tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86855984867268592462024-03-19T02:00:32.194-05:00Friar Tuck's Word of the DayBishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-89924259283567804752024-03-19T02:00:00.001-05:002024-03-19T02:00:00.237-05:00 We Worship a Sovereign God<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 19</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalms 33:10-11 NIV) “The Lord foils
the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. {11} But the
plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all
generations.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Daniel 7:13-14 NIV) “In my vision at night
I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,<a name="30"></a> coming<a name="31"></a> with the clouds of heaven.<a name="32"></a> He approached the
Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. {14} He was given authority,<a name="33"></a> glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every
language worshiped him.<a name="34"></a> His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away, and his kingdom<a name="35"></a> is one that will never
be destroyed.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">God
is sovereign. Life is not just a chain of random chance events. With God, we
have a sense that we were created with a purpose. With God, we realize that
history is headed somewhere. God knows where that somewhere is. God knows the
beginning and the end. He has a plan -- for the universe and for us. His plan
will be accomplished. His will, will be done. The chaos we live in, the random
events that seem to plague mankind, are indicators of man’s rebellion against
God and His sovereign will. God created man to serve and worship Him, but man
worships himself. Man does his own thing instead of God’s thing, and he is
decimated by the consequences of his bad choices. Fallen humanity struggles
against the bit of God’s sovereignty, but history will culminate just as God
planned. His kingdom has come. God is sovereign and worthy of our worship
today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day </span></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-39210864962178805242024-03-18T01:30:00.001-05:002024-03-18T01:30:00.238-05:00We Worship a Creator God<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 18</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalms 33:6-9 NIV) “By the word of the
Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. {7}
He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.
{8} Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere
him. {9} For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Colossians 1:15-17 NIV) “He is the image<a name="34"></a> of the invisible God,<a name="35"></a> the firstborn<a name="36"></a>
over all creation. {16} For by him all things were created:<a name="37"></a>
things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers
or rulers or authorities;<a name="38"></a> all things were created by him and for
him.<a name="39"></a> {17} He is before all things,<a name="40"></a> and in him all
things hold together.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The marvelously complex and vast universe we live in was
created by God. The physical laws of the universe that bring order to our
existence were created by our Lord. God is the creator of all things, and that
includes you and me. You were God’s idea. He chose to create you. That’s why we
worship Him. The evolution versus creation debate really boils down to who will
be worshipped. If everything in the cosmos just happened, if we did simply
evolve from some single-celled creature into all that we see now, then why
worship God? Maybe we should worship nature. Some religions do exactly that. Or
perhaps we should even worship man himself, as the end result of evolutionary
progress. Some people today also do that. But, if God created and sustains the
universe, this world, and us -- He is worthy of our worship. Praise God from
whom all blessings flow! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-62781995856529764652024-03-17T01:00:00.001-05:002024-03-17T01:00:00.239-05:00We Worship a Loving God<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 17</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalms 33:4-5,18-19,22 NIV) “For the
word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. {5} The Lord
loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love… {18}
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in
his unfailing love, {19} to deliver them from death and keep them alive in
famine… {22} May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our
hope in you."</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(John 3:16 NIV) "For God so loved<a name="1"></a> the world that he gave<a name="2"></a> his one and only Son,<a name="a"></a><a name="3"></a> that whoever believes<a name="4"></a> in him shall not
perish but have eternal life.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Psalm 33 reads like a checklist of reasons to worship
God. First and foremost, God is faithful and loving. He loved us before we ever
loved Him. He loves us even after we have loved Him and turned away. He is
faithful, when we are not. It is in God’s unfailing love that Christians put
their hope. His love for us endures our folly and was proven beyond a doubt
when He came here to die on a cross for our sins. God did not have to do that.
Our Creator could have wiped the slate clean and started over -- but He didn’t.
Instead He made the greatest sacrifice of love man has ever known. Jesus
provides for us. He cares for us. He loves us. Any God who would do this
deserves our worship. “God so loved the world” - and whoever believes in Him
will worship Him for eternity. But first, we start by worshipping Him here.
Worship the Lord today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-8741448011874474952024-03-16T00:30:00.001-05:002024-03-16T00:30:00.131-05:00Worship in Song<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 16</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalms 33:1-3
NIV) "Sing joyfully to the Lord,
you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. {2} Praise the Lord
with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. {3} Sing to him a
new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(1 Peter 2:9)
"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people
belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of
darkness into his wonderful light".</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The word
"worship" comes from two Old English words: weorth, which means
"worth"; and scipe or ship, which means “shape” or
"quality." You find the Old English word “ship” in modern words like
friendship and sportsmanship – the quality of being a friend, or the quality of
being a good sport. “Worth-ship”, then, is the quality of having worth or being
worthy. When we worship God, we attribute worth to God. We declare that the
Lord is of the highest worth to us. One of the ways we can do that is through
music. Songs help us free our souls to offer God joyful praise. The music
itself is not the worship; it is but a vehicle or a tool to help us get outside
ourselves and give expression to what’s in our heart. And to truly worship, our
songs must be truthful. We cannot worship God when we lie to Him when we sing.
