tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83504027966599935622024-03-07T22:35:24.828-06:00K a t h y s p a c eGod speaks to you today through the Bible, but don't take my word for it.
Open your heart, open your eyes, open the book and see for yourself.Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-36071637293754875062021-05-16T07:36:00.004-05:002021-08-11T15:53:06.043-05:00Trusting in Horses?<p>It's not the horses or chariots that are wrong; it's not jobs, bank accounts, medical professionals, insurance policies, education, friendships (or other typical sources of confidence). It's trusting them instead of and ahead of looking to, consulting, and trusting in God from beginning to end, and above all else. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"'Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!'" </i></b><i>(Isaiah 31:1)</i></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-26148605476969276302013-10-01T16:38:00.001-05:002013-10-01T16:44:00.398-05:00What Was It about Ezra?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">Wow, what was it about Old Testament Ezra? The authorities granted Ezra’s every request, ‟</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">for the hand of the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;"> his God was upon him” (<a href="http://bible.com/59/ezr.7.6.esv" target="_blank">Ezra 7:6</a>). </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">Ezra</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">‟</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">set his heart to study the Law of the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">, and to do it </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">and to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">teach [God’s] statutes and rules” (<a href="http://bible.com/59/ezr.7.9-10.esv" target="_blank">verses 9-10</a>).</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">My prayer is that God</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">’s people</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;"> - especially Christian leaders - will pursue</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;"> and spread the statutes and principles outlined in the Bible with the passion of Ezra. I pray God</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">’</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">s people will be given the grace to trust that the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">‟</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">good hand of God</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">” will be on them. As Jesus said:</span></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">‟</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #363030;">. . . do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ </span></span></span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #363030;">or ‘What shall we drink?’ </span></span></b><b style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">or ‘What shall we wear?’ . . . </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">But seek first the kingdom of God </b><b style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">and his righteousness, </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;">and all these things </b><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="color: #363030;">will be added to you.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;">”</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;"><b> </b>- </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://bible.com/59/mat.6.31-33.esv" target="_blank">Matthew 6:31, 33</a></u></span></i></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-64050107742335617052013-06-18T10:37:00.003-05:002013-06-18T10:37:25.690-05:00DEADLY OBEDIENCE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Obedience to authority can be a deadly cop-out if and when it contradicts God's instructions. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Kings%2013:1-24&version=31">I Kings 13:1-24</a> tells of a young prophet and his reward. Sent by God to deliver a specific message to an evil king <i>and then leave without delay by a different route</i>, the prophet did <i>almost</i> everything God had instructed him to do<em>.</em><br />
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This young prophet stood up to a king, but failed to obey God when he was challenged by <em>a fellow man of God like himself</em> (read <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Kings%2013:11-18&version=31">verses 11-18</a>).<em> </em>The authority figure who tripped the young prophet was an older prophet who spoke with the voice of experience. The young man surely felt safe deferring to a superior, but paid dearly for blind obedience.<br />
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There is no substitute for direct obedience to God's word. No matter how convenient it is to fall in line with authority, whether in Christian ministry, at work, or at home, we must first and always remain accountable to God's principles laid out in the Bible. We must measure human authority against God's specific instructions and guiding principles.<br />
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This is my prayer:<br />
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<strong><em>Whether you turn to the right or to the left,</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>"This is the way; walk in it."</em> -</strong> <u><em><a href="http://bible.us/59/isa.30.21.esv" target="_blank">Isaiah 30:21</a></em></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Condensed from "Cop-Out Obedience," published here May 8, 2009. </i></span></div>
