailing God’s purpose for our lives. He’ll use cheap tricks and smoke and mirrors— creating seemingly lifelike problems to get you from deepening your relationship with Christ. This is where all that studying and homework come into play. When you make daily time for the Lord and when you read His teachings, the devil’s schemes are more easily discernible. But, if you don’t do the reading or know God on a deeper level, satan’s party tricks will sweep you up into a mental storm that can be difficult to overcome. If you find yourself in a pop quiz that you didn’t study for, go back to the Source Material that is the Bible.

Open Book

What the devil doesn’t want you to realize is that all of these tests, trials, and tribulations are open book. Which means that at any given time, you can consult God and the Bible for the answers. Until our last breath on this Earth, we can retake tests as needed, with God lovingly showing us the way when we humble ourselves to put in the work. No test or walk is perfect. There are many times where I still fail to study, only to realize that I must do the work so that I too will not stumble. Thank God (literally) that He still loves a slacker like me and allows me to learn. So friends, learn to discipline yourselves to do your homework, study the word, and grow with God so that you spot the fake answers and pass your tests.

 

Today’s Question

Are you ready to improve your study and homework methods?

Enjoy the reading

Isaiah 12

1 In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O LORD ! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me.
2 See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.”
3 With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!
4 In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the LORD ! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is!
5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world.
6 Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

 

Darkest Hour

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Do you not fear your darkest hour because to fully realize God’s grace, you must know what he is sparing you from.”~TB

Unlearn

If I could give any advice to people— young and old— I would tell them to reject the teachings and ideas of the world. If you believe them, your perception and understanding of God’s will always be distorted. People tell each other the dumbest things, that have nothing to do with God, His grace, or even what His will is in your life. The world will sooner tell you it’s ok to become a unicorn rather than acknowledge God’s existence. The world and its ways are upside down. This is especially true when it comes to hard times and bad events

Necessary

Dark Times produce the purest fruit, because whatever leaves wasn’t necessary and whatever remains is what will see you through. Your darkest hour will reveal how much you truly need the Lord and that all things work according to His plan. Humility and submission will open your eyes to what exactly is going on around you. In hard times, look to see the lessons. Remember that those tough moments didn’t break you. No, you survived! When you are spared from these crazy moments, you then realize that God’s Will is the only way. Surviving harsh times makes you grateful for salvation and everything in between. So the next time you’re being tested or going through a struggle, let God guide you through the moment.

Today’s Question

Are you learning from your darkest hour or is bitterness setting in?

Enjoy the reading

Song of Solomon 7

1 How beautiful are your sandaled feet, O queenly maiden. Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of a skilled craftsman.
2Your navel is perfectly formed like a goblet filled with mixed wine. Between your thighs lies a mound of wheat bordered with lilies.
3 Your breasts are like two fawns, twin fawns of a gazelle.
4 Your neck is as beautiful as an ivory tower. Your eyes are like the sparkling pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is as fine as the tower of Lebanon overlooking Damascus.
5 Your head is as majestic as Mount Carmel, and the sheen of your hair radiates royalty. The king is held captive by its tresses.
6 Oh, how beautiful you are! How pleasing, my love, how full of delights!
7 You are slender like a palm tree, and your breasts are like its clusters of fruit.
8 I said, “I will climb the palm tree and take hold of its fruit.” May your breasts be like grape clusters, and the fragrance of your breath like apples.
9 May your kisses be as exciting as the best wine— Young Woman Yes, wine that goes down smoothly for my lover, flowing gently over lips and teeth.
10 I am my lover’s, and he claims me as his own.
11Come, my love, let us go out to the fields and spend the night among the wildflowers.
12Let us get up early and go to the vineyards to see if the grapevines have budded, if the blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates have bloomed. There I will give you my love.
13 There the mandrakes give off their fragrance, and the finest fruits are at our door, new delights as well as old, which I have saved for you, my lover.

Effective

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Hi Peeps

Today’s Quote

“If the opposition’s tools weren’t effective, he wouldn’t use them.”~TB

Push

The devil can only push you around if you allow him to. That doesn’t mean his attacks won’t  be challenging. It means that you have a choice in how you respond to them. Don’t cower in fear, stand tall on the Truth.

Reaction

Sometimes God will allow a hardship to reoccur because He’s looking for you to choose the right reaction. If you continually react in fear and submission, you aren’t passing the test. Instead of reacting fearfully, react strategically. Know that it’s only a smokescreen and you can overcome whatever the evil one throws your way.

Today’s Question

Are you ready to stop reacting with fear?

