Thought For The Day 06/23/12

Thank You God For Everything!

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Thank You God for the world so sweet,

Thank You God for the food we eat,

Thank You God for the birds that sing,

Thank You God for everything!

Amen

Author Unknown

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The prayer above might just be one of the very first prayers we introduce to the children in our lives as we seek to share the wonders of faith with them. It is clean and pure and good, just as the lives of children are clean and pure and good. They have not yet become tarnished by life’s harsh realities which seems to somehow muddy all things wondrous once we pass the threshold into adulthood. But then some of us are given a miracle. We bear children and suddenly, we are witnessing life’s untarnished freshness through the eyes of those children (and grandchildren).

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 I was thusly blessed some 28 months ago when a little red-headed ball of fire entered my life! God has blessed me with the opportunity of seeing life through Landon’s innocent eyes. However, I have come to realize something quite wonderful! Because I am transported back to a time of innocent wonder as I help Landon to live his life, it seems as if EVERYTHING that colors my world these days is vibrant and fresh. Yes, like the rest of the adults in my world, I am saddled with the grown up responsibilities we all share. I too must run my household. I too must pay my bills, sometimes without enough money to comfortably manage it. I too must deal with others around me who see things in shades of grey because they don’t have their own 28 month old wonder to paint life with bright, primary hues of color, like I do! But it is because I do that I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore. I am thankful to God for EVERYTHING that I have been given, both the wonderful things and those not so wonderful things.

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Do you honestly think that God allows us trials and tribulations without their being a divine purpose for them? After all, it is the trials that teach us to work hard and persevere to reach our goals. And it is the ability to successfully accomplish this that builds our character as not just people but people of faith. Did Jesus not reassure his Disciples that although they would be scattered and separated, He would never be alone, for God would always be with Him? And God will be there just as absolutely for us when we need Him to be! Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward.

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Now that we have secured this promise from him, why not walk your path through life with a quicker step and a keener eye! Don’t just live your life. LIVE YOUR LIFE! Live life as a child lives life. Look at the miracle that is all of His creation. Let your senses revel in the beauty of everything that surrounds you. Today look for a rose-bush in bloom and inhale the delicate fragrance. Walk by the neighborhood pond and try skipping a stone. Wash your car and then make funny faces in the shiny glass of sparkling windows. Or don’t wash your car and draw a smiley face in the dusty surface of the trunk! Tonight take a walk at dusk and make a wish upon the first star (or planet) you spy! Yes, come down to earth at some point and pay the electric bill, but don’t stay grounded and sensible for too long. Life is too short and the time to live it is now!

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² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith   produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1: 2-4 NIV

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²⁴ There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 2:24 ESV

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Copyright © 2011-2012 “MandysPath” Ministry

Thought For The Day 06/22/12

The “LOVE” Passages!

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“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”

 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV

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There are very few Christians in the world that have never heard one of the most famous and beautiful “LOVE” Bible passages ever written. Thank you St Paul for sharing God’s message with the world and penning 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8. This passage is, without a doubt, the most quoted Bible verse used at any wedding ceremony performed by a minister or priest, and when adapted and applied as one of the building blocks upon which you live your lives as a couple, serves as a blue-print for a long and happy life together. And as usually happens in my world, I can’t think about the relevance of something without somehow trying to discover all I can about it and its applications. So in thinking about this particular verse, I began to wonder just how many other Bible verses talk about this very thing. Did you know there are somewhere in the neighborhood of 730 “LOVE” passages? And to my mind, when someone (or a group of someone’s) takes these many opportunities to share such powerful words about a particular subject, it is well worth leaning in and listening closely! The “LOVE” passages include all the forms of love that man can experience and include “ROMANTIC LOVE” or eros, “BROTHERLY LOVE” or friendship, and perhaps the greatest love of them all, “DIVINE LOVE” or agape, which is the very essence and spiritual substance of God, and which He shares with we, His children. It is this love, “DIVINE LOVE“, that gifts us with the capacity to believe in the first place! And so, in the spirit of this one tiny word with such power to transform lives, I want to share with you some of my favorite “LOVE” Bible passages today!