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-70529848421023799362013-01-07T09:15:00.002-06:002013-01-07T09:29:21.403-06:00Read Your Bible<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>If [God] tears down, none can rebuild; </i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if he shuts a man in, none can open.</span><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>If he withholds the waters, they dry up;</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i> if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>With him are strength and sound wisdom;</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i> the deceived and the deceiver are his.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bible.us/59/job.12.14-16.esv" target="_blank"><i>Job 12:14-16</i></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christians ostensibly care what the Bible says; we pride ourselves on living "by the book," and hold it to be our highest and most reliable source of truth in this modern information age. Christian, are you getting the truth in you? You'll miss out if you skim the surface looking for the "good stuff," or sit in church waiting to be spoon-fed. The book of Job is a classic example of unclaimed treasure. Unless you dig in and read through the entire collection of work in this unified anthology we call the Bible, you are going to miss it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christian, you say you believe the Bible. Do you also like to say you believe in the power of prayer? I do. The words above, poetry of one whose world was turned topsy turvy, work their way into my prayers on a regular basis, especially when the events of the day leave a heavy question mark hanging over my head (and they often do). When I feel my hands are tied and all I can do is pray, I can be glad! God proves true to the description above, and can be trusted to bring balance, put things in order, and set things straight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">From Day 6 (see Hard Copy Reading Plan at right). Don't miss out; <a href="https://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/5-chronological" target="_blank">read your Bible</a>. </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-73404945487362560992012-12-29T11:16:00.003-06:002012-12-29T11:21:22.556-06:00Too Much to Ask?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In the aftermath of the Newtown slaughter, it is hard to know what we can offer. Nothing covers up the shame of this open, gaping wound on the national conscience. How could it have happened, and what can we do to help? We can't change what happened, and we'll never restore what has been taken, but we can each have a small part in preventing further tragedies like the evil deed of one sick soul at Sandy Hook.<br />
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We're not asked to do the impossible. Historically, all God has asked of his people was to look after our neighbors. We're simply to "render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another . . . not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart" (from <a href="http://bible.us/59/zec.7.9-10.esv" target="_blank">Zechariah 7:9-10</a>). Can we do that much? Can we each take good care of the person right next to us, or is it too much to ask?<br />
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Among God's people, it has seemed too much to ask, for "they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard" (<a href="http://bible.us/59/zec.7.11-12.esv" target="_blank">verses 11-12</a>), and I'm afraid we're tempted to do the same. Please don't withdraw from those around you, and don't close your eyes to the needs of difficult people. How many turned their backs on the unpleasant kid who grew up to be Lanza?<br />
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Let's not let it happen again.</div>
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<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/1+sam.+4/" target="_blank">1 Samuel 4</a> describes superstitious people who trusted a box instead of God. The troops carried the ornate box containing their written agreement with God onto the battlefield for protection, but it didn't help at all! They were defeated because while they considered themselves to be God's chosen people, protected by an ironclad contract with God, they didn't make a practice of living by that agreement (which included the <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/Ex.+20.4-17/" target="_blank">Ten Commandments</a>). Everyone just <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/judges+28.25/" target="_blank">did what seemed right</a> to them.<br />
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Though we modern believers are under a <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/matt.+26.27-28/" target="_blank">new agreement</a>, carrying the Book around without cracking it open to see what it says is ignorant and superstitious. Reading or hearing Jesus' teachings without setting our hearts to do accordingly is not enough. Under our <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+10&version=ESV" target="_blank">grace agreement</a>, we can't just wear our "faith" like a lucky charm - a cross around the neck or a Bible in the car. According to Luke (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/luke+12.35-59/" target="_blank">ch. 12:35-59</a>), we are responsible to learn and know and practice and manage what we've been given. <br />
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<b>. . . Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required . . . </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/Luke+12%3A48/" target="_blank">Luke 12:48</a> <i>ESV</i></div>
