The Foolish Things

Very interesting passage. 1 Corinthians 1:27-31

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God
chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly
things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not —to
nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because
of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written:
“Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Gifts of the Spirit

Was reading in 1 Corinthians and found this. I thought I would share what I found.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;
and there are
varieties of service, but the same Lord;
and there are varieties of
activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
To
each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.8 For to one
is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the
utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,
to another faith by the
same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
to another the
working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish
between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the
interpretation of tongues.
All these are empowered by one and the same
Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

The chapter goes on to talk about how we are all part of the body of Christ, which has many members with different purposes. I just found this really interesting.

Thought-Provoking Verses from the Book of Romans

[to Believers]
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"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning
so that grace may increase? By no means! We died
to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"
-Romans 6:1-2

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body
so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the
parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness,
but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who
have been brought from death to life; and offer the
parts of your body to Him as instruments of
righteousness. For sin shall not be your master,
because you are not under law, but under grace."
-Romans 6:12-14

Ephesians 5:3-7--> Interesting Passage

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

Ephesians 5:15-20

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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I find it interesting that we are told to know what the Lord's will is (v.17). I hear people praying "Lord, please...if it's Your will." But this verse makes it sound like we should be figuring out what His will is. I would like to do some more research about this.

Also, we are instructed to make "the most of every opportunity." I should start living by this, "...making the most of every opportunity."

There are so many interesting things in the Bible!

Interesting Quotes from Cecil B. DeMille

(Mr. DeMille directed The 10 Commandments movie many, many years ago.)

Here are a few thought-provoking quotes...

"It is impossible for us to break the law. We can only break ourselves against the law."

"Man has made 32 million laws since the Commandments were handed down to Moses on Mount Sinai... but he has never improved on God's law."

Dr. Robert Gagnon: What Does the Bible Teach About Homosexuality?

Another thought-provoking video. Thoughts?

Dr. Robert Gagnon, What Does the Bible Teach About Homosexuality? S3E2 from Pure Passion on Vimeo.

Lexicon's Bible Verses

Here are a few Bible verses that make me think of my protagonist Lexicon.

1.) Proverbs 24:11-12 (NIV)

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

Here is the same passage from the Message

Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help. If you say, "Hey, that's none of my business," will that get you off the hook?Someone is watching you closely, you know— Someone not impressed with weak excuses.

2.) Galatians 6:9-10

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

This Bible verse reminds me of the antagonist(s) in my story:

Proverbs 14:17

A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

Anyways, I thought I'd share these verses.

Cussing. Is it Something God Approves Of?

A while back I became curious as to exactly WHY Christians aren't "supposed" to cuss. I wanted to make sure it wasn't some only partially Biblically-based thing. I looked it up once but didn't look into it deeper until I was prompted recently. I just don't cuss. It's not that I hate people who cuss or anything--I just wish they didn't do it. The sound of others cussing around me puts a bad taste in my mouth and that was pretty much good enough for me most of the time. But, as a Christian, it's good to figure out why most Christians believe something is right/wrong so you can see if it's just some tradition based off some verse that makes you want to ask, "WHY exactly did that make you think what you do?" (If something like that is merely a man-made tradition, no valid Biblical base whatsoever, what's the point in abiding by it?)

Actually, the verses below are very helpful and clear this cussing thing up for me, especially after looking the verses up on Strong's Concordance to clarify anything that seems vague.

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“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy* language from your lips.” –Colossians 3:8

*foul speaking, low and obscene speech (Strong’s Concordance)

I have to say I would like to look more into the first three things that verse talks about, specifically the part about not being angry. I mean it's impossible to NEVER be angry. I mean, even Jesus became righteously indignant (more than a littlel angry) in the Bible. Anyways, I'll have to look into that...
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"Let there be no filthiness* nor foolish talk nor crude joking**, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." -Ephesians 5:4

* (Strong's Concordance) obscenity, filthiness

**(Strong's Concordance)
in a bad sense
a) scurrility, ribaldry, low jesting
**(Merriam Webster) 2 a : scurrilous or abusive language b : an offensively rude or abusive remark
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Anyways, so those are a few verses I've found concerning cussing in the Bible. I hope that if there are any other Christians out there who were wondering the same thing I was that this has helped them.

Some God-Breathed Scripture

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." -2 Timothy 3:16-17

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"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9

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"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." -James 1:13-18
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Please comment with your thoughts. Do these verses give you anything to think about that you hadn't thought of before? I would love to hear.

What's so Special About Sex? (Mature Content--use discretion)

I am going to talk about something that is controversial.


S-E-X

Face it, everyone--sex is everywhere. It's on billboards, T.V. commercials, movies, T.V. shows, etc. Companies try to make you think that their products will make you sexier (from watches to lip gloss). Sex really does sell.