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Genesis 29:20 NLT

 So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days.

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Proverbs 15:17 NLT

 A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.

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Song of Solomon 4:10 NIV

How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice!

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Matthew 22:37–39 NKJV

 Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

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1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV

 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

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1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.   But the greatest of these is love

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John 3:16 KJV

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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YouTube video with lyrics of John 3:16

http://youtu.be/9L_HrpO6-9M

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Love has no desire but to fulfill itself.  To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.  To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving. 

Kahlil Gibran

http://quotegarden.com/love.html

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Copyright © 2011-2012 “MandysPath” Ministry

Thought For The Day 06/21/12

Kids Say The Darndest Things!

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Yesterday Landon had surgery and, of course, like any good Memaw, I never left his side, once he got out of the operating room. Now the last time this happened, I became too preoccupied to think clearly about posting my blog. And, once again, I feel like my brain is fried. BUT, like last time, I have a splendid solution! Since my heart is totally wrapped around my little guy, let’s have another round of “Kids Say The Darndest Things“.

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I wrote about this topic earlier this year, when I spoke of an American icon, Art Linkletter, who hosted a wildly popular entertainment show, which aired first on radio, and then, finally appearing on that new fangled medium, television. Without a doubt, the crowning glory of Mr. Linkletter’s show was the segment “Kids Say The Darndest Things!” This hugely popular piece was something I LOVED watching when I was a child (you know…back in the days of King Tut), and I still laugh today, remembering the things that, somehow, managed to EXPLODE out of the mouths of all of those babes!  And so, it is to my little guy, and to children everywhere, that I share the following post I received as an email on Tuesday. I dare you not to laugh! I double dare you! I TRIPLE dog dare you!

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The following answers to some interesting questions, were written entirely by children!

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 HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? 

• You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.   Alan, age 10
• No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with.   Kristen, age 10

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WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

• Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.   Camille, age 10

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HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

• You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.   Derrick, age 8

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WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MUM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

• Both don’t want any more kids.   Lori, age 8

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WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

• Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.   Lynnette, age 8 (isn’t she a treasure)
• On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.   Martin, age 10

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WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

• When they’re rich.   Pam, age 7
• The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn’t want to mess with that.   Curt, age 7
• The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It’s the right thing to do.   Howard, age 8

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IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

• It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.   Anita, age 9 (bless you child )

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HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN’T GET MARRIED?

• There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn’t there?   Kelvin, age 8

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And the #1 Favorite is…….

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

• Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck.   Ricky, age 10

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I hope you enjoyed this journey down memory lane to the land of Art Linkletter, 50’s television, and words of wisdom from all of those half pints out there who share our lives with us. I know I had a lot of fun sharing it with you! I hope that you find yourself taking something very important away with you from reading these gems from the mouths of all of those innocent angels! Make sure you take some time every single day to laugh! Have fun! Enjoy life! Never forget that as long as you are laughing, you can’t hold onto all of those worries and anxieties that seem to weigh us down once we enter the realm of adulthood! Laugh! Loudly! Often! And while you’re at it, use this opportunity to deposit all of those cares and worries squarely on the shoulders of one who is not just prepared to bear them but who will happily bear them for the opportunity of bearing witness to you walking by faith, alone. And don’t forget that while you’re walking, laugh loudly the entire time!

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He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.

Job 8:21

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Copyright © 2011-2012 “MandysPath” Ministry

Thought For The Day 06/20/12

Seeking A Permanent Solution To A Temporary Problem!

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http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2013085-overview

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Death is for many of us the gate of hell; but we are inside on the way out, not outside on the way in. 