Sing joyfully. Sing truthfully. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p><br /><p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-54176660187420351782024-03-15T02:30:00.001-05:002024-03-15T02:30:00.344-05:00Saved AND Discipled<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 15</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalms 32:8-11 NIV) “I will instruct you
and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. <a name="9"></a>{9} Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no
understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to
you. <a name="10"></a>{10} Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s
unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. <a name="11"></a>{11} Rejoice
in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in
heart!”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Matthew 28:19-20 NIV) “Therefore go and
make disciples of all nations,<a name="1"></a> baptizing them in<a name="a"></a>
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} and teaching
them to obey everything I have commanded you.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Jesus Christ came to save sinners, but He wants more than
just salvation for us. He also came to make disciples. The plan is that we be
saved and discipled. Faith is an extended journey, not a trip to the corner
Quick Shop. Many today have “given their life to Christ”, but their lives don’t
look like it. They have failed to become disciples. Psalm 32 lists several
steps to discipleship. The first is prayer; prayer that listens as much as it
talks. We must also receive instruction. The twelve called Him Teacher. So
should we. Jesus wants to counsel us. He’s into counsel more than control.
After all, we are not horses or mules. Part of the reason so many Christians
crash and burn is their refusal to accept good counsel. That has to change. We
must also learn to worship the Lord. Express your love. Give Him glory. Prayer,
instruction, counsel, and worship: four steps to discipleship. -- Friar Tuck’s
Word of the Day</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-48353350365950062982024-03-14T02:00:00.001-05:002024-03-14T02:00:00.136-05:00Two Step Plan<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 14</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalms 32:1-7
NIV) <a name="1"></a>“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins
are covered. <a name="2"></a>{2} Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not
count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. <a name="3"></a>{3} When I
kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. <a name="4"></a>{4}
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the
heat of summer. <a name="5"></a>{5} Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not
cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” -
and you forgave the guilt of my sin. <a name="6"></a>{6} Therefore let everyone
who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters
rise, they will not reach him. <a name="7"></a>{7} You are my hiding place; you
will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.<a name="8"></a>”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Romans 10:9
NIV) “… if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe
in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Even in the Old Testament,
before Jesus came to Earth; before the Gospels and the Epistles were written;
David knew God’s simple plan of salvation. God does not change, so the plan has
not changed. The steps to salvation were in place before the Garden fall. The
first step is to acknowledge and confess our sin. This is crucial. Our sins
have been paid for, but we must recognize those sins before we can accept God’s
payment. The second step is faith in Christ. Everyone needs a Savior, but not
everyone chooses the right one. Who we place our faith in is important. We need
the right hiding place. These two steps lead to blessing and salvation from
God. The blessing comes when we stop hiding from God and start hiding in God.
When our sins are covered, forgiven, and not counted against us, we are truly
blessed. Are you blessed today? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-22385443058299577382024-03-13T01:30:00.001-05:002024-03-13T01:30:00.133-05:00Love the Lord<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 13</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 31:19-24 NIV) “How great is your
goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in
the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. {20} In the shelter of your
presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep
them safe from accusing tongues. {21} Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his
wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. {22} In my alarm I said,
"I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I
called to you for help. {23} Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves
the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. {24} Be strong and take
heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Life is often difficult. But God stores up goodness for
those who have taken refuge in Him. God is our shelter. When we are besieged,
He shows His love to us. When we can’t see through the fog to another day, He
hears our cry for mercy and provides a light to direct us home. When we truly
hope in the Lord, we will do three things: we will love the Lord; we will
remain strong; and we will take heart. Faith, hope, and love are decisions. We
must choose to trust in God. We must choose to take refuge in the Lord. We must
choose to put our times into God’s hands. We must choose to commit our spirit
unto his care. Have you done that? Have you put your hope in God? Have you
taken refuge in Him? Have you put your times in his hands? Have you offered up
your spirit to Him? If not, today would be a good day to do that in your heart
of hearts. Love the Lord! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-74768114403772497382024-03-12T01:00:00.001-05:002024-03-12T01:00:00.139-05:00Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 12</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 31:5 NIV) “Into your hands I commit
my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Luke 23:46 NIV) “Jesus called out with a
loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had
said this, he breathed his last.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Yesterday, we heard David declare that his times were in
God’s hands. God had been his refuge in the past and his present was in the
hands of the Lord. Today we hear David commit his spirit to God. This is about
the future. He entrusts his ultimate destiny to the ultimate Judge. He commits
his eternal spirit into God’s hands. David probably had no idea that his words
of faith would end up being the last words Jesus breathed on the cross before
He died. King David and Jesus, the King of kings, both entrusted their spirits
to God. We are all called to put our spirit into God’s hands; to trust Him with
our eternity. Have you done that? Have you said to God, “Into your hands I
commit my spirit”? Have you given your past, present, and future to the Creator
of time? Have you trusted Him with your life and with your death? This is what
it means to have complete faith in God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-15386235699918999412024-03-11T00:30:00.001-05:002024-03-11T00:30:00.137-05:00My Times Are In Your Hands<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 11</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 31:14-15 NIV) “But I trust in you, O
Lord; I say, "You are my God." {15} My times are in your hands.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 139:13-16 “For you created my inmost
being;<a name="17"></a> you knit me together<a name="18"></a> in my mother's womb.<a name="19"></a> {14} I praise you<a name="20"></a> because I am fearfully and
wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,<a name="21"></a> I know that full
well. {15} My frame was not hidden from you when I was made<a name="22"></a> in
the secret place. When I was woven together<a name="23"></a> in the depths of the
earth,<a name="24"></a> {16} your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days
ordained<a name="25"></a> for me were written in your book before one of them
came to be.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">At the beginning of Psalm 31, David made a Statement of
Faith based on past experience with God. Now he makes a Statement of Faith
based in the present. David puts his life, his “times”, into God’s hands. He
gives his today to the Lord. God knows all his days -- the days of his birth,
life, and death. Our times really are in God’s hands. No one controls time
except God. Life cannot be controlled; it can only be lived. We cannot control
tomorrow; we can only live in the now. This is the essence of the great Twelve
Step mantra: “one day at a time”. Can you say to God with integrity, “My times
are in your hands”? Or are you still under the illusion that you are in charge
of time? Have you given your past to Jesus, or does it still run your life?
