Mama Barb's Update

Book of Daniel - Study

2011-02-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Chapter 11
(Author's Note)
Most commentators believe that chapter (11) is past history. This takes place at the Mede prophecy, about Grecia and Alexander the Great. Chapter 8, ( vs. 20) shows 4 divisions of Alexander's kingdom. (Dan. 8:22) Anti-Christ comes from one of these kingdoms (8:8-12). Anti-Christ (8:8 & 11:4 match).

There is so much to understand within this chapter. I have now read it 3 times and have decided my brain went to overload. Sometimes I believe Satan tries to confuse me through the Scriptures. God never intended to make His Holy Word difficult, He made it easy for all to understand and learn from.

After reading over chapter 11 one more time (now my 4th), God lead me to discovery! I found a commentary on Daniel 11 by Ron Beckham. This much wiser person broke the chapter down by verse by verse. God showed me the best way to tackle this was to just allow you to see what Ron Beckham wrote. It was so helpful and he relates so much more into the history and culture during Daniel's life. Here is he link to Ron Beckham's study. It is long but the knowledge and insight is so profound. Please set time for yourself and read Beckham's message.

http://www.fridaystudy.org/html/daniel/daniel11.htm

Key verses that I found amazing through Beckham's study of Daniel were, beginning with verse 1. "And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him,"

Beckham speaks of angelic encouragement...he makes this statement, "When you feel better than you did a little while ago, it may be more than simply a beautiful sunset or some lovely music or that "Tums for your tummy" – it actually may have been literally the touch of angel’s wings, sent by God, because He loves you."

There are times I know God is sending me out to be His encourager. To speak life into someone who needs to hear God's voice. If you truly believe we are the "Body of Christ" doesn't it make sense that if the tummy is hungry for food that the message is sent to the brain to provide the nourishment? God uses each one of us to play a role in His Kingdom. It could be He sends one to serve in a community far away, or He sends one to serve the neighbor right next door. He uses the Body to complete His purpose.

Verses 2-5 give some history to the vision Daniel was given. Beckham speaks about Alexander the Great and his reign through history. He speaks of those who come after the fall of this ruler and how many plotted to gain their power.

I believe God gives us stories like this through His Holy Word to show us how much like our lives today are just like those in the Bible. Really we are no different today...sin is still alive and well. The very uprising in Egypt today...is our example of a man taking on his idols and using a people, their resources, for his own pleasure. God does not allow this to happen forever. When evil enters, it is simply us saying we don't love God or the things God loves. We are rejecting the very One who gave us our lives, our breath! I agreed with Beckham that our lives seem to play out like a soap opera just thinking about it!

Verse 9 "Then the latter will enter the realm of the king of the South, but will return to his own land."

Actually verses 9-11 speak on Invasion of territory...these verses spoke to me this week. How someone can invade our space...not really meaning harm...but find themselves changing who we are on any given day.

I witnessed 3 high school students this week crossing the major highway I drive down everyday do something very stupid. Our high school sits at a tremendously busy cross road...Hwy 79 and FM 685. I watched these 3 students trying to cross the roadway to get to the north side but not crossing at the actual light. Well they started out at the corner...giving them some credit. Then they decided that they would not wait on the signal to give them permission to walk...they started walking between the cars that were waiting for their GREEN LIGHT. After walking through several...they were standing in front of an 18 wheeler...and it was a gravel truck. They decided to go under the vehicle instead of walking in front of it or going behind it. As I watched the kids...I could see it happening. The light changed to green, the driver had no idea they went under his truck and he put the vehicle in gear to move...just as the last girl crawled out from under his vehicle. Now they were lucky on this day! They made it out safely...but it could have been a different story. I could have been a witness to a much more tragic event. Bottom line, we invade each others spaces. Sometimes the result is positive. We learn never to do that again. But then sometimes we get away with it and think, that worked for me...I will continue to move in the same direction. It can be all gone in a moments time. Our backpack can get caught on something...and we find ourselves either standing before God now, or wishing we had made a better choice.

Verse 13. "For the king of the North will again raise a greater multitude than the former, and after an interval of some years he will press on with a great army and much equipment."

This talks about a time of peace...Beckham tells us that it is about 13 years that "there were no open hostilities of any significance,". When actually it was a staging time to, "an amazing 130 years of open war."

Beckham reminds us about past hurts. His example is one of a marriage that experiences a past hurt. Even though it took place so long ago...it still seems to find it's way into the present day. When we experience those deep hurts and can't seem to find resolution in God. They resurface to be something that can destroy a relationship. Only to find out that it could have been given to God...and peace and forgiveness could have won the battle!