George Bernard Shaw

http://www.quotegarden.com/death.html

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I have seen the effects of seeking a permanent solution to what is, in reality, a temporary problem, firsthand. A boy who spent nearly as much time in my home as he did in his own because of his close friendship with my children, took his own life as a teenager. I suffered guilt in addition to sorrow for a very long time, wondering if there was not something I should have seen or done which could have prevented not only this tragedy but the resultant heartache suffered by his family (both blood as well as friends). It took me many years to realize that there was nothing about this that I could have prevented. And owning up to that one statement does NOT make me feel any relief! What it does is make me wonder what kind of pain and suffering would drive any person to the brink of the abyss. What could possibly cause a person to feel such despondency that they could find no other way to escape their pain and hurt?

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“Suicide: Read This First“, was written by Martha Ainsworth and can be read in its entirety by clicking on the following link: http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/. She is not a therapist nor is she a counselor, What she is, is someone who has walked in the shoes of those who feel driven to this state. Her article is well worth reading in its entirety and I hope that you do so. It is geared to someone who is at the brink. It is intended to give hope and to keep someone alive just one more minute. And if that one minute leads to a second and a third and a fourth, perhaps the person feeling so helpless will be given the strength to step back and to seek the help that is available out there, if they but ask!

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I am sharing one section, in particular, that I think is a MUST read. I hope you agree with me. I hope you are given some insight into a problem that is currently the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. And I hope you will never feel as I did so many years ago because, in all honesty, remembering that day causes me as much pain today, as it did then. Suicide knows no age, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or nationality. It is, in fact, a totally preventable world-wide epidemic if we but think about it and talk about it. It’s time to face the problem head on!

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 “5 Things To Think About“

1. You need to hear that people do get through this — even people who feel as badly as you are feeling now. Statistically, there is a very good chance that you are going to live. I hope that this information gives you some sense of hope.

2. Give yourself some distance. Say to yourself, “I will wait 24 hours before I do anything.” Or a week. Remember that feelings and actions are two different things – just because you feel like killing yourself, doesn’t mean that you have to actually do it right this minute. Put some distance between your suicidal feelings and suicidal action. Even if it’s just 24 hours.  You have already done it for 5 minutes, just by reading this page.  You can do it for another 5 minutes by continuing to read this page. Keep going, and realize that while you still feel suicidal, you are not, at this moment, acting on it.  That is very encouraging to me, and I hope it is to you.
3. People often turn to suicide because they are seeking relief from pain. Remember that relief is a feeling. And you have to be alive to feel it. You will not feel the relief you so desperately seek, if you are dead.
4. Some people will react badly to your suicidal feelings, either because they are frightened, or angry; they may actually increase your pain instead of helping you, despite their intentions, by saying or doing thoughtless things. You have to understand that their bad reactions are about theirfears, not about you.But there arepeople out there who can be with you in this horrible time, and will not judge you, or argue with you, or send you to a hospital, or try to talk you out of how badly you feel. They will simply care for you. Find one of them. Now. Use your 24 hours, or your week, and tell someone what’s going on with you. It is okay to ask for help. Try:
   • Send an anonymous e-mail to The Samaritans (jo@samaritans.org)
   • Call the  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255  (TTY:1-800-799-4TTY)
   • (In Australia, call Lifeline Australia at telephone:  13 11 14
   • Teenagers, call Covenant House NineLine, 1-800-999-9999
   • Look in the front of your phone book for a crisis line
   • Call a psychotherapist
   • Carefully choose a friend or a minister or rabbi, someone who is likely to listen

   But don’t give yourself the additional burden of trying to deal with this alone. Just talking about how you got to where you are, releases an awful lot of the pressure, and it might be just the additional coping resource you need to regain your balance.

5. Suicidal feelings are, in and of themselves, traumatic. After they subside, you need to continue caring for yourself. Therapy is a really good idea. So are the various self-help groups available both in your community and on the Internet.