Will you give Him your today and surrender your anxiety about tomorrow? God has
been our refuge in the past. Put your times in God’s hands today. -- Friar
Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-47674578810317970452024-03-10T03:30:00.001-05:002024-03-10T03:30:00.137-05:00God is Our Refuge<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 10</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 31:1-13 NIV) “In you, O Lord, I have
taken refuge;<a name="1"></a> let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your
righteousness.<a name="2"></a> {2} Turn your ear to me,<a name="3"></a> come
quickly to my rescue;<a name="4"></a> be my rock of refuge,<a name="5"></a> a
strong fortress to save me. {3} Since you are my rock and my fortress,<a name="6"></a> for the sake of your name<a name="7"></a> lead and guide me. {4} Free
me from the trap<a name="8"></a> that is set for me, for you are my refuge.<a name="9"></a> {5} Into your hands I commit my spirit;<a name="10"></a> redeem me, O
Lord, the God of truth.<a name="11"></a> {6} I hate those who cling to worthless
idols;<a name="12"></a> I trust in the Lord.<a name="13"></a> {7} I will be glad
and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction<a name="14"></a> and knew the
anguish<a name="15"></a> of my soul. {8} You have not handed me over<a name="16"></a>
to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.<a name="17"></a> {9} Be
merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;<a name="18"></a> my eyes grow weak
with sorrow,<a name="19"></a> my soul and my body<a name="20"></a> with grief. {10}
My life is consumed by anguish<a name="21"></a> and my years by groaning;<a name="22"></a> my strength fails<a name="23"></a> because of my affliction,<a name="a"></a><a name="24"></a> and my bones grow weak.<a name="25"></a> {11} Because
of all my enemies,<a name="26"></a> I am the utter contempt<a name="27"></a> of my
neighbors;<a name="28"></a> I am a dread to my friends-- those who see me on the
street flee from me. {12} I am forgotten by them as though I were dead;<a name="29"></a> I have become like broken pottery. {13} For I hear the slander<a name="30"></a> of many; there is terror on every side;<a name="31"></a> they
conspire against me<a name="32"></a> and plot to take my life.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Psalm 31 opens
with a Statement of Faith. David says, “God is my refuge.” A refuge is a place
of protection; a place of safety. God is our refuge from traps set by our
enemies. He is our refuge in times of affliction, anguish, and distress -- in
times when there is no place else to hide. God is our refuge from enemies who
intend to harm us. If you stand for anything in this life, you will have
enemies; those who want to see you fail and who seek your demise. They may not
attack with guns or knives, but with tongues that slander. God is our refuge
from “fair weather friends”-- those who like you when things go well, but
disappear when things get broken in your life. David’s statements of faith are
based on God’s past behavior. He trusted God with his future because God had
been faithful in the past. Will you? God is our refuge! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of
the Day</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-20145357053103754552024-03-09T02:00:00.001-06:002024-03-09T02:00:00.135-06:00Changes<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 9</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm
30:11-12 NIV) “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and
clothed me with joy, {12} that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O
Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(1 Chronicles 16: 31-34 NIV) “Let the
heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;<a name="33"></a> let them say among the
nations, "The Lord reigns!<a name="34"></a>" {32} Let the sea resound,
and all that is in it;<a name="35"></a> let the fields be jubilant, and
everything in them! {33} Then the trees<a name="36"></a> of the forest will sing,
they will sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge<a name="37"></a>
the earth. {34} Give thanks<a name="38"></a> to the Lord, for he is good;<a name="39"></a> his love endures forever.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When grace finally takes root in our stubborn hearts and
light finally dawns on our blinded eyes, changes begin to come. Jesus changes
our step. We dance more and sulk less. We run more and stumble less. Our steps
are lighter because of God’s joy. God changes our clothes. Instead of the rags
of sin, we are dressed in robes of righteousness and arrayed with joy. Our
tears and wailing are replaced with laughter. Jesus changes our tune. Instead
of constantly singing the blues, we are filled with new songs of praise. All
these changes cannot be hidden. The glow of our new life will shine for all to
see. Our song can be heard by all who come near. Our steps inspire others to
follow and join in the dancing. If your life is slogging along in a rut right
now, let the Father change your step; let the Son change your clothes; and let
the Spirit change your tune. You’ll be glad you did. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of
the Day</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-8129669783446989812024-03-08T01:30:00.001-06:002024-03-08T01:30:00.419-06:00Confident or Cocky<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 8</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 30:6-12
NIV) "When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." {7}
O Lord, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid
your face, I was dismayed. {8} To you, O Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried
for mercy: {9} "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down