Proverbs 14:30 says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Who wants rotting bones?

Verse 19 "So he will turn his face toward the fortresses of his own land, but he will stumble and fall and be found no more."

Beckham reminds us that we need to have "loftier goals in life." When we put our trust in things...money, cars, material things...all this can just disappear. Our very economy today speaks of the tragedy of power. Very rich powerful people have found their way to this power dishonestly. The "ponzi scheme" of investor Madoff...perfect example. Now he sits in prison...with nothing! I believe many of these high profile investors that have been caught embezzling millions if not billions...are responsible for the fall of our economy. How can it not affect our market today, if you are talking about billions of dollars? I agree that putting your trust in Christ is the true way to happiness!

1 Timothy 3:14 "Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus."

Verse 24. "In a time of tranquillity he will enter the richest parts of the realm, and he will accomplish what his fathers never did, nor his ancestors; he will distribute plunder, booty, and possessions among them, and he will devise his schemes against strongholds, but only for a time."

Beckham reminds us of this, "You’ve heard the phrase "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts" which actually refers to the siege of Troy...The same will be the case with the "antichrist" who is to come. He will seem to be generous and wise for a time, but his purpose will be to make himself master over the people of the earth.

We have to find discernment...for such "discernment" only comes from God."

Remember the insight we have for real discernment comes from a relationship we have with God. If we are unsure of something we should be seeking His will through prayer. Believe me when I say, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

Verse 34-35. " Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy. And some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge, and make them pure, until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time."

I appreciate how Beckham reminds us that even the ungodly have their purpose "in outcomes of God's." How many people were taken from complacency to faith? I have learned that "Antiochus became like a parable, a historical "picture" of the "man of sin" who is to come at the time of the end."

"Antiochus magnified himself and so will the antichrist. What a contrast between them and our Lord, who said "I can of My own Self do nothing; as I hear I judge; and My judgment is just, because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which sent Me" (John 5:30). J. Vernon McGee expressed the antichrist as the "final and logical extension of humanism" – that which exalts itself. I have kept wondering, through the years, how could God allow such men to exist? Part of the answer is that He only allows them for a set time (that which is "decreed"). The troubles (and troublesome people) in your life have set limits, and your problems, whatever they are, have a purpose. God is good; God loves you; and His ultimate aim is to bring a good, satisfying FAITH, into your life." (Ron Beckham)

Verse 45. "And he will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain; yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him."

Beckham closes with this...

The sad ending for these men (and others like them), is that they will be like the one(s) described in this verse – alone. They will go to the "hell" they previously did not believe in, sent by the God they rejected. Hell will not be a place where we find "all of my friends", as some say. Actually, just the opposite. By choosing the opposite of love (selfishness), viewing others only as objects to be manipulated, men like Antiochus and the antichrist will become utterly alone, out of the company of others – this is the place "where the worm does not die and their fire is not quenched." The only company of those in hell will be the demons that torment them.

On the other hand, to receive Christ is to be satisfied – forever. Jesus is the "Bread of life" (John 6:48), Who will fill you, and the "living water" (John 4:10) Who will satisfy your soul. That ache you feel, deep inside, the emptiness you keep trying to fill but cannot, can only find healing and satisfaction – in Him.

Mama Barb

Book of Daniel - Study

2011-01-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

First we must review chapter 9, we learned the revelation of the 70 weeks of Daniel...70 (and, of course 7) is a key number in the Bible. Each of Daniel's 70 weeks is a 7 year period, making a total of 490 years. This figure of 490 years plays an important part in Scripture.

* There were 490 yrs. from the Exodus to the building of the Temple.
* There were 490 yrs. from the building of the first Temple to the building of the second Temple.

Our study review on Chapter 9 mentioned a study by Larkin that has figured out 7 periods of 490 years in the Word of God. Here they are from our review:

[1]. From Adam to Enoch
[2]. From Enoch to Noah
[3]. From Noah to Abraham
[4]. From Abraham to Moses
[5]. From Exodus to the 1st Temple
[6]. From the 1st Temple to the 2nd Temple
[7]. 490 years (actually 483 - the last 7 years yet to be fulfilled in the Tribulation) from (Neh. 2) to the triumphal entry of Jesus on Palm Sunday.

I love the internet where you can "Google" anything and find information at your fingertips. So I did a search on "Larkin" and found this reference from the website "Precept Austin" at http://www.preceptaustin.org/

I scored a wells-worth of knowledge for my study of Daniel from this website...and want to include it here for our study.