The process of romance used to be meeting, dating, engagement, and then marriage. Now, it's meeting, having sex and/or dating, and then maybe moving in, maybe getting engaged, and then maybe getting married (but sex is the part that is definitely going to happen). The process isn't so simple anymore but it's a lot more casual and commitment isn't that big of an issue.

"One night stands" aren't that unusual. Romantically-involved people often move in with each other in order to play house and see if marriage would work--without having to commit to a lifetime of being together (like a trial period). Then they may just stay living together forever without ever getting married (if they decide to stay together, that is). Even if you decide to get married, a LOT of people have gotten divorced so you may not even be expected to stay together after that.

Just have fun. Have sex with whoever you want whenever you want to! Who cares? It's not like it's a sin to have sex outside of marriage or anything. And it's definitely not like you'll be much more likely to get an STD (condoms are supposed to help with that, right?). As long as you don't get bogged down with a baby in the process (oh, who cares about that because that's what abortions are for!), you'll be fine.

I thought sex is supposed to be special. Isn't it supposed to be special? A wonderful gift of intimacy? Something a man and a woman can share?

Let's see what the Bible has to say about sex.


'Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.' -Genesis 2:22-24

Song of Solomon is devoted to the beauty of sexual relations within a marriage.

"Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers." -Song of Solomon 1:4

So the problem with sex is not sex in and of itself--it is a matter of timing. The Bible clearly states that fornication (sex between people who are not married to each other) is a sin.

"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" -1 Corinthians 6:18-19

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication..." -1 Thessalonians 4:3

And in Song of Solomon, it says three times: "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." (verses 2:7, 3:5, and 8:4)

So wait for true love! True love that waits for marriage.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

-Hebrews 10:23-24

It's Amazing What You Find in the Bible Even When You're Not Looking for It

Found some especially delicious cheesecake tonight while actually looking up verses on drinking wine (was talking to a friend earlier on this topic). I hope that the below passage edifies you.


Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

-Ephesians 5:15-21 NIV

The first part of the passage especially speaks to me.

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

There are several things to take out of this verse and I think in order to do them justice, I will lay them out individually.

-Be careful how you live

-Live wisely

-Make the most of every opportunity

-Understand what the Lord's will is.

So, these seem fairly simple things because they're said in short words and few words. But if you think about them, they are powerful things that convict me. I doubt that I have been making the most of every opportunity. On top of that, it says to "understand what the Lord's will is".

Now, that is an interesting command for Paul to give us (remember Paul wrote Ephesians). And when it states the opposite of understanding the Lord's will, it reads, "do not be foolish".

The reason this passage seems to jutt out at me from the page is that I may be about to make a few decisions that will affect my future. I am searching for God's will. I WANT to "understand what the Lord's will is". Unfortunately, Paul didn't leave any directions for how to do this.

Yes, I know we're supposed to pray and read the Bible to find out God's will for our life--and I am not demeaning those things. I just saw this verse and thought, "maybe this means something to me".

Well, maybe my finding this verse means that I already know God's will in this situation. I guess I should pray about it some more. :)

P.S. Please pray that I have wisdom and understanding and "understand what the Lord's will is".

A Time for Cheesecake

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

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I think we can take away from this passage the realization that we need to use good judgment. There are times when we should do things and times when we shouldn't.

There really isn't a whole lot for me to say that this Bible verse hasn't already said.

I hope that you take something from this.

Give

"...Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

-Luke 6:38

The above Bible verse is one that is often quoted at my church when talking about tithes/offerings with your finances. The verse seems to be stating a law--like a physical law. You cannot give and give and give without others giving to you as well. This doesn't mean that you should only give in order to take advantage of this law but you can know that when you give, you certainly have no reason to worry about your needs being met.

I have been thinking recently, though, it does not just mean giving of your finances. I'm sure that it refers to any sort of giving. You can give of your time, your prayers, your belongings, etc. And it does not only mean giving to the church, though that is important.

So give, people! :)

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Here are a few slices of cheesecake for you (and me):

Psalm 37:4-8

Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.

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Psalm 86:11

Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.

Another Slice (of Cheesecake)

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.

The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

Some Cheesecake for You

Today, I read Matthew chapter 18. I got some really good and thought-provoking things out of it so I thought that I would share. Keep in mind, that this is Jesus talking.

verse 7

"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!"

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verses 15-17

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

Very interesting passage. The things that gets me is the last part "...if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." How is that??? I'm trying to think of how they treated those people back in the day this was said. From what I know, no one liked tax collectors because they often took too much. But I'm not sure how they treated them exactly. It obviously doesn't sound like it's a treatment anyone would want. Anyone have any knowledge on this topic?

It's important to note that we're supposed to go alone when we first go and show him his sin. That way, if he listens, you don't have to embarrass him in front of others. But sometimes you have to do something like that (as the passage says).