into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
{10} Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help."</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Isaiah 31:1
NIV) “Woe<a name="1"></a> to those who go down to Egypt<a name="2"></a> for help,
who rely on horses,<a name="3"></a> who trust in the multitude of their chariots<a name="4"></a> and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the
Holy One<a name="5"></a> of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Romans 12:3
NIV) "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather
think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith
God has given you."</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">David went from
rags-to-riches and became the most powerful man in the world. On the surface,
he was the picture of a self-made man; the ultimate success story. When David
felt secure, he sometimes became a bit cocky. But he discovered that cockiness
was a formula for failure. God would have us be confident in Him, but He warns
against cockiness. The wealthy are warned not to trust in riches. Armies are
warned not to trust in their horses and chariots. People are warned not to
trust in their own goodness for salvation. In spite of the warnings, many still
put their faith in themselves, instead of God. Christian, the antidote is to
recall who you were before Christ, recognize who you are now, remember who gets
the credit for the change, and realize what you should be doing. David knew his
help came from the Lord. He gave glory to God for His mercy, love, and
guidance. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the
Day</span></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-51647919347117667732024-03-07T01:00:00.001-06:002024-03-07T01:00:00.143-06:00Everything Here is Temporary<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 7</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalms 30:1-5
NIV) “I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not
let my enemies gloat over me. {2} O Lord my God, I called to you for help and
you healed me. {3} O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from
going down into the pit. {4} Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his
holy name. {5} For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a
lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(1 Timothy
1:12-16 NIV) “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,<a name="6"></a> that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.<a name="7"></a> {13} Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor<a name="8"></a>
and a violent man, I was shown mercy<a name="9"></a> because I acted in ignorance
and unbelief.<a name="10"></a> {14} The grace of our Lord was poured out on me
abundantly,<a name="11"></a> along with the faith and love that are in Christ
Jesus.<a name="12"></a> {15} Here is a trustworthy saying<a name="13"></a> that
deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners<a name="14"></a>--of whom I am the worst. {16} But for that very reason I was shown
mercy<a name="15"></a> so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might
display his unlimited patience<a name="16"></a> as an example for those who would
believe<a name="17"></a> on him and receive eternal life.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">One of the problems we
have in this world is that everything is temporary. Nothing seems to last. We
just get things fixed up and they fall apart and break down again. But it is
also true that one of our greatest blessings in this world is that everything
is temporary. Nothing lasts forever here and that includes trials and troubles.
David had been to the pit of despair, but it was temporary. God lifted him up.
He had been in great need, but God had spared him. He had been near death, but
God had healed him. He had been on the wrong side of God and knew God’s anger;
but he was forgiven, and once again enjoyed God’s favor. Whatever you are going
through right now, remember you are going THROUGH it. That means it has an end.
Weeping and pain will not last forever. Joy will come again. Everything here is
temporary. Hang on to this great truth. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-29443897389601406672024-03-06T00:30:00.001-06:002024-03-06T00:30:00.133-06:00The Voice of God<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 6</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 29:3-9 NIV) “The voice<a name="5"></a> of the Lord is over the
waters; the God of glory<a name="6"></a> thunders,<a name="7"></a> the Lord
thunders over the mighty waters.<a name="8"></a> {4} The voice of the Lord is
powerful;<a name="9"></a> the voice of the Lord is majestic. {5} The voice of the
Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.<a name="10"></a> {6} He makes Lebanon skip<a name="11"></a> like a calf, Sirion<a name="b"></a><a name="12"></a> like a young wild ox.<a name="13"></a> {7} The voice
of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning.<a name="14"></a> {8} The voice of
the Lord shakes the desert; the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.<a name="15"></a>
{9} The voice of the Lord twists the oaks<a name="c"></a><a name="16"></a> and
strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV) ““The Lord said,
"Go out and stand on the mountain<a name="20"></a> in the presence of the Lord,
for the Lord is about to pass by."<a name="21"></a> Then a great and
powerful wind<a name="22"></a> tore the mountains apart and shattered<a name="23"></a>
the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind
there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. {12} After the
earthquake came a fire,<a name="24"></a> but the Lord was not in the fire. And