Why Seventy Years?
The question of course arises, "Why did God choose seventy years to chastise the Israelites?" Was seventy just a number that God picked out of a hat? Was there a reason for it? Yes, there was a reason.

Back in the book of Leviticus, when God was giving Moses the laws for the people to obey, He said, Lev. 25:2-4 “...When you come into the land which I shall give you, then the land shall have a sabbath to the LORD. Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard and gather in its crop, but during the seventh year the land shall have a sabbath rest, a sabbath to the LORD; you shall not sow your field nor prune your vineyard."

Then He warned that if they did not obey Him and observe the commandments, He would remove them from the land and scatter them among the nations. Lev. 26:34-35 ‘Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths all the days of the desolation, while you are in your enemies’ land; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. All the days of {its} desolation it will observe the rest which it did not observe on your sabbaths, while you were living on it.'

For 490 years, the Israelites lived in the land, but never gave it the sabbath rest commanded by God. Instead, they walked in wickedness and rebellion. God, in His compassion, kept sending the prophets to remind them, but they only mocked the prophets (2Chron 36:15-16). Finally, mercy had been exceeded, and it was time for justice. The Babylonians attacked, killing many, burning the temple, and stealing the treasures. 2Chr. 36:20-21 And those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths. All the days of its desolation it kept sabbath until seventy years were complete.

Seventy sabbaths for the land had been ignored. Now, they were given back to the land. God had waited 490 years, but they never learned.

I find it interesting that Peter asked Jesus, Matt. 18:21 ...“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?

The answer was not what we might expect. Instead, Matt. 18:22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Seventy times seven - suddenly not a fancy figure of speech, but exactly how many times God had allowed the Israelites to be punished.

http://www.rondaniel.com/library/27-Daniel/Daniel0901.html

I found all this to be very fascinating to say the least. God is very purposeful in His plan and when you go and research His very Word, He reveals so much about Himself to us. Now let us begin with Chapter 10...

Chapter 10 of the Book of Daniel

Daniel 10:1-3 we find Daniel(who was called Belteshazzar) in prayer and mourning. "The time appointed was long". The answer to Daniel's prayer was a long time in coming. We are too often impatient for God's answer. God's Word tells us that Daniel had been in mourning three full weeks.

Daniel 10:2-3 "At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over."

Daniel went on a three week fast of all but a basic, minimal diet. He was serious about his prayer.

Something I learned while studying Daniel 10-12 is, these 3 chapters of the Book of Daniel are the least read and studied Books. Further, commentators who have written on this book have given less space to these last three chapters than to any which preceded them. It was hard for me to find valuable, reliable resources to learn from and be able to share with you. So as I move forward with this study, it is with humility and reverence to God's Holy Word, that I approach it with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So I might give at best, my human understanding of it.

Much was given to Daniel because he WAS a man of prayer. 10:4, is carefully placed in space and time. The Bible is history first, and also includes imagery, symbolism, poetry, and prophesy, but it is firmly anchored in history. Often the human authors were eyewitnesses of the events described. I have become convinced God the Holy Spirit is the Author behind it all, and He is Eyewitness to everything. AND we shall learn that, Daniel understood the message of this vision and it troubled him greatly.

Verse 5. "I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz."

This "certain man" has been the topic of many commentators. About half of them will tell you with great assurance that this is our Lord Jesus Christ, and many will state convincingly that it was not Him but rather a created angel.

I also found myself confused about this verse. I started thinking about how God reveals Himself to others. Our Lord imparts His nature, His character, HIMSELF, on those who have faith in Him. Certainly in this verse, the "certain man" was of impeccable appearance, suggesting the "robe of righteousness" (Isaiah 61:10) given in God through Christ. And in the following verse, we see the implied power of this being. So then I lean toward the position that this is our Lord – but the wondrous news is that He imparts HIMSELF to others.

Have you ever noticed a husband and wife who love each other so much that there is a blurring of just who is who? So is the blending of you into Christ. In this verse, is this Christ, or a being He lovingly created? Hard to tell, isn’t it? For that reason I more convinced it is the pre-incarnate Christ.

Verse 6. "His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sounds of a tumult."

Now, verse 6 pulls me strongly to a belief that this is the pre-incarnate Christ. That is, we are seeing our Lord as He "was" in eternity or is, or will be. In Revelation 1:11-18, a Person is written about and there is no doubt that John the beloved is describing our Lord: "One like the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and His hair were white like wood, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like a fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters." John "fell at His feet as dead" (1:17) and Daniel (10:9) was about to do the same thing.