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-45177436085831263472012-04-04T06:25:00.001-05:002012-04-04T06:27:11.737-05:00WHO TO FEAR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="float_right" style="margin-top: -6px;"><span class="verse" id="Luke_12_4">A friend was telling about a "funny" that showed Jesus on the cross, and three guys lined up next to him making the "M", "C", and "A" from the song we all know and love to hate. It is humorous in a sad way, and illustrates what happens when we view a scene out of context. What means everything to me might be completely irrelevant to someone who knows little to nothing about what happened at that cross. Is the cartoon blasphemy, or mere sacrilege? I don't know, but I'm not laughing! God's grace covers a lot of ignorance and error, but Jesus said it is healthy to have a certain fear:</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="float_right" style="margin-top: -6px;"><span class="verse" id="Luke_12_4"><span class="vchrist">I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.</span></span><span class="verse" id="Luke_12_5">
<span class="vchrist">But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! - <a href="http://bible.us/luke12.4-5.esv" target="_blank">Luke 12:4-5</a></span>
</span></span></blockquote>
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Was Sampson's strength in his hair, really? Or was it perhaps in his heart? The<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/judges+16/" target="_blank"> historic account</a> is that when Sampson's hair was cut, his strength left him; his hair was not all that was cut, though. His heartstrings were also snipped. Sampson truly gave away his heart and redirected his emotional alliance when <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/Judges+16%3A17/" target="_blank">he leveled with Delilah </a>about his calling and lifelong identity as person set apart to God. Was it in giving his true affections, his turning from God to another, that might have caused God to leave him? Surely there was no magic in the hair on his head. Just think about it: where's your heart at?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-70129501332246261082012-03-27T13:29:00.001-05:002012-03-30T09:42:46.920-05:00Blown Away by Light and Sound<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Gideon's group represented less than one in a hundred "mighty men," and they went without weapons. Armed with a trumpet in one hand and a light in the other, they won an absolute and definitive victory! How do these things hapen?? <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/judges+7/" target="_blank">See for yourself</a>! It's amazing what happened when a few hundred people followed a guy who was following God. <br />
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-53060277727243731122012-03-26T11:34:00.000-05:002012-03-26T12:22:48.926-05:00Up with Candy Wrappers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Promises, promises! We Christians eat God's promises like candy, but what about the wrappers? We can't enjoy sweet promises until we unwrap them by heeding the commands which accompany them. The words around God's promises can't be ignored; before we can get to the sweetness, we have to do what God says.<br />
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Deborah delivers God's promise of victory to Barak, "Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand . . ." (<a href="http://bible.us/judg4.14.esv" target="_blank">Judges 4:14</a>). God called the warrior Barak to lead his nation against a powerful enemy. God promised they would win, but the promise was accompanied by the command to get "Up!"<br />
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Later, Gideon heard an old, familiar promise, "'And I said to you, 'I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear . . .'" (<a href="http://bible.us/judg6.10.esv" target="_blank">Judges 6:10</a>). The promise that God is theirs was accompanied by the command not to fear. In <a href="http://bible.us/judg6.16.esv" target="_blank">verse16</a> God told Gideon, ". . . I will be with you, and you shall strike . . . as one man.'" This is a double-header! God will be with Gideon, and he'll win.<br />
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The passage goes on to describe, step-by-step, how Gideon took action on God's specific instructions in spite of much fear and doubt. The result was that:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
", , , the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon . . ." (<a href="http://bible.us/judg6.34.esv" target="_blank">verse 34</a>) </blockquote>
Gideon had to throw himself into gear and take action (albeit with fear and great trembling) before he was clothed with the Spirit of the Lord.<br />
<br />
Unwrapping God's promises involves step-by-step obedience to God's straightforward commands. Like Gideon, we have to take action in spite of our fears in order to be clothed in the Spirit of the Lord. What would have happened if Barak or Gideon had "rested in God's promises" without taking action on his commands? <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lord, I want to be clothed with your Spirit.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Please help me unwrap the sweetness of your promises </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>by taking action on your commands.</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Today's Old Testament reading was <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/Judges+4-6/" target="_blank">Judges 4, 5, and 6</a>. The <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/Luke+8%3A1-25/" target="_blank">New Testament reading</a> contains a couple of interesting promises as well, but I'll let you find them for yourself!</div>
</div>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-87770421556804386452012-03-24T07:59:00.001-05:002012-03-24T08:00:12.027-05:00Jesus Forgives<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Jesus forgives! One of the famous bad girls of the Bible is an example, and I'm glad to be like her -- forgiven. Jesus spoke to the one who passed judgment on her:<br />
<br />