Enjoy the reading

Ecclesiastes 8

1 How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness.
2 Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would.
3 Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants.
4 His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it.
5 Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right,
6 for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.
7 Indeed, how can people avoid what they don’t know is going to happen?
8 None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked.
9 I have thought deeply about all that goes on here under the sun, where people have the power to hurt each other.
10 I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones who frequented the Temple and are now praised in the same city where they committed their crimes! This, too, is meaningless.
11 When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.
12 But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off.
13 The wicked will not prosper, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows.
14 And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!
15 So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.
16 In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people’s burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night.
17 I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim.

 

Summer School

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Study hard for the tests in your life unless you want to be in God’s summer school.”~TB

Pupils

Ever notice how the same issues keep coming back like a revolving door? Well, it’s because you’re still struggling with the same trials, refusing to graduate on to the next level. God will never level up a person who’s failing their tests. So, instead of moving on, you’ll be lovingly placed in summer school, where you will experience the same problems in different contexts. Friends, humility in understanding that we’re all flawed goes a long way in overcoming your footholds.

Tutor

If the chapter you’re on is causing you trouble, reach out to the Almighty tutor so that He can teach you how to pass. Remember that these tests are open book and you can use the Bible on each and every one of them. Of course, this requires you to continually study and crack open the Book in the first place! Pride makes the school of life hard and until you can come from a place of humility and meekness, some tests will keep you held back from where God wants you to go. Don’t get held back, ask the Tutor for help and study from the resources He provides.

Today’s Question

Do you want to stay in summer school forever?

Enjoy the reading

Ecclesiastes 4

1 Again, I observed all the oppression that takes place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors have great power, and their victims are helpless.
2 So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living.
3 But most fortunate of all are those who are not yet born. For they have not seen all the evil that is done under the sun.
4 Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
5“Fools fold their idle hands, leading them to ruin.”
6 And yet, “Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.”
7 I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun.
8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.
9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.
10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?
12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
13 It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice.
14 Such a youth could rise from poverty and succeed. He might even become king, though he has been in prison.
15 But then everyone rushes to the side of yet another youth who replaces him.
16 Endless crowds stand around him, but then another generation grows up and rejects him, too. So it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.

 

Help > Hinder

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“So you’re spiritually mature, great! Now, step aside and let others pass theirs instead of trying to do the work for them.”~TB

God’s Concepts

The longer you spend with God, the more you understand how complex yet simple His love and teachings are. Like a game of chess, it takes a lifetime to study God’s ways. Even still, the wisest of us all will never truly and fully understand the miraculousness that is God. Depending on where you are on the spectrum, God will use you for His purpose, but friends, do your job and nothing more, as we all learn at a different pace.

 

Learning Curve

Everyone goes through trials and tests at their own pace. Some learn faster than others. And some need to retake certain tests before they ace the exam. No person’s journey is superior to another’s, no matter how quickly they learn. If you are a quick learner, be a help and not a hindrance.

Help

Helping others is part of the journey that is being a Christ-follower. This means encouraging the downtrodden, aiding those enduring hard times, and giving mercy to one another. It’s great to help, but when helping turns into servitude, you’re doing too much.

Hinder

Yes, it’s natural to want to step in so that loved ones do not endure pain. However, everyone needs to go through their own tests so that they can learn the lessons and grow closer to God in the process. When you overstep in “helping” you’re actually hinder the person’s growth and maturity. Assist when necessary and let others develop accordingly.

Today’s Question

Is your help a hindrance?

Enjoy the reading

Proverbs 24

1 Don’t envy evil people or desire their company. 
2 For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble. 
3 A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. 
4 Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. 
5 The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. 
6 So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers. 
7 Wisdom is too lofty for fools. Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say. 
8 A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker. 
9 The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone detests a mocker. 
10 If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small. 
11 Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. 
12 Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve. 
13 My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. 
14 In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.
15 Don’t wait in ambush at the home of the godly, and don’t raid the house where the godly live. 
16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. 
17 Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. 
18 For the LORD will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them. 
19 Don’t fret because of evildoers; don’t envy the wicked. 
20 For evil people have no future; the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. 
21My child, fear the LORD and the king. Don’t associate with rebels, 
22 for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the LORD and the king? 
23 Here are some further sayings of the wise: It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment. 
24 A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations. 
25 But it will go well for those who convict the guilty; rich blessings will be showered on them. 
26 An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship. 
27 Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house. 
28 Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause; don’t lie about them. 
29 And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!” 
30 I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. 
31 I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. 
32 Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: 
33 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 
34 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

 

Telling

tarynbarnesLeave a comment

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“How you handle your trials shows you where your faith is.”~TB

Apparent

It’s easy to say you love and trust God. Those words sound beautiful and assured. But words have very little meaning without action. To love and to trust in anything means to behave in a manner that backs up your sentiment. Sure, loving God is super easy when things are going your way. But where do you go when you are challenged? Are you still singing His Praises?