after the fire came a gentle whisper.<a name="25"></a> {13} When Elijah heard it,
he pulled his cloak over his face<a name="26"></a> and went out and stood at the
mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here,
Elijah?””</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Sometimes, the voice of God thunders; sometimes, He
whispers. Sometimes, the voice of the Lord breaks cedars; sometimes, it breaks
our heart. Sometimes, God’s voice causes us to skip with the joy of a young
calf; sometimes, we lower our gaze and cover our face. Sometimes, the voice of
the Lord shakes the entire Earth and brings Him glory; sometimes, it shakes our
little world and we cry, “Glory!” Sometimes, the voice of God comes to us as an
impression we cannot shake; sometimes, it jumps off the printed page of
Scripture and shakes our soul. Sometimes, God’s voice can be heard in the
potent words of a prophetic preacher; sometimes, it comes to us through the
words of a little child. However God speaks to us, His voice is powerful,
majestic, authoritative, instructive, comforting, and challenging. Hearing the
voice of the Lord always changes us. Listen for God today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word
of the Day </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-87382648152197538722024-03-05T02:30:00.001-06:002024-03-05T02:30:00.134-06:00Ascribe to the Lord<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 5</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 29:1-11 NIV) “Ascribe to the Lord,<a name="1"></a> O mighty ones,<a name="2"></a> ascribe to the Lord glory<a name="3"></a> and strength. {2} Ascribe
to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his<a name="a"></a> holiness. {3} The voice<a name="5"></a> of the Lord is over the
waters; the God of glory<a name="6"></a> thunders,<a name="7"></a> the Lord
thunders over the mighty waters.<a name="8"></a> {4} The voice of the Lord is
powerful;<a name="9"></a> the voice of the Lord is majestic. {5} The voice of the
Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.<a name="10"></a> {6} He makes Lebanon skip<a name="11"></a> like a calf, Sirion<a name="b"></a><a name="12"></a> like a young wild ox.<a name="13"></a> {7} The voice
of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning.<a name="14"></a> {8} The voice of
the Lord shakes the desert; the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.<a name="15"></a>
{9} The voice of the Lord twists the oaks<a name="c"></a><a name="16"></a> and
strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!" {10} The
Lord sits<a name="d"></a> enthroned over the flood;<a name="18"></a> the Lord is
enthroned as King forever.<a name="19"></a> {11} The Lord gives strength to his
people;<a name="20"></a> the Lord blesses his people with peace.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The word “ascribe” is not used much today. It’s only used
ten times in the entire NIV Bible. It means to attribute or assign. David’s
heart was full of worship for the Lord. In Psalm 29 he ascribes glory,
strength, splendor, and holiness to his God. He sees God as majestic and
powerful. He calls on all those who consider themselves mighty, to bow down
before the One who is “King forever”. One of our tasks as Christians is to
think rightly about God -- to attribute to Him the glory due His name. It will be
difficult to “ascribe” holiness, strength, splendor, majesty, and power to a
God that we think of as our “buddy”. Jesus is indeed a friend of sinners, but
let us remember: He is also the Holy One, enthroned for eternity as King of
kings -- the One whose powerful voice can shake the Earth, bringing lightning,
thunder, fire and flood. This is the Lord David knew. Do you know this God? --
Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-5250678110489117832024-03-04T02:00:00.001-06:002024-03-04T02:00:00.138-06:00 Those Other People<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 4</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 28:3-5 NIV) “Do not drag me away with
the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors
but harbor malice in their hearts.<a name="7"></a> {4} Repay them for their deeds
and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done<a name="8"></a>
and bring back upon them what they deserve.<a name="9"></a> {5} Since they show
no regard for the works of the Lord and what his hands have done,<a name="10"></a>
he will tear them down and never build them up again.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Ephesians 4:25-32 NIV) “Therefore each of
you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully<a name="55"></a> to his neighbor,
for we are all members of one body.<a name="56"></a> {26} "In your anger do
not sin"<a name="d"></a>:<a name="57"></a> Do not let the sun go down while
you are still angry, {27} and do not give the devil a foothold.<a name="58"></a> {28}
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,<a name="59"></a>
doing something useful with his own hands,<a name="60"></a> that he may have
something to share with those in need.<a name="61"></a> {29} Do not let any
unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,<a name="62"></a> but only what is
helpful for building others up<a name="63"></a> according to their needs, that it
may benefit those who listen. {30} And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,<a name="64"></a> with whom you were sealed<a name="65"></a> for the day of
redemption.<a name="66"></a> {31} Get rid of<a name="67"></a> all bitterness, rage
and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.<a name="68"></a>
{32} Be kind and compassionate to one another,<a name="69"></a> forgiving each
other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">One of David’s
strengths was recognizing his constant need for God’s help and God’s covering.