<span class="float_right" style="margin-top: -6px;"><span class="verse" id="Luke_7_47"><span class="vchrist">" . . . her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."</span></span><span class="verse" id="Luke_7_48"><b class="verseno"></b> And he said to her, <span class="vchrist">"Your sins are forgiven." - <a href="http://bible.us/luke7.47-48.esv" target="_blank">Luke 7:47-48</a>, ESV</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="float_right" style="margin-top: -6px;"><span class="verse" id="Luke_7_48"><span class="vchrist">Lord, help me love much. </span>
</span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-63363477791843678542012-03-23T16:38:00.001-05:002012-03-23T16:51:07.290-05:00No Turning Back<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The people of Israel had no cause to stop trusting God, but Joshua knew human nature too well to expect that just because the nation had peace all around, they would remember the source of every blessing. He issued a strict warning that speaks to my heart today:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="verse Josh_23_8">. . . cling to the Lord your God . . . </span><span class="verse Josh_23_9 selected"><b></b>For
the Lord has driven out before you great and strong nations. And as for
you, no man has been able to stand before you to this day . </span><span class="verse Josh_23_10 selected"></span><span class="verse Josh_23_11 selected">. . Be very careful, therefore, to love the Lord your God.</span><span class="verse Josh_23_12 selected"><b></b> For
if you turn back . . . </span><span class="verse Josh_23_13">know
for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these
nations before you, but they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip
on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this
good ground that the Lord your God has given you.</span>(See the whole passage, <span id="goog_1846223735"></span><a href="http://bible.us/josh23.8-13.esv" target="_blank">Joshua 23:8-13<span id="goog_1846223736"></span></a>)</blockquote>
<br />
The lesson for you and me is not about international conquest, but about the battles of the heart, of self-discipline (or the lack thereof), about habits and character. We are witness against ourselves (see <a href="http://bible.us/josh24.22.esv" target="_blank">Joshua 24:22</a>) if we pledge to honor God and then turn back from trying. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-3830889476521008692012-03-21T13:39:00.002-05:002012-03-21T14:39:41.400-05:00What Are We Becoming?Judas probably did not set out, at the time he joined the Lord's little band of roving rescuers, to betray Jesus. Judas got off to a great start, in fact, called along with the others by Jesus Christ in the flesh:<br /><br /><blockquote><span class="float_right" style="margin-top: -6px;"><span class="verse" id="Luke_6_13">. . . he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:</span><span class="verse" id="Luke_6_14"><strong class="verseno"> </strong>Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew,</span><span class="verse" id="Luke_6_15"><strong class="verseno"></strong> and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot,</span><span class="verse" id="Luke_6_16"><strong class="verseno"></strong> and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.</span></span> - from Luke 6:13-16, ESV (see passage in <a href="http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/71-come-drink-live-365?content=3&day=81&version=esv">context</a>) </blockquote><br />Judas Iscariot had every advantage. He was most likely deceived by degrees, one day at a time. He didn't start out in infamy; he became a betrayer one step at a time. What are you and I becoming?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-57026969581800015012012-03-21T11:54:00.002-05:002012-03-21T12:04:13.281-05:00Ask for MoreDon't be embarrassed, ashamed, or afraid to ask God for more! Even as adults, God encourages us to view him as a children see a loving father. Caleb's daughter knew that even though she was grown and married, she could go ask her dad for the resources at his disposal:<br /><br /><blockquote><span class="float_right" style="margin-top: -6px;"><span class="verse Josh_15_19">She said to him, "Give me a blessing. Since you have given me the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water." And he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.</span></span> - <a href="http://www.youversion.com/search?q=joshua+15%3A19">Joshua 15:19</a></blockquote><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youversion.com/search?q=joshua+15%3A19"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-5522290638633472432012-03-21T11:38:00.001-05:002012-03-21T11:39:53.064-05:00Fight for What You WonSeriously? The things God promises are not handed out on a silver platter? God made a promise to Caleb, that he was to receive all the land he had traversed on his spy expedition beyond the Jordan. Now, forty years later, he has to actively claim that promise, and then he will have to fight for it, too.<br /><br />He says:<br /><br /><blockquote><span class="float_right" style="margin-top: -6px;"><span class="verse Josh_14_12">So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.</span></span> - <a href="http://www.youversion.com/search?q=Joshua+14%3A12&category=bible&version=esv">Joshua 14:12</a></blockquote><br /><br />Let me learn from Caleb to claim and then fight for what God has promised me!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-80233318632371626252011-05-18T09:19:00.003-05:002011-05-18T09:29:08.529-05:00Choices, Choices!<p>Here in the land of plenty, we have choices. We have resources and distractions, and the leisure time to consider them. I need to make a conscious decision to prepare my heart so that I will NOT follow the example of God's people in ancient times (see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2078:8,%2033&version=KJV">Psalm 78:8, 33</a>).<br /><br />They had everything they needed at their disposal, yet ended up wasting all their time. Lord, let me be wise enough to consciously and intentionally choose to prepare my heart to seek and follow you today. (See also <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor.%2010:1-13&version=KJV">1 Cor. 10:1-13</a>) for an overview.</p><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">This blog post based on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%203;2%20Chronicles%201;Psalms%2078;2%20Thessalonians%202&version=ESV">today's reading</a>.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-28595144815273794862011-04-07T16:27:00.006-05:002011-04-07T23:48:32.757-05:00Power to Help or OverthrowMay the Lord hide his followers “<span class="verse Ps_64_2">from the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1302211657_0">secret plots</span> of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers</span><span class="verse Ps_64_3"> who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows . . .</span>”<span class="verse Ps_64_3"> per </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2064&version=ESV">Psalm 64</a>. <span class="verse Ps_64_3">God can and often does take 'em down suddenly and with poetic justice, </span>“<span class="verse Ps_64_3">with their</span><strong></strong> own tongues turned against them.” And He can do it without any help from you and me!<br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2025&version=NIV"><br />2 Chronicles 25</a> illustrates the monumental truth that God has the power to help -- or to overthrow. Sometimes our job is as simple watching His justice play out. This passage contains the factual account of a Hebrew king who was serious about his goals. He had a war to fight, and had even hired mercenaries to march with his army. The only problem: God wasn't in on the plan! A prophet warned and encouraged him with words that still ring true:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">But a man of God came to him and said,<br />“ . . . Even if you go and fight courageously in battle,<br />God will overthrow you before the enemy,<br />for God has the power to help or to overthrow.”<br /><br />Amaziah asked the man of God,<br />“But what about the hundred talents I paid<br />for these Israelite troops?”<br /><br />The man of God replied,<br />“The LORD can give you much more than that.”<br />- <span style="font-weight: normal;">from </span><a style="font-weight: normal;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2025:7-9&version=NIV">2 Chronicles 25:7-9</a></div><p style="text-align: left;">May we not doubt God's power, nor count the cost! Let us not be concerned with what we could lose, but count it a joy to lay claim to the promise that the LORD can give us more, so much, much more than anything we could lose for following Him. </p><p style="text-align: left;">God says, “Be still, and know that I am God . . . ” (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=be+still+and+know&searchtype=phrase&version1=31&bookset=3">Psalm 46:10</a>). Let's listen!<br /></p>P.S. See also, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2012:14-16&version=ESV"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1302211657_2">Job 12:14-16</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-88739868588559537662011-03-07T10:57:00.004-06:002011-03-17T08:32:56.706-05:00God's Good MotiveWhy should I trust God enough to do what He says? <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%205,6;%20Psalms%2043;%20Mark%2014">Today's reading</a> reveals God's motive for my obedience: it is for MY good. God lays out the ten commandments not because it does anything at all for Him, but as a solid framework for my happiness. He has no selfish motive but is simply looking out for my welfare, success, and security. He wants things to go well for me. How do you like that? God says:<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><strong>"Oh that they had such a heart in them, </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>always, </strong></em><em><strong>that </strong></em><em><strong>it may be well with them </strong></em><em><strong>and </strong></em><em><strong>with </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>their [children] </strong></em><em><strong>forever!"</strong> - </em><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%205:29&version=NASB"><em>Deuteronomy 5:29</em></a> </div><br />If I truly trust in God's good motive, then maybe I could at least claim complete willingness to obey. But even then, I would lack the power! <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2014&version=NASB">Today's New Testament portion</a> reveals my own weakness -- not just Peter's. We are all in the same situation as Peter in the garden, wanting to do what's right, but unable to stand up to even the simplest test. When Jesus found him asleep at the switch, his response was not condemnation, but a comment:<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><strong>" . . . the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."</strong></em> <em>- from </em><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%2014:38&version=NASB"><em>Mark 14:38</em></a></div><br />I pray that God will give you and me the motivation and power to do as we should today, and that He will grant us the humbling awareness that He alone is the source of both willingness and strength to comply.<br /><br />P.S. March 17, 2011. As I've continued through Deuteronomy, I have noticed again and again God's good motive for my obedience. Another specific example is in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2030:6&version=ESV">Deuteronomy 30:6</a>. Even my love for God is for my own good, that I may live.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-77471141459797277122011-02-24T23:53:00.003-06:002011-02-25T00:38:17.244-06:00TRUST AND DO GOOD!The people of Israel were dismayed when they heard the reconnaissance report: they were sadly dwarfed and outnumbered by their enemies, a multitude who were taller and stronger than they. Joshua and Caleb tried to bolster their brothers' sagging self-confidence with encouraging words:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land<br />and give it to us . . . Only do not rebel against the LORD.