Verse 7. "Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves."

Thomas Merton wrote, "All people need enough solitude in their lives to enable the deep inner voice of the soul to be heard." Daniel was alone now, but it was because the men who were with him – ran away!

This quote from Gordon Watt is comforting to me when I feel alone in my Christian walk: "Victory for God is never won by the multitude; the man who dares to go alone where others hold back, will find himself alone, but he will see the glory of God and enter into the secrets of eternity."

Remember the Apostle Paul had a similar experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-9) in that he saw the Risen Christ (right before he was struck blind) – the men with him "were speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one." The men Daniel wrote about were afraid because they did not know God personally, like Daniel did.

There is a process in this "knowing" – when I meet someone, we are not instantly "friends." First we meet, and then we get to know one another. The same in my relationship with God. The more I get to knowHim...the better I am able to see things with His Eyes, to hear things with His ears, to love things as He loves. I hope you understand my point. We become sensitive to who that person is. Their needs become important and we even put aside our needs in relation to theirs.

God extends His Hand of friendship in Christ Jesus. We just need to take that Hand, and He will indeed do the rest. OH, that we would not be like the men who ran away, but like Daniel, who saw the Lord.

Paul was allowed to see the Lord, early in his walk, but the experience first blinded him (he was soon healed from that blindness), and then came the years in Damascus (Galatians 1:15-18), in which he was blessed to get to know his new Friend. If we want God, if we want to really know Him, we must travel a road where we will meet Him, face-to-Face.

In verse 19 we find that Daniel has been strengthen and made to listen to the Angel of the Lord.

"And he said, ‘O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!’ Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, ‘May my Lord speak, for you have strengthened me.’"

Daniel is made to listen...he receives strength. Much like the word we see in Isaiah (35:3-4) "Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

I love what I find in Daniel 10:19, because it reminds me of the healing power of the Father.

1) He will heal your fear. God intends that you will trust in Him, to the extent that you will no longer need to be afraid.
2) He will give you peace. You can count on it – you will eventually know the peace of God.
3) Courage. Gideon (Judges 6-8) is interesting, because God took an essentially fearful little guy, and turned him into a man who acted in concert with the will of God.
4) Strength. He will make you strong for all situations. But it will not be your strength (II Corinthians 12:9), it will be His Strength in you; and you will become useful in the service of God.

Verse 21. "However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince."

This angel had a job to do, as indicated in verse 20, including a battle with the forces of evil, in the spiritual realm. Paul has told us we are in battle too ("we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" – Ephesians 6: 12). In that context, Paul told us to arm ourselves (Ephesians 6:10-17) and protect ourselves, with truth, righteousness, the preparation of the gospel of peace, faith, and salvation. He continues in verse 18, that we are to be "praying always." The "preparation of the gospel of peace" was a factor here, for the angel was sent that Daniel would know what "is inscribed in the writing of truth," the written Word of God.

That is what God counts as valuable for us. All of us have certain goals. You may want to help others in life, or be a good friend. You may want to make a lot of money, give good advice to others, be a good worker, or whatever. But God’s first choice for you is that you will be "rightly dividing the Word of truth" (II Timothy 2:15). He wants you to find true faith in all areas of your life, especially in times of trouble, for He wants to protect you from the "forces" mentioned here in Daniel. The kind of faith we need "comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). We need His Word. We need His word to strengthen our very soul.

Daniel lived in a time of persecution, but he found comfort in knowing that God transcended the political limits and destiny of Israel.

Daniel realized that there are events that take place beyond human understanding. Daniel was comforted to know that God will not forget those who follow Him.

"Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens." Psalm 119:89

Mama Barb

Book of Daniel - Study

2011-01-09T11:25:00.000-08:00

First I want to apologize for the long period of time between postings. The holidays came and my sweet daughter returned home from the Dominican Republic for a long awaited visit. I opened my Bible on 2 separate occasions to study chapter 9 of the Book of Daniel, but only made a few notes before Cara Jane came into my room wanting to plan our daily activities. I cherished the entire time she was home. I wanted to make sure I devoted my whole self to this Bible study, so I knew God excused my absence...because the blessings I received with Cara Jane was His gift during this Christmas season to me. For that I am forever thankful to my Savior.

Chapter 9

Here we go with Chapter 9 of the Book of Daniel...