Detour

It’s very telling where your faith is when your tests and trials show up. The human life experience is filled with detours, trials, bad days, and the like. No one escapes this reality. God imparts wisdom and strategies to those who seek Him. So even in times of extreme frustration, desperation, and despondency, those who connect to Him regularly can endure and prosper. Friends get to know God on a personal level.

 

Today’s Question

In the bad times, does your love for God still ring true or are those words as hollow as your deeds?

Enjoy the reading

Proverbs 16

1 We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. 
2 People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. 
3 Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. 
4 The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. 
5 The LORD detests the proud; they will surely be punished. 
6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil. 
7 When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them. 
8 Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. 
9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. 
10The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly. 
11 The LORD demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness. 
12 A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice. 
13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly. 
14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise will try to appease it. 
15 When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain. 
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver! 
17 The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe. 
18Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. 
19 Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. 
20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful. 
21The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. 
22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools. 
23 From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive. 
24 Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. 
25There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. 
26 It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on. 
27Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze. 
28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. 
29 Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path. 
30With narrowed eyes, people plot evil; with a smirk, they plan their mischief. 
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. 
32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. 
33 We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.

 

A Job Well Done

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Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“God does not honor shoddy workmanship, so do it well and do it right the first time”~TB

Half Baked

Do not expect to pass your tests with half-baked efforts. God isn’t fooled and He knows that you’re capable of quality workmanship. When you seek half-truths to justify your laziness, you fall prey to fellow shoddy workers looking to steal from honest people, claiming their work is up to snuff. Friends, don’t be lazy. If you have God-given talents, work to the best of your ability. When you don’t, you become stuck in a cycle of dishonesty and turbulence, as you cling desperately to the lies you tell yourself to comfort your existence. God will not bless mediocrity. Get to work.

Repeat Offenders

Examine your life regularly. In doing so, you begin to see the patterns of your life. The honest worker can trace the fruits of their labors and will rest peacefully each night knowing they did a job well done. The lazy worker has to toss and turn in unrest, searching for excuse after excuse to justify their pitiful offerings. If your life is someone else’s fault, it’s time to examine your heart, efforts, and relationship with Christ. When you have an honest relationship with the Lord, He will gently reveal the inequities in your life. Do the work and reap the wonderful relationship with our Father in Heaven.

Today’s Question

Are you doing a job well done or are the lies you spin well done?

Enjoy the reading

Psalm 98

1 Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! 
2 The LORD has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! 
3 He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. 
4 Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! 
5 Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, 
6 with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the LORD, the King! 
7 Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. 
8 Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy 
9before the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness.

In Justice

jonmbarnesLeave a comment
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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“You have to learn how to look in the mirror and focus all of your attention in fixing your own problems and not the problems of others. Then God will help others, because your personal improvements will be inspiring.” ~ Jon Barnes

Hypocrisy

It is a real challenge to keep my own room, bathroom, and car clean so I don’t have time to talk about how dirty another person’s house is. My time is well spent doing my daily work of maintenance and I hope my actions speak louder than my words.  The work you put into your business is well documented and the people who see your works understand your commitment to your faith and personal upkeep.

Focused

It takes time to redirect your attention and energy into the direction God has for your life. Complete each step and stack the blocks neatly so that you can see your progress and steps. Your future is built on your last success and it keeps you connected to the justice of God’s plan.  If you are having a string of failures, you will continue to be tested until you pass the assignment.

Selfishness

Your pride and selfishness will always keep you in trouble because you will be incapable of seeing the growth in others. Stop the blame game in your mind and face your responsibility. It takes faith, time, and work to see the fruits of your labor, so don’t chop the tree down in your frustration and impatience.  Long-suffering is a way of life for the true Christian and justice will belong to God.
Today’s Question
Are you tired of doing Good or are you just lazy?

2 Samuel 5 

David Becomes King of All Israel

5 Then all the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron and told him, “We are your own flesh and blood. 2 In the past,[a] when Saul was our king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be Israel’s leader.’”
3 So there at Hebron, King David made a covenant before the Lord with all the elders of Israel. And they anointed him king of Israel.
4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all. 5 He had reigned over Judah from Hebron for seven years and six months, and from Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years.