<br />And do not fear the people of the land . . . the LORD<br />is with us . . . " </span><span style="font-style: italic;">- from </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2014:8-9&version=ESV">Numbers 14:8-9</a><br /></div><br />It is not when we're surrounded by giants and far away from home that we're in a bad place, but when we retreat or refuse to march forward. Do we trust our perceived security, or will we trust the Lord? I pray we will trust Him, and walk according to His marching orders in spite of feelings of fear and unease. There are brave examples in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2014,15,16;Mark%203&version=ESV">today's reading</a>.<br /><br />There was Aaron. Do I love <span style="font-style: italic;">anyone </span>enough to run into the path of destruction in order to save them? Yet the priest, Aaron, did not hesitate to do as he was instructed, and his intervention was effective. He <span style="font-style: italic;">"stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped"</span> (see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2016:47-48&version=NIV">Numbers 16:47-48</a>).<br /><br />Then there was Jesus. He knew everything, so when he felt critical eyes watching, He might have said to Himself, "Uh-oh! I want to heal this man, but Wait! It's a trap, I'd better hold back." In retrospect that would have been ridiculous! We know Him better than that. His response was this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus,<br />so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him<br />on the Sabbath.</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand,<br /></span><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">“Stand up in front of everyone.” </span><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic;">- <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%203:2-3&version=NIV">Mark 3:2-3</a></span><br /></div><br />Very rarely does the Lord call us to walk into a trap -- or into any danger whatever -- in order to do the good He has called us to do. Nor does he often ask us to walk the thin line between the living and the dead like Aaron did. So what's our excuse to hold back the good news? Lord help us move out of our comfort zone with a prayer, a word, or a deed to promote the good news of grace.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-52233113507875528192011-02-04T17:14:00.002-06:002011-02-04T18:13:36.578-06:00YouVersion Reading - Time Well-Spent<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2037,38;%20Psalms%2019;%20Acts%2011">Today's reading</a> took me 21 minutes and 55 seconds. I know, because I timed it. With all the cold stillness of my city during these past few days, I really have no excuse NOT to spare the time, even if this year's <a href="http://www.youversion.com/">YouVersion plan</a> is five or ten minutes more than I would normally spend in daily reading.<br /><br />I pray that those the Lord has called to follow this plan will find themselves mysteriously unhindered to do so! I pray that He will bless and multiply the REMAINDER of the day to accomplish even more than we had hoped, and that in short, the fruits of this labor of obedience will be imminent and obvious.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> . . . The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,<br /> making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD<br />are right, giving joy to the heart.<br />The commands of the LORD<br />are radiant, giving light<br />to the eyes.<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">- from <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2019:7-8&version=NIV">Psalm 19:7-8</a></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-80476115265920711432011-02-02T16:08:00.002-06:002011-02-02T16:24:08.760-06:00MY INHERITANCE<p>Part of the calendar <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2033,34;%20Psalms%2016;%20Acts%209">reading for today</a> was Psalm 16:6, where David exclaims, ". . . <span class="verse Ps_16_6 selected">indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."</span> It reminded me of Sunday's sermon at church.</p><p>The message was about Jesus' blessing for the meek from the Beatitudes (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205:5&version=ESV">Matthew 5:5</a>), " . . . for they will inherit the earth." My pastor pointed out this was a reference to the doormats and the dirt of society, people much "less fortunate," and to those who choose to humble ourselves.</p>I was thankful for the reminder that YES, I want to be included in that group called the meek, and that YES, this inheritance is the gift of grace, and not something I could ever earn or merit. I have a beautiful inheritance, indeed! It will take a lifetime to discover the depth of it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-80146982167700271912011-01-24T10:34:00.000-06:002011-01-24T10:34:54.509-06:00Permanent ScarsDo you think Jesus bore the scars of torture only on his hands and in his side? We're told he was beaten so severely he was barely recognizable as a human being.<br /><br />I am not at all surprised that the two followers walking along the road to Emmaus failed to recognize him for a long while. Surely he was greatly changed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.</span> - <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024&version=ESV">Luke 24:15-16</a><br /></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">. . . his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> and his form beyond that of the children of mankind . . .