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Here is an encouraging verse

Verses 19 & 20

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

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And here is a passage from Jeremiah 1:19. This is also very encouraging.

They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

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I hope that this post was edifying--any thoughts?

Some Bible Verses on Stress

Do you ever have days where you feel like this?

I'm sure most of us, if not all of us, have felt this way before. It's not fun is it? There's those schoolwork assignments you need to turn in, places you need to be (and on TIME), things you need to mark off your "to do" list (NOW), bills to pay (NOW), and the list goes on. How can we do all these things without feeling overwhelmed?

I'm sure you've heard/seen me talk about how stressful this past school year was for me. My tendency to procrastinate was magnified and so was my tendency to stress over everything (not a good combination). I kept looking to Philippians 4:6-7 for comfort. Hopefully, now I will be able to deal with stress (and procrastination) better but I still need to work on it.

Below, are some Bible verses you should look to whenever you are stressing out.

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Cast your cares on the LORD

and He will sustain you;

He will never let the righteous fall.

Psalm 55:22

Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Those Staggering Toward Slaughter

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

Proverbs 24:11-12

This Bible verse grips me. This means that we are held responsible for not helping someone when we see they are "staggering toward slaughter".

This verse reminds me of the book I've told you I'm writing--Lexicon. In the story there are people who are "staggering toward slaughter". They have inner issues that come out in the problems they have that are hurting themselves. Also in the story, are characters who can help these people. What remains to be seen is if they WILL help those "staggering toward slaughter" (I especially love the way that part of the verse sounds because it puts such a picture in your mind).

I feel very passionate when I read this Bible verse but also unsure. How active do I need to be in this? Yeah, I know that sounds like a wimpy thing to say and I'm sure it is. I guess it just sounds like an overwhelming task to help everyone you see suffering--there are so MANY of them! I see them all the time! How can I help them ALL? I know that I can do all things through Christ but it's still hard. Yes, I know this is pretty wimpy.

I already take people's emotional problems onto myself. It hurts me terribly when someone I know is in pain. I already try to help people when I see them in pain--I am NOT saying this to make myself sound super-awesome or anything. I'm just stating a fact.

But, so far, I have not been actively telling people about the hope they have in Jesus and it bothers me. I don't want to be held accountable for not saying something. There's also the idea of "showing instead of telling" when it comes to witnessing but it just doesn't seem as affective. I don't know...It's just that I haven't seen any results and I've been working at the restaurant for 9 months now. Am I being a light in the world that people can SEE? Or do they only see a faint glow that could be explained away by something else?

I guess I either need some encouragement or a swift kick in the pants.

What's funny is this post started out as one with several Bible verses in it. I think one is enough for today.

Your comments would be most appreciated.

"...Those who are drawn toward death"

I think this is a most interesting and thought-provoking Bible verse. Please read it.

Deliver those who are drawn toward death,
And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.
If you say, “Surely we did not know this,”
Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?
And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?
Proverbs 24:11-12 (New King James Version)

Wow.

I was just flipping through the Bible last night when I found it and, at first, it makes me think of the Lexicon story I'm writing but it also makes me think about myself--not in a self-absorbed way, though, if that makes any sense.

I think, basically, what that verse is saying is that it's our responsibility to do what we can to help people. It's a real eye-opener, especially if you think about it in the context of witnessing. When God says to me, "Why didn't you witness to this person?", I can't lie and say "I didn't know they needed witnessing to" because he knows my heart inside and out. He knows that I saw the symptoms of someone without Christ.

Those who don't know Christ are being drawn closer and closer to Hell (yes, I just said the "H" word--it's a real place). How can I just stand by and watch without doing anything?

And yet...I do--or, at least, I feel like I do. I'm in a situation now where I deal with non-Christians on an almost daily basis because of my job. Shouldn't I use this as an opportunity to witness to people--to "hold back those stumbling to the slaughter"?

My parents are telling me basically that, at least at this point, I should just SHOW them Jesus, as opposed to TELLING them about Him. It works in writing most of the time, right?

I guess, I just feel like I'm not really doing anything.

I'm being told so many things and am seeing so many things at work that make me sad and put a bad taste in my mouth. Just watching and listening is terrible.

I think, though, by now that people are seeing a difference in me--if nothing else, I don't cuss. I wonder what they're saying about me? I was asked the other day if I had any children because I seemed like the "caring type". I'm not sure if that has anything to do with anything. Being seen as caring, though, doesn't hurt, though.

If someone came to me and actually asked about why I'm different or, if they knew why, about Christ. What would I say? What if I can't remember all the right Bible verses?

I don't know that you guys will be able to help but if you, my wonderful blog-viewers, have any thoughts, I'd love to "hear" them.