This is seen as weakness by some, but in God’s eyes, it’s a highly desirable
trait. He talked to God when he was glad, sad, fearful, joyful, successful, and
defeated. Do you? David wasn’t perfect, but he consistently put God ahead of
himself. Do you? He knew it was God’s word that kept him from sliding down into
the pit. Do you? He often cried out for mercy as he lifted his hands in
worship. Do you? David saw God as his strength and shield. Do you? David had a
grateful heart and often thanked God in joyful song. Do you? He saw God as his
Shepherd and eternal Carrier. Do you? David knew for sure that he had an
inheritance from the Lord. Do you? David trusted God as his fortress of
salvation. Have you? This is what it means to be a person of faith -- one after
God’s own heart. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day </span></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-31815025206978897542024-03-03T01:30:00.001-06:002024-03-03T01:30:00.126-06:00One After God’s Own Heart<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 3</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 28:1-2, 6-9 NIV) “To you I call, O Lord
my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear<a name="1"></a> to me. For if you remain silent,<a name="2"></a> I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.<a name="3"></a> {2}
Hear my cry for mercy<a name="4"></a> as I call to you for help, as I lift up my
hands<a name="5"></a> toward your Most Holy Place… {6} Praise be to the Lord,<a name="11"></a> for he has heard my cry for mercy.<a name="12"></a> {7} The Lord is
my strength<a name="13"></a> and my shield; my heart trusts<a name="14"></a> in
him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy<a name="15"></a> and I will give
thanks to him in song.<a name="16"></a> {8} The Lord is the strength<a name="17"></a>
of his people, a fortress of salvation<a name="18"></a> for his anointed one.<a name="19"></a> {9} Save your people<a name="20"></a> and bless your inheritance;<a name="21"></a> be their shepherd<a name="22"></a> and carry them<a name="23"></a>
forever.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">One of David’s strengths was recognizing his constant
need for God’s help and God’s covering. This is seen as weakness by some, but
in God’s eyes, it’s a highly desirable trait. He talked to God when he was
glad, sad, fearful, joyful, successful, and defeated. Do you? David wasn’t
perfect, but he consistently put God ahead of himself. Do you? He knew it was
God’s word that kept him from sliding down into the pit. Do you? He often cried
out for mercy as he lifted his hands in worship. Do you? David saw God as his
strength and shield. Do you? David had a grateful heart and often thanked God
in joyful song. Do you? He saw God as his Shepherd and eternal Carrier. Do you?
David knew for sure that he had an inheritance from the Lord. Do you? David
trusted God as his fortress of salvation. Have you? This is what it means to be
a person of faith -- one after God’s own heart. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-83400072630109970032024-03-02T01:00:00.001-06:002024-03-02T01:00:00.128-06:00God Changes Things<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 2</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm
27:6-14 NIV) “Then my head will be exalted<a name="14"></a> above the enemies who
surround me;<a name="15"></a> at his tabernacle will I sacrifice<a name="16"></a>
with shouts of joy;<a name="17"></a> I will sing<a name="18"></a> and make music<a name="19"></a> to the Lord. {7} Hear my voice<a name="20"></a> when I call, O Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.<a name="21"></a> {8} My heart says of you,
"Seek his<a name="b"></a> face!<a name="22"></a>" Your face, Lord, I will
seek. {9}Do not hide your face<a name="23"></a> from me, do not turn your servant
away in anger;<a name="24"></a> you have been my helper.<a name="25"></a> Do not
reject me or forsake<a name="26"></a> me, O God my Savior.<a name="27"></a> {10}
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. {11} Teach me
your way,<a name="28"></a> O Lord; lead me in a straight path<a name="29"></a>
because of my oppressors.<a name="30"></a> {12} Do not turn me over to the desire
of my foes, for false witnesses<a name="31"></a> rise up against me, breathing
out violence. {13} I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the
<a name="32"></a>Lord in the land of the living.<a name="33"></a> {14} Wait<a name="34"></a> for the Lord; be strong<a name="35"></a> and take heart and wait for
the Lord.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(1 Samuel 10:6 NIV) "The Spirit of the
Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will
be changed into a different person."</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">A God who does not change us, is no God at all. If Christ
does not change your life, He is not really Lord of your life. Genuine faith
always changes people. God opens our mouth to praise Him and sing to Him. When
we believe God hears us, we begin to hear Him. We seek God’s face. We want to
know what He looks like, so we can look like Him. We learn His way and walk in
His way. Christianity becomes a way of life, instead of just a set of beliefs.
We become followers as well as believers. We wait for the Lord. We trust His
timing. God is not on our schedule, we are on His. God does not wait on us, as
if we were ordering in a restaurant -- we wait on Him. As you wait, take heart
and resist being discouraged. God is more about changing us than changing our
circumstances. Waiting on God does not tear us down -- it builds us up and we
end up stronger. Let God change you! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-8905558803088307282024-03-01T00:30:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:30:00.243-06:00Who is God to You?<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">March 1</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 27:1-5
NIV) “The Lord is my light<a name="1"></a> and my salvation<a name="2"></a>-- whom
shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold<a name="3"></a> of my life-- of whom
shall I be afraid?<a name="4"></a> {2} When evil men advance against me to devour
my flesh,<a name="a"></a> when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will
stumble and fall.<a name="5"></a> {3} Though an army besiege me, my heart will
not fear;<a name="6"></a> though war break out against me, even then will I be
confident.<a name="7"></a> {4} One thing<a name="8"></a> I ask of the Lord, this is
what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,<a name="9"></a> to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. {5}
For in the day of trouble<a name="10"></a> he will keep me safe<a name="11"></a> in
his dwelling; he will hide me<a name="12"></a> in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.<a name="13"></a>”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Isaiah
12:1-6 NIV) “In that day you will say: "I will praise you, O Lord.
Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have
comforted me. {2} Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my
salvation." {3} With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. {4}
In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make
known among the nations<a name="14"></a> what he has done, and proclaim that his
name is exalted.<a name="15"></a> {5} Sing<a name="16"></a> to the Lord, for he has
done glorious things;<a name="17"></a> let this be known to all the world. {6}
Shout aloud and sing for joy,<a name="18"></a> people of Zion, for great<a name="19"></a> is the Holy One of Israel<a name="20"></a> among you.<a name="21"></a>"</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">““Who is God to you?”