David Captures Jerusalem

6 David then led his men to Jerusalem to fight against the Jebusites, the original inhabitants of the land who were living there. The Jebusites taunted David, saying, “You’ll never get in here! Even the blind and lame could keep you out!” For the Jebusites thought they were safe. 7 But David captured the fortress of Zion, which is now called the City of David.
8 On the day of the attack, David said to his troops, “I hate those ‘lame’ and ‘blind’ Jebusites.[b] Whoever attacks them should strike by going into the city through the water tunnel.[c]” That is the origin of the saying, “The blind and the lame may not enter the house.”[d]
9 So David made the fortress his home, and he called it the City of David. He extended the city, starting at the supporting terraces[e] and working inward. 10 And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies was with him.
11 Then King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar timber and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built David a palace. 12 And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.
13 After moving from Hebron to Jerusalem, David married more concubines and wives, and they had more sons and daughters. 14 These are the names of David’s sons who were born in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, 16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

David Conquers the Philistines

17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he went into the stronghold. 18 The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. 19 So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”
The Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.”
20 So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”).21 The Philistines had abandoned their idols there, so David and his men confiscated them.
22 But after a while the Philistines returned and again spread out across the valley of Rephaim. 23 And again David asked the Lord what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar[f] trees. 24 When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be the signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.” 25 So David did what the Lord commanded, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon[g] to Gezer.
Love,
Jonathan

Count

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Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Count the many times you have allowed the anger of other people shut you down and stopped you from doing all the good you are supposed to do, because you absorbed the anger into your spirit.” ~ Jon Barnes

Blocked

Block out evil with your smile and kind words and works of faith, justice, responsibility, and love, by staying focused, counting your blessings, and thanking God. You are not blocked, the devil is blocked and hell bound, in The Name of Jesus. Now, Count the many times you will be a blessing by doing God’s will and not your own.

Distracted

Count the many times you have been distracted, lazy, not available to perform the good things with your name on it.   Who is stopping you? Yourself! Get out of your own way, stay the course and walk with God in your path.  Stay on the post in your duty with the Army of God. Organize and schedule your daily attacks on evil, using God’s offensive and defensive maneuvers.

Movements

Each step you take moves you into the right direction by faith, because you honestly love God and your motives and movements are useful and pure. Mistakes are blessings in the hands of God because they are used to teach you the valuable lessons to share with others, as you overcome your self-righteousness. Exercise skill and care when communicating with God and people you love.
Today’s Question
Are you counting the many victories in God because of your obedience or are you failing your tests time and time again?
Enjoy the Reading

Leviticus 5

Sins Requiring a Sin Offering

5 “If you are called to testify about something you have seen or that you know about, it is sinful to refuse to testify, and you will be punished for your sin.
2 “Or suppose you unknowingly touch something that is ceremonially unclean, such as the carcass of an unclean animal. When you realize what you have done, you must admit your defilement and your guilt. This is true whether it is a wild animal, a domestic animal, or an animal that scurries along the ground.
3 “Or suppose you unknowingly touch something that makes a person unclean. When you realize what you have done, you must admit your guilt.
4 “Or suppose you make a foolish vow of any kind, whether its purpose is for good or for bad. When you realize its foolishness, you must admit your guilt.
5 “When you become aware of your guilt in any of these ways, you must confess your sin. 6 Then you must bring to the Lord as the penalty for your sin a female from the flock, either a sheep or a goat. This is a sin offering with which the priest will purify you from your sin, making you right with the Lord.[a]
7 “But if you cannot afford to bring a sheep, you may bring to the Lord two turtledoves or two young pigeons as the penalty for your sin. One of the birds will be for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. 8 You must bring them to the priest, who will present the first bird as the sin offering. He will wring its neck but without severing its head from the body. 9 Then he will sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering against the sides of the altar, and the rest of the blood will be drained out at the base of the altar. This is an offering for sin. 10 The priest will then prepare the second bird as a burnt offering, following all the procedures that have been prescribed. Through this process the priest will purify you from your sin, making you right with the Lord, and you will be forgiven.
11 “If you cannot afford to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, you may bring two quarts[b] of choice flour for your sin offering. Since it is an offering for sin, you must not moisten it with olive oil or put any frankincense on it. 12 Take the flour to the priest, who will scoop out a handful as a representative portion. He will burn it on the altar on top of the special gifts presented to the Lord. It is an offering for sin. 13 Through this process, the priest will purify those who are guilty of any of these sins, making them right with the Lord, and they will be forgiven. The rest of the flour will belong to the priest, just as with the grain offering.”

Procedures for the Guilt Offering

14 Then the Lord said to Moses, 15 “If one of you commits a sin by unintentionally defiling the Lord’s sacred property, you must bring a guilt offering to the Lord. The offering must be your own ram with no defects, or you may buy one of equal value with silver, as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel.[c] 16 You must make restitution for the sacred property you have harmed by paying for the loss, plus an additional 20 percent. When you give the payment to the priest, he will purify you with the ram sacrificed as a guilt offering, making you right with the Lord, and you will be forgiven.
17 “Suppose you sin by violating one of the Lord’s commands. Even if you are unaware of what you have done, you are guilty and will be punished for your sin.18 For a guilt offering, you must bring to the priest your own ram with no defects, or you may buy one of equal value. Through this process the priest will purify you from your unintentional sin, making you right with the Lord, and you will be forgiven. 19 This is a guilt offering, for you have been guilty of an offense against the Lord.”
Love,
Jonathan