Our online study reminds us that Daniel is now 90 years old and the chapter begins with Daniel reading from the Book of Jeremiah 24:1-14. The Lord causes Daniel to see that his people would be in Babylon 70 years. Babylon invaded Palestine and began its siege in 606 B.C, and Daniel understood the prophecies in the year 539-538 B.C; so there were but 2 years left in the 70 years promised by the prophet Jeremiah. Most of this chapter is a prayer that Daniel prayed for his people. It is called a Penitent Prayer.

The Cause Of The Prayer

It must have been an overwhelming realization to Daniel that after 68 years of Babylonian captivity Israel had not changed very much. His Prayer seems to-reflect a great concern for what might happen to Israel if there was no dramatic change in the two years to come. Daniel's attitude is revealed to us in verse 3.

"So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes."

How strange it must have been for Israel to see the Prime Minister wearing sackcloth and ashes.

The Nature Of The Prayer

Things for us to learn and know about Daniel's prayer in this chapter is its a prayer of confession. It is one of the longest prayers in the Bible and would be a good one for a Christian, church or nation to-pray. Daniel identifies himself with the sins of the people - notice: verse 4 says,

"I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed;" This is Daniels confession to the Lord.

In verse 5 Daniel says, We have sinned", "We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws."

Verse 6 Daniel says, "We have heard you but have not listened to the commands God gave to the prophet if we didn't stop sinning."

"We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land." (Daniel 9:6)

We need to look deeper to some of the things Daniel confesses through verse 5. One is departing from God's precepts or His Laws and what happens to us when we do.

The precepts of God is the final authority of His Word. Christians, I myself included, are no different today - how many of us are really willing to submit our lives to the authority-of God's Word.

God commands us to:

1. Keep His precepts (Psalm 119:4) "You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed."
2. To understand His precepts (Psalm 119:27) "How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life."
3. To long after His precepts (Psalm 119:40) "How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life"
4. To seek God's precepts (Psalm 119:45) "I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts."
5. To meditate in them (Psalm 119:78) "May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts."
6. Not forget them (Psalm 119:93) "I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life."
7. To choose them (Psalm 119:173) "May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts."

Keep in mind that Daniel had been studying Jeremiah who had Personally preached to three different Jewish kings, none of which heeded the messages of the prophet of God (Jeremiah 21,25,36, & 38). God's people have always had trouble accepting the message of God's prophets.

Luke 13:33-34, "In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing."

The Results Of Sin

Confusion - God is not the author of confusion "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people" (1 Corinthians 14:33), so we must conclude that man brings it upon himself and it snowballs.

Verses 7-8 in Daniel 9 say, "Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, LORD, because we have sinned against you."

"I live in disgrace all day long, and my face is covered with shame" (Psalm 44:15).

"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice"(James 3:16).

These are just a few verses reminding us that sin causes disorder and confusion. We loose focus on God and find ourselves living in a place of disgrace.

Scattering and the Curse

Verse 7 Daniel tells us of the scattering of his people:
“Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you."

Verse 11 Daniels speaks of the curse as a result of the sin. “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you."

This scattering was first prophesied in Deuteronomy 28. It was a direct result of disobedience. Jerusalem had been a city of great privileges. At one time it was the religious, economic, educational and political capital of the world. Jeremiah 52 gives us a brief picture of the overthrow of Jerusalem and the desperate condition it was left in.

The Plea For Mercy - (9:16-19)

Verse 18 makes it very clear that there is no basis of personal righteousness upon which Israel can approach God. If we as Christians today, will ever turn to God we will have to forsake an attitude of self-righteousness that controls us today. Daniel knew there was nothing left to appeal to except the mercies of God. God help us!

Daniel is about to receive some of the greatest information that has ever been revealed to mankind. He is to receive the timetable of prophecy. In verses 20-27 of this chapter God sent the answer to Daniel's prayer which was to understand the numbering of God's Word, which he does in verse 2, and then Gabriel comes to Daniel in verse 23 and tells him, "As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision."

The picture being presented in chapters 9 & 10 in this book that there are forces in the universe that battle against the messengers of God. Of course God could overrule at any time, but God informs us in Ephesians 6, "that we wrestle against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places." The only piece of armour that is not listed in Ephesians 6 is shin guards, which makes it obvious God intends the warfare to be conducted on our knees in prayer.

SO all this being said...how can we take this information and use it in our daily lives today. How can we worship Him in prayer? By first reflecting upon who God is and thanking Him for the things He has revealed about Himself. To worship in prayer is to allow our spirits to feast upon what God has reveled concerning His acts in the distant and recent past, and what He has told us about Himself.

Slowly, as I review these things in a spirit of thanksgiving and recognition, I can sense my spirit beginning to expand, to take in the broader reality of God's presence and being. Slowly I am able to accept the fact that the universe about me is not closed or limited, but is in fact as expansive as the Creator meant for it to be. Then as I enter into worship I am reminded of how GREAT He is!!

In the light of God's majesty, we are called to an honesty about ourselves: what are we by contrast. This is the second aspect of our prayer: confession. Spiritual discipline calls for a regular acknowledgment of our true nature and the specific acts and attitudes of the recent past that have not been pleasurable to God as He has sought our fellowship and our obedience.

"God be merciful to me as a sinner" is an abbreviated version of the prayer of confession. We need a daily humbling experience of being broken before God as we face up to our imperfection, our propensity to seek evil ways.

If we apply Daniel's methods to our lives, fasting and prayer done in humbleness to God can remind us that we are dependent on Him. When you need guidance, fast and pray. Whether you fast for part of a day or an entire day, spend the time in prayer and meditate on God's Holy Word.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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).

Daniel knew after studying God's Holy Word, that there was just 2 years until the end of the exile. I ask, "How ready are you?" Don't wait until you find yourself in exile. Begin your relationship with the One who Saved us today!!

Mama Barb

Book of Daniel - Study

2010-12-29T07:25:00.000-08:00

Chapter 8

In this chapter Daniel is given the vision of the "RAM" and "HE-GOAT ". It occurred in the "third year" of the reign of Belshazzar, 538 B.C., or two years after the previous Vision of the Four Wild Beasts. It occurred in the same year as the "Fall of Babylon," and probably before its "Fall," and its purpose was to inform Daniel what Empires were to succeed the Babylonian, and to further trace the Little Horn, for it is worthy of note that while the prophecies of Isaiah relate mainly to the "Christ," the Visions of Daniel are for the purpose of unveiling the Anti-Christ.

Our study gives us some insight to the Ram & the He Goat...

The Ram - (Dan. 8:3,4)
The Ram is seen as a great conquering kingdom. It is identified in (Dan. 8:20) as Media-Persia. The two horns, different in size, are obviously representative of Darius and Cyrus. - Remember from Daniel's viewpoint this is prophecy.

The Ram attacks West, North, and South.

The He-Goat - (Dan. 8:5-7)
The Goat is given the ability to defeat the Ram. The Goat defined in (Dan. 8:21). Of course this is what happened historically. The great horn between his eyes would be Alexander the Great, who became King of Greece when but 20 years of age, 336 B.C. Two years later in (334 B.C.), in goat-like fashion, he leaped the hellespont and with an army of 30,000 infantry and 5,000 calvary he defeated a Persian force on the banks of the Granicus. By a swift advance eastward the, following year, 333 B.C., defeated at Issus a Persian army of 600,000 men, commanded by a Persian king, Darius.

After minor conquests in Phoenicia and Egypt he returned to Syria, where on the banks of the Tigris River he defeated an enormous army lead by Darius. This is known as the Battle of Arbela, 331 B.C.. From 330 to 337 B.C., Alexander was engaged in subjugating the outlying provinces of the Persian Empire. Later he returned to Babylon, where at the climax of his glory, he died of marsh fever and drunkenness in June, 323 B.C. when he was 33 years old.

The Four Horns - (Dan. 8:8)
After the death of Alexander there was dissension as to who should be his successor, which ended, as the prophecy foretold, in four of his Generals dividing the territory of the Empire among themselves. Gassander took Greece, Lysimachus took Asia Minor, Selecius took Syria, Ptolemy took Egypt. These four kingdoms were in time absorbed in the "Fourth World Wide Empire," the Roman. The last to lose its identity was Egypt in 30 B.C..

The Little Horn - (Dan. 8:9)
Daniel give us a progressive look at the Anti-Christ and his kingdom. Each time we learn a few more characteristics. The little horn of (Dan. 8) is the same personality as the little horn in (Dan. 7). They are both one in the same, and consequently the king over the 10 toed kingdom of (Dan. 2).

Note:
The Little Horn is actually coming out of one of these other four horns. If you were to look at the map you would see that by the process of elimination all of the countries except Syria are eliminated (Dan. 8:9). If that is the case we have the Anti-Christ coming out of Assyria. Judas Iscariot was from the town of Kerioth, which was in Moab, which was in Assyria. Interestingly the Anti-Christ is referred to as the Assyrian in (Isa. 10:5-6; 14:24-25; 30:27-33). See also: (Jer. 48:25,41).

The "Pleasant Land" refers to Palestine.

These chapters of Daniel really begin to give us more identity to the Anti Christ, Satan. There are several chapters to cross reference for his identity throughout the Old and New Testaments. Several that I thought were helpful were those that affirmed the visions of Daniel here in chapter 8.

Daniel 8:10 - "It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them."

Daniel 8:24 - "He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people."

Revelation 13:2 - "The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority."

There were other verses that had me cross-reference more characteristics of the Anti-Christ. One giving definition to his sin and casting him down to earth. It is found in Ezekiel 28:11-19.

Ezekiel 28:11-19 - "The word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says:

“‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’”

Then these verses really made me go and read more about Satan and his sin against God.

Daniel 8:10 reads - "It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them."

Verses from Revelation 12:3-4 Revealed to me that the dragon (Satan) was laying in waiting to devour a child from it's mother the moment it was born.

Revelation 12:3-4 - "Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born."

I went back and read the entire chapter of Revelation 12. This chapter symbolizes conflict between God and Satan. The woman gave birth to Christ. The dragon, Satan, sought to destroy Christ, but his attempts were unsuccessful. Chapter 12 describes for us a heavenly battle that took place between Satan with his demons and God's angels. The result was Satan's defeat.

Life is so short. The Bible says that we must be prepared to meet God at all times. We never know when we walk out the front doors of our home, or step into our car, or simply open our eyes to a new day, what lies ahead for us.

Job 14:5 from the New King James Version of the Bible reminds me of this "Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with You; You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass."

Millions of people on earth are walking around physically alive, but spiritually dead. When your eyes and ears become awakened to the cries of others, you hear those who say they are empty and lost. They are separated from the source of life and like a lamp which is unattached they are dark and lifeless. The lamp may be very expensive, it may have a beautiful shade which draws attention but has no light without being plugged into the source of energy. Jesus said, "I am the life..."

The book of Daniel and the book of Revelation is a beautiful but often frightening account of the great battle for spiritual supremacy. I pray that you will be sure to not take your situation, your days for granted. Ask God to keep you aware of Satan's attacks. Depend on God for your strength and victory for each day!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

In Him,
Mama Barb

Book of Daniel - Study

2010-12-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

Chapter 7
Daniel's Dream

In reading this chapter I had to go find even more reference material than the Bible study I was using. It was very deep and this dream has the meanings of prophecy and the coming of the Messiah. I prayed that God would give me better understanding to His word here so I might be able to share better insight and understanding to this chapter of Daniel. It is intense and one of the most powerful books in the Bible.

One question I had to ask myself is do I ever dream? Yes I do. Do I ever have dreams that are premonitions of things that actually take place? No, I don't remember anything about my dreams that have become a reality. Then I had to ask myself do I know anyone who dreams and see future events happening? The answer to that question is yes. It is Cara Jane.

Now before you say Mama Barb has lost her mind...Let me continue for a moment. The very first summer camp Cara attended was a pre-teen camp in the Dallas area. It was her first time away from home and we didn't really think about all the problems she wound encounter being gone from home and her parents. She had told us about a dream prior to going to camp...it was a dream were she was playing a game and got hurt and these two counselors came to help her and she had never seen either one of them before. We talked about the dream...and knew she was anxious about attending the summer camp.

When the camp week had come to and end...several of us parents drove to Dallas to bring the children home. I was excited to see Cara and hear all about her experiences from camp that week. I loaded her things in the trunk of the car and said our good-byes. Cara was pretty weak and tired from all the activities. Food was a big problem during the camp. We were just beginning to understand how diet played a big part of Cara's health back then.

The minute we got into the car and pulled away from the camp facility Cara began to share stories and events that took place during the week. She was very excited about one event in particular. She asked me if I remembered her dream she had before she went to camp. I told her yes, and asked why. She said the dream was a premonition of her time at camp...I asked her "HOW?" She began telling me about a game they were playing and during the game she got hurt. Two people came to help her...she reminded me that in her dream she did not know who they were...but the event happened at camp and the people were her camp counselors...she had seen them in her dream...and when it happened she realized she had had the dream about them.

Now I may not have remembered all the events perfect as Cara Jane would tell it...but it is not the only time Cara has had a dream that predicted a future event. She has even had dreams that scared her to a point she was afraid for someone else...not knowing what the dream could have meant...but knowing how real her dreams are...so she would pray for that person with her whole heart. Feeling that God had placed them on her heart to pray.

God used dreams and visions to speak to His people in the Old Testament. Daniel's dream in chapter 7 does line up with the dream that he interpreted for the King in chapter 2. It had more detail than that of Nebuchadnezzar.

I found this additional reference about the dream of Daniel in chapter 7. It gave me some insight to what I was reading. Believe me I'm still confused about all the translations I have read today about Daniel chapter 7. But one thing is for sure...God's Word is perfect and Holy!

Dreams of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel.
These four beasts and the four metals in King Nebuchadnezzar’s statue of Daniel 2 represent the same four kingdoms. The nation symbolized by the winged lion is the same nation symbolized by the head of gold in Daniel 2 - the Babylonian Empire. The bear in Daniel 7 and the chest of silver in Daniel 2 both represent Medo-Persia. The leopard and the statue’s waist of bronze symbolize Greece, and finally the dreadful and terrifying beast of Daniel 7 and the legs of iron in Daniel 2 are the same kingdom. It is the Roman Empire. These four kingdoms are past history. Of these four kingdoms only three of them were defeated by another empire. Rome died from within. Yet, there is also a future for the Roman Empire. It is called the Revived Roman Empire.

"Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with clay. 42 As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle" (Daniel 2:41-42).

“After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns" (Daniel 7:7).

Did you notice that Daniel 2:41-42 talks about the toes of the feet of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue and Daniel 7 refers to ten horns on the monster? This is the future empire which will be a coalition of ten nations. It will control the world. This coalition of ten nations will come to power during a time we call the Tribulation. It will be a terrible time in which to live. Jesus spoke of this future empire during his last recorded sermon, the Olivet Discourse . He warned those who were listening and He warns us today about the misery this empire will cause.

"Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.

“If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened" (Matthew 24:20-22).

God gave both Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel dreams about the future, but Daniel’s dream has more details.

(Reference from the Coalition of Ten Nations http://www.neverthirsty.org/pp/series/DAN/D010/D0102.html)

Really through a vision God told Daniel about the coming Messiah and the final judgment. Daniel didn't understand everything he saw, because many of the events would take place hundreds of years later. God always fulfills his prophecies. As Christians we can have full confidence that no matter how bleak the world situation may seem...God is still on His throne!

Thousands of people today are excited about Bible prophecy. The revelation about what the Bible says about events past, present and future, has become more prominent in the themes, books, sermons, and conferences of today. We are being told the second coming of Christ is becoming a closer and closer reality by those who study the Bible and the world scene.

The entire plan for the future has its key in the resurrection. Unless Christ was raised from the dead, there can be no kingdom and no returning King. When the disciples stood at the place Jesus left this earth, which is called the place of ascension, they were given assurance by angels that the Christ of resurrection would be the Christ of returning glory.

The resurrection is an event which prepares us and confirms for us of that the future event, He will return again! Yes, Jesus is alive...and He rose to establish His Kingdom! Christ's physical resurrection is an essential part of God's plan to save us. Have you ever given yourself to the living Christ?

Who tries to predict the future for you? What forecasts do you rely on? If your biggest fears and problems could be solved, would the future really make you happier?

Pray that God would fill your heart with assurance of his love and care. He is coming again...I hope you will be prepared and ready when He does!

Again, I'm not sure of all the visions and prophecies of this chapter...but it is God's Holy Word to me and I believe in Him. I want my future to be secure...and it is because I have given it to Christ. He went to the cross for me...and for you! Believe in that fact!

Mama Barb

Book of Daniel - Study

2010-12-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

Chapter 6

Our study this week tells us that Daniel stands out as one of the greatest men of Old Testament history. They gave us insight to some history and understanding of who Daniel was and his time spend in exile in Babylon.

He was a teenager in the year 605 BC when Nebuchadnezzar came to Jerusalem and began his conquest of Judah. There were several "deportations" of Jews to Babylon, and Daniel was in the first group because he was of the princely line (2 Chron. 36). It was the practice of Babylon to deport the "cream of the crop" and train them for service in their own palaces. (A result of prophesy - Isa. 39:3-8).

Daniel was still active in 539 BC when the kingdom was taken by Cyrus; so he lived and ministered in Babylon for over 60 years. In fact, he lived through the reigns of four rulers (Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus) and three different kingdoms (Babylon, Media, and Persia). His name means "God is my Judge". He held several important positions and was promoted greatly because of his character and wisdom, and because the blessing of God was upon him