</span> - </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2052:14&version=ESV">Isaiah 52:14</a><br /></div><br />See also the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKyzFYlPA18%20Dallas%20Wiens">story of Dallas Wiens</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">P.S. This is my first blog post since I joined a new reading plan. Check out Life Journal plan (second on the <a href="http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/category/whole_bible">YouVersion list</a>). Today's reading was <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%209-11,%20Luke%2024&version=ESV">Exodus 9-11 and Luke 24</a>. That's a bit more reading than what I'm used to, but only takes 15-17 minutes a day. Plus, the Life Journal community page is a wonderful way for like minds to share notes. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-80841935537407554512010-12-23T06:49:00.005-06:002010-12-23T08:00:15.128-06:00Active FaithWhat is it to be faithful? <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/faithfulness">Per dictionary.com</a>, it is "strict or thorough in the performance of a duty . . . true to one's word . . . steady . . . loyal. . . . reliable, trusted, believed . . . true to fact, a standard, or an original." By definition, sounds like faithfulness takes some active effort -- not a passive, ho-hum, nebulous, mystical term at all!<br /><br />When the prophet Habakkuk uses the term in <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/through.the.bible/?date=2010-12-23">today's reading</a>, he seems to draw a comparison between faithfulness and the lack of it:<br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><em><strong>. . . his soul is puffed up; it is not upright </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>within him, but the righteous shall live </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>by his faith (footnoted "faithfulness").</strong></em> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Habakkuk%202:4&version=ESV"><em>Habakkuk 2:4</em></a><em><strong> </strong></em></div><br /><br />The New Testament section was way over my head for the most part, but I did pick up on a reference to faith:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><strong>Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>those who keep the commandments of God </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>and their faith in Jesus. " . . . Blessed are the dead </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>who die in the Lord from now on . . . Blessed indeed," </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>for their deeds follow them!"</strong> - <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2014:12-13&version=ESV">Revelation 14:12-13</a></em></div><br /><br />The deeds of the faithful follow them. Habakkuk's comparison between one who is "puffed up" and a righteous person is very pertinent, since endurance and consistency can be a problem for me when it comes to faith. I am moody! Sometimes I feel like pursuing God, and sometimes I don't so much. Some days I'm willing to squeeze in time for prayer and focused Bible reading, and on other days things get in my way. This is a reminder to you and me both. It takes an active, steady effort to live by faith, but our deeds will follow us. It is well worth the time and trouble to keep up the discipline of an active faith!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseOver="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseOut="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" width="125" height="16" border="0" alt="Bookmark" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script></div>Kathy Fehlbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15791379271957219483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8350402796659993562.post-72395923049619996172010-12-03T10:58:00.004-06:002010-12-03T13:19:56.917-06:00Ridiculous Expectations<div align="left">"The thing that the king has asked is difficult . . . " Are there ridiculous expectations place upon your time, finances, emotions, or intellect? <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/through.the.bible/?date=2010-12-03">Today's reading</a> was a great encouragement to me as I try to keep my head above water and juggle the numerous balls I have in the air.<br /><br />There is an answer. Seek counsel from the God of mercy, draw together with others of in prayer, and rejoice that God gives knowledge to the wise, and reveals hidden understanding today, just as in Daniel's time:<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><em><strong>. . . he gives wisdom to the wise<br />and knowledge to those who have understanding;<br />he reveals deep and hidden things;<br />he knows what is in the darkness,<br />and the light dwells with him.<br />To you, O God of my fathers,<br />I give thanks and praise,<br />for you have given me </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>wisdom and might . . .</strong> </em></div><div align="center"><em>- from </em><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%202:21-23&version=ESV"><em>Daniel 2:21-23<br /></em></a><br /></div><div align="left">The light dwells with God, and is freely shared with us, available for the asking in the name of Jesus. Give thanks! No matter how frazzled and overwhelmed we may feel, God will make known to us everything we need to know concerning the matters befor us.<br /><br />Furthermore, God will bless those around us as a result of our trust in Him. Daniel was able to save the necks of his peers as well as his own (see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%202:24&version=ESV">verse 24</a>). Others will reap the benefits of God's presence in our lives, and through our testimony, God's character will be revealed.<br /><br />I'm rejoicing in the middle of my busy, impossible day, and I pray wisdom and might for you today, too. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><em><strong>. . . there IS a God in heaven </strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong>who reveals mysteries . . .</strong> - from </em><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%202:28&version=ESV"><em>Daniel 2:28</em></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript">
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