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A Prayer

written by Rowland Jide Macaulay

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Rowland Jide Macaulay, LLB, MTh, FACT is a Christian Theologian, openly gay, a dynamic and an inspirational speaker, poet, pastor and preacher, Human Rights Consultant, the author of “Poetry Inspired” published in the UK 2001, founder/Project Director of House Of Rainbow Fellowship Worldwide, holds a degree in law and MA Practical Theology.

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Today, I pray, Lord, bind the spirit of suicide in our community; we ask you Lord to meet those thinking of taking their own lives because of pressure of sexuality; show each one your love through your words and the people around them; surprise us Lord.

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen

Call someone; let them know that you care and love them dearly.

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a note from Rowland

I agree to re-publication of this message/prayer. Too often the mental health and well-being of LGBT people (is) ignored. I am swamp(ed) with many young people in despair of their lives…especially those in Africa and of African descent (who have access to House of Rainbow and myself). They are worried about “coming out”, how to reconcile with being gay/lesbian, and (the effect on) their faith and family. The height of desperation is mindblowing…to the point many have told me they are thinking of suicide as an option.

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You may e-mail Rowland at the following: church@houseofrainbow.org

You may follow Rowland’s writings at the following: http://revrowlandjidemacaulay.blogspot.com/

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⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,   and the time for my departure is near. ⁷ I have fought the good fight,   I have finished the race,   I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me   the crown of righteousness,   which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4: 6-8 NIV

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Copyright © 2011-2012 “MandysPath” Ministry

Thought For The Day 06/19/12

What Values Do You Seek To Share With Others?

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It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.

Roy Disney  

http://www.quotegarden.com/decisions.html

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Today I began thinking about all of the people who have made such a tremendous impact on my life throughout the years. From my parents who instilled in the very first values that formed the foundation of instructions for living my life, to each person I met throughout the years as I lived that life, each one added layer upon layer of life lessons that became my character. We, none of us, grows to adulthood unassisted. Unlike many of God’s other living creations who can successfully navigate the days to maturity with little in the way of direct influence from other members of his species, man is, from his infancy, totally dependent upon the others who are intimately connected to him. We do not speak instinctively. We learn as speech is demonstrated by the adults who share our lives during our formative years. We do not know the values we hold within our hearts until they are first given to us by others either through lessons taught by word of mouth or demonstrated by example by those that love us enough to want to set our feet on the right path!

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Have you ever thought about all of the things that make us special? What are some of the values we need to become full and complete and caring people in our world? Are there any that seem more important or are they all equally responsible for making us the best people we can be? And as I was thinking about the core values that are the most important to me, there are some that come readily to mind although I am sure that there must be hundreds (perhaps thousands) more, less definable character builders that are part of what becomes our very essence! Below is a list of some of the things I tried to pass along to my children and my grandson. You may disagree with me but I’m betting when you really think about them, each has merit for molding us into not just the best person we can be but also the best person of faith we can be! Read them and think about each one as it relates to the way you live your life, and then decide the worth of each thing I have listed. I am pretty sure there are none you would eliminate from that list of important character builders!

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Appreciation  ~   Belief    ~ Caring   ~  Character   ~  Charity  ~   Class And Grace   ~  Commitment   ~  Compassion   ~  Confidence  ~  Courage  ~  Courtesy  ~  Dedication  ~  Determination  ~  Devotion  ~  Drive  ~  Excellence  ~  Faith  ~  Foresight  ~  Forgiveness  ~  Friendship  ~  Generosity  ~  Gratitude  ~ Hard Work  ~  Honesty  ~  Honor  ~  Hope  ~  Humility  ~  Integrity  ~  Justice  ~  Kindness 

~  Love  ~

Loyalty  ~  Optimism  ~  Passion  ~  Patience  ~  Perseverance  ~  Purpose  ~  Respect  ~  Responsibility  ~  Sacrifice  ~  Sharing  ~  Stewardship  ~  Strength  ~  Trust  ~  Unity  ~  Vision

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I put Love on its own separate line because I believe this is the one thing that serves to bind all of the rest of these character builders to our souls. Do you not agree that it is Love that leads those that care enough about the people we will become to instill all of the tools we will need to live our lives as good people? If all of those who added those layers to our character did not Love us to begin with, would they even care enough to want us to grow to our full potential? I think not. Love is the tie that binds us to others and it is the tie that binds us to God as people of faith, as well. Yes, this little word sums up all of the good we strive to share with others and without it, somehow the importance of the rest would lose a bit of what makes them so necessary to our lives, don’t you think?

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Every Day I Love You

by Boyzone

http://youtu.be/6QQQKJJBJOY

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But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. …

James 1:22-27 ESV

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Copyright © 2011-2012 “MandysPath” Ministry

Thought For The Day 06/18/12

The Book of Proverbs

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King Solomon

http://dwellingintheword.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/1-king_solomon.jpg

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God couldn’t be everywhere, so he created mothers.

Jewish Proverb

http://en.proverbia.net/proverbs.asp

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Proverb

NOUN

1. a short well-known saying that expresses an obvious truth and often offers advice

[ 14th century. Via French < Latin proverbium “saying, saw” < verbum “word” ]

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http://www.charleysstore.com/Images/Proverbs_05.jpg

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Did you know that along with Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and some of Psalms (specifically, the Wisdom Psalms), the Book of Proverbs is part of what is considered the “wisdom literature” part of the Bible? If not, I am not surprised. I didn’t, although with a little thought, I most probably would have realized this fact. I will readily admit that I am not the brightest bulb on the tree. And while all of the “Wisdom Books of the Bible” are well worth considering for all that they teach, for the purposes of this blog, I want to concentrate on the Book of Proverbs.

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Proverbs is noted for not just contrasting but comparing as well, wisdom (generally found to be seen as a wise person) with foolishness (or the fool). Wisdom is always demonstrated as being worth all the hard work it takes to attain, and its merits are always dependent on faith in the Almighty (or Yahweh)! Repeated over and over within the texts of Proverbs is the importance of sharing of this wisdom within the family unit, usually by passing it down from Father (or Mother) to Son! One text in the Bible where wisdom is revealed as a woman who identifies herself as a divine companion, teaches against the folly of sex with an adulteress!

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As a book in the Old Testament, its Hebrew title is “Míshlê Shlomoh” or the “Proverbs of Solomon” which seems to be a reference to the fact that its principal author is most likely Solomon although there are also references to Agur and Lemuel, which may well have been symbolic names for Solomon. There can be none who doubt the wisdom of Solomon and in fact, people journeyed from all over the region to sit and bear witness to the lessons he shared. Who doesn’t know the story where King Solomon was approached by two women, each laying claim to the newborn babe. And his solution was to decree that the baby be cut in half and each woman given half of the child (1Kings 3: 16-28)! And just as he expected, the true and rightful mother turned to King Solomon and renounced her claim to the child, thus securing her right to the claim she had made! Wisdom, indeed! It is believed that somewhere in the neighborhood of 3000 proverbs and over 1000 songs were written by or issued verbally from the mouth of this sage man!

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So whenever you feel caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, try reading some of Solomon’s wise words. Providentially, you might just find your solution within the pages of the place you least expect to find the answers!

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The Wisdom of  Solomon

 from Proverbs 22:17 – 24:22

• Don’t exploit the poor, because he is poor; and don’t crush the needy in court; for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them. 

• Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul.

• Don’t you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts. If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

• Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings; he won’t serve obscure men.

• When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you; put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appetite. Don’t be desirous of his dainties, seeing they are deceitful food.

• Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint. Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.

• Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies: for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, and lose your good words.

• Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

• Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless: for their Defender is strong. He will plead their case against you.

• Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.

• My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine: yes, my heart will rejoice, when your lips speak what is right.

• Don’t let your heart envy sinners; but rather fear Yahweh all the day long. Indeed surely there is a future hope, and your hope will not be cut off.

• Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path! Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat: for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

• Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth, and don’t sell it: get wisdom, discipline, and understanding. The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him. Let your father and your mother be glad! Let her who bore you rejoice!

• My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways. For a prostitute is a deep pit; and a wayward wife is a narrow well. Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men.

• Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who stay long at the wine; those who go to seek out mixed wine. Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly: In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will imagine confusing things. Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging: “They hit me, and I was not hurt; they beat me, and I don’t feel it! When will I wake up? I can do it again. I can find another.”

• Don’t be envious of evil men. Neither desire to be with them: For their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about mischief.

• Through wisdom a house is built; By understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with all rare and beautiful treasure.

• A wise man has great power; And a knowledgeable man increases strength; For by wise guidance you wage your war; And victory is in many advisors.

• Wisdom is too high for a fool: He doesn’t open his mouth in the gate.

• One who plots to do evil will be called a schemer. The schemes of folly are sin. The mocker is detested by men.

• If you falter in the time of trouble, your strength is small.

• Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter! If you say, “Behold, we didn’t know this;” Doesn’t he who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it? Shall he not render to every man according to his work?

• My son, eat honey, for it is good; The droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste: So you shall know wisdom to be to your soul; if you have found it, then there will be a reward, your hope will not be cut off.

• Don’t lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous. Don’t destroy his resting-place: for a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again; but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.

• Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls. Don’t let your heart be glad when he is overthrown; Lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

• Don’t fret yourself because of evildoers; Neither be envious of the wicked: For there will be no reward to the evil man; and the lamp of the wicked shall be snuffed out.

• My son, fear Yahweh and the king. Don’t join those who are rebellious: For their calamity will rise suddenly; The destruction from them both — who knows?

http://www.abetterhope.com/hope/sayings.html

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The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 

Ecclesiastes 1:9

http://www.quotegarden.com/bible.html

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Copyright © 2011-2012 “MandysPath” Ministry

Thought For The Day 06/17/12

My Two Fathers

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http://isgodcatholic.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/wrath-of-god.jpg

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There’s something like a line of gold thread running through a man’s words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself. 

John Gregory Brown

 Decorations in a Ruined Cemetery, 1994

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A friend of mine asked if I would re-post the Father’s Day blog I wrote last year and although I seldom repeat something I’ve published previously, this was a special one which is near and dear to my heart. So, with a bit of minor editing, here is last year’s Father’s Day blog. Read it, and then go hug your dad a little tighter today and tell him you love him! ~

For all of the wonderful dad’s in my life…….Happy Father’s Day!

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 I have 2 “Fathers” in my life. They are both wonderful and kind but there were times I witnessed the wrath of each. And that is as it should be because it is not just the love but the discipline as well as the structure and guidance we are gifted with that makes us the best person we can be.

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I measure everyone I meet in the world against these 2 “Fathers” and then listen to them both when they chide me that no one should be compared because all are unique, special and bring their own special gifts to my life.

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Both of my “Fathers” always watched over me and spent hours upon hours comforting me during my lowest moments, and both have dried my tears.

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Both of my “Fathers” have walked beside me through the years and held my hand, and both carried me when I could not walk one more step.

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Both of my “Fathers” hold a deep love and a respect for nature and all of nature’s beauty and creatures.

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Both of my “Fathers” have been guiding forces in my community, and many, many people throughout the years have looked up to, and asked help from them both.

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Both of my “Fathers” have taught me right from wrong and made me follow the rules that exist in my world because both know that mankind will be all the better for my having done so.

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I love both of my “Fathers” with all my heart and all my soul and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do or give to either of them.

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And so, on this Father’s Day, I want to thank them both for all that they have done and will do for me in the years to come. I am so very lucky that I have both in my life!

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Harold Pierce

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  He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.

Malachi 4:6 NIV

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Copyright © 2011-2012 “MandysPath” Ministry