David had an answer and he wasn’t afraid to declare it. He wrote that God was
his light. The idea that “God is light” is found throughout Scripture, but this
is more personal. He says, “God is MY light.” He also says, “God is my salvation.”
This is what salvages his life. David knows that he is made from dust and to
dust he will return. He prays he may live with God all his days here on Earth,
and then, when death comes, that his soul may live with God for eternity. God
is David’s “stronghold”, his place of safety and security. God is his
impregnable fortress, a place where no one can do lasting harm to him. This is
not some manmade structure or human idea. This is the essence of trust and
faith. David knew who God was to him and adjusted his life accordingly. Who is
God to you? Your answer will make a difference in how you live and die. --
Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-12199742299438001042024-02-29T02:00:00.001-06:002024-02-29T02:00:00.247-06:00Leap Year Wisdom<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">February 29</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 18:29 ESV)
“For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Malachi 4:2 BSB)
“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing
in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Isaiah 35:6 NIV)
“Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water
will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Luke 6:22-23 NIV)
“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. {23} <a name="24"></a>Rejoice
in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their
fathers treated the prophets in the same way.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">On this “Leap Day” when
our calendar works to catch up with God’s creation timing, let’s think about
leaping in Scripture. Psalm 18 testifies that with God’s help we need not fear
our enemy’s strength, for we have the strength of God in us. And with His
strength, we can face down an army or leap over a wall if need be. Malachi and
Isaiah remind us that as believers, we carry the joy of the God’s Spirit within
us -- a joy that leaps like a calf set free from a stall on a summer day, and even
over fences like the bounding deer. This kind of Holy Spirit joy can power us
through the valleys of life. And our Lord and Savior, Jesus, teaches us that we
can even leap for joy in times of persecution, just as the prophets and so many
of the righteous have done throughout the ages. For when we are hated,
excluded, and insulted because of His name, great is our reward in heaven. So,
Happy Leap Day, Christian! – Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-61920357911497746642024-02-28T01:30:00.001-06:002024-02-28T01:30:00.142-06:00Public Praise<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>February 28</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 26:1-12 NIV) “Vindicate me,<a name="1"></a>
O Lord, for I have led a blameless life;<a name="2"></a> I have trusted<a name="3"></a>
in the Lord without wavering.<a name="4"></a> {2} Test me,<a name="5"></a> O Lord,
and try me, examine my heart and my mind;<a name="6"></a> {3} for your love<a name="7"></a> is ever before me, and I walk continually<a name="8"></a> in your
truth.<a name="9"></a> {4} I do not sit<a name="10"></a> with deceitful men, nor do
I consort with hypocrites;<a name="11"></a> {5} I abhor<a name="12"></a> the
assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. {6} I wash my hands in
innocence,<a name="13"></a> and go about your altar, O Lord, {7} proclaiming
aloud your praise<a name="14"></a> and telling of all your wonderful deeds.<a name="15"></a> {8} I love<a name="16"></a> the house where you live, O Lord, the
place where your glory dwells.<a name="17"></a> {9} Do not take away my soul
along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men,<a name="18"></a> {10} in whose
hands are wicked schemes,<a name="19"></a> whose right hands are full of bribes.<a name="20"></a> {11} But I lead a blameless life; redeem me<a name="21"></a> and be
merciful to me. {12} My feet stand on level ground;<a name="22"></a> in the great
assembly<a name="23"></a> I will praise the Lord.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">David would have probably been an unpopular singer today.
In our current cultural environment, he would have been seen as self-righteous,
smug, and condemning - the great trinity of “no-no’s” for modern Christians.
But isn’t David’s desire to lead a blameless life and publicly praise God
really a fulfillment of today’s WWJD slogan? Didn’t Jesus lead a blameless life
and publicly praise God at every opportunity? Didn’t He allow God to test and
examine His heart daily? Whether or not we can accomplish this ourselves is
immaterial. Should we not at least try? So rather that lampooning David, look
again at his claim about living above the common sins of his day. Isn’t that an
admirable pursuit for the believer? Look again at his willingness to praise God
in public venues. Doesn’t this challenge our timid and tepid witness of today?
One can see why David was called a man after God’s heart. -- Friar Tuck’s Word
of the Day </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-76757730756494173772024-02-27T01:00:00.001-06:002024-02-27T01:00:00.165-06:00 Getting the Right Help<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">February 27</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalms 25:1-14 NIV) “To you, O
Lord, I lift up my soul; {2} in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to
shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. {3} No one whose hope is in you will
ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without
excuse. {4} Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; {5} guide me in
your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all
day long. {6} Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of
old. {7} Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to
your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord. {8} Good and upright is the
Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. {9} He guides the humble in
what is right and teaches them his way. {10} All the ways of the Lord are
loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant. {11} For
the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. {12}
Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen
for him. {13} He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will
inherit the land. {14} The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his
covenant known to them.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Often our problems
aren’t really too big; we just don’t get the right help in solving them. David
made a lot of mistakes, but he always came back to God. He always returned in
repentance and renewed his covenant with God. We can learn from this. He turned
to the right source for help. Ten times in Psalm 25 he appeals to the Lord. He
asked God to show him the way, teach him, and guide him. He also confessed his
sins and shortcomings. Confession is not for God’s benefit; it’s for ours.
Naming our sins takes away some of their power over us. Sins brought into the
light grow weaker day by day. David also asked to be forgiven. He asked God to
forget his sins. He appealed to God’s nature; His mercy, goodness,
faithfulness, and love. He lifted his soul to God. He put his hope for
salvation in the Lord. These are wise moves, even today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word
of the Day </span></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-59647009571297912812024-02-26T00:30:00.001-06:002024-02-26T00:30:00.155-06:00 Problems, Problems, Problems<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">February 26</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalm 25:15-22 NIV) “My eyes are ever
on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. {16} Turn to me
and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. {17} The troubles of my
heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. {18} Look upon my affliction
and my distress and take away all my sins. {19} See how my enemies have
increased and how fiercely they hate me! {20} Guard my life and rescue me; let
me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. {21} May integrity and
uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. {22} Redeem Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(John 16:33 NIV) "I have told you these
things, so that in me you may have peace.<a name="1"></a> In this world you will
have trouble.<a name="2"></a> But take heart! I have overcome<a name="3"></a> the
world."</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Even
great people in the bible had problems. Jesus promised that in this world we
would have trouble. We get caught in the hidden snares of life. Addictions,
greed, envy, anger, bitterness, temptations, grief, relationships, depression…
all kinds of things can snare us and keep us from being free. Loneliness can
kill our soul even as we are surrounded by people. Afflictions, sickness and
disease often come in bunches as life piles on us. Our hearts can become deeply
troubled. Problems multiply like cancer cells, overwhelming our ability to
fight them off. We end up living in anguish and distress; pain that cannot be
cured by medication. Enemies can rise up out of nowhere. They increase in
number and strength until our defenses give way. If any of this applies to you
today, cry out to God for protection and rescue. Only Jesus can save us. Take
refuge in Him. Put your hope in the Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day </span></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-70073894916795246102024-02-25T02:30:00.001-06:002024-02-25T02:30:00.242-06:00Getting a Soul Lift<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">February 25</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Psalms 25:1-3 NIV) “To you, O Lord, I
lift up my soul; {2} in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me. {3} No one whose hope is in you will ever
be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without
excuse.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Ezekiel
43:4-5 NIV) “The glory<a name="4"></a> of the Lord entered the temple through the
gate facing east.<a name="5"></a> {5} Then the Spirit<a name="6"></a> lifted me up<a name="7"></a> and brought me into the inner court, and the glory<a name="8"></a> of
the Lord filled the temple.”</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In almost every
Christian’s life, there are days and weeks - sometimes even months and years,
when it feels like everything you’ve done has been done for nothing. Looking at
it from this side if eternity, our lives can many times appear to add up to big
fat zero. During these times, we can get really down on ourselves, on life, and
on God. And if we’re not careful, we can see so much more negative than
positive that we give up and quit. These are the times in life when we need a
soul lift. We need to lift our soul to God, and we need God to lift our soul
from the pit of despair and discouragement. With all the cosmetic surgery
available today to lift this and lift that, maybe we ought to consider going to
see the great physician for a soul lift - the sooner, the better. Why not
today? Ask God to give you a soul lift. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day</span></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685598486726859246.post-1952784917336088502024-02-24T02:00:00.001-06:002024-02-24T02:00:00.259-06:00The Top of the Hill<p><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">February 24</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><i>(Psalm
24:6-10 NIV)</i></b><b> “<i>Such
is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face,<a name="11"></a> O
God of Jacob.<a name="b"></a>”{<span class="versenum9">7}</span></i></b><i> <b>Lift up your heads, O you gates;<a name="12"></a>
be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King<a name="13"></a> of glory<a name="14"></a> may come in.</b><a name="15"></a> {<span class="versenum9">8}</span><b> Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong
and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. {<span class="versenum9">9}</span> Lift up
your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of
glory may come in. {<span class="versenum9">10}</span> Who is he, this King of
glory? The Lord Almighty-- he is the King of glory.”</b></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><i>(Revelation 3:20) “Here I am! I stand at the
door<a name="1"></a> and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,<a name="2"></a> I will come in<a name="3"></a> and eat with him, and he with me.”</i></b><b><i> </i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Jesus, the One who laid the foundation of the world, also
laid a foundation for the salvation of all mankind. Getting to the top of that
holy hill and standing in God’s presence brings blessing beyond compare. But
how do we get to the top of the hill? First, we must seek the Lord. In our
generation, in our lifetime, we must realize we are lost and inadequate. Unless
we swallow our pride and begin to seek God with all our heart, we have no hope
of ever ascending that holy hill. We must also look up and trust God to open
the gates of heaven for us. We do not have the strength to do this on our own.
And finally, we must open up. We must open up and let Jesus come in. Before we
can stand up, we must fess up, look up, and open up. In order to ascend the
holy hill and stand in the presence of God, we must let the King of glory come
in. The King of kings is knocking on your door. Let Him in. -- Friar Tuck’s
Word of the Day</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Bishop Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13592325290000887664noreply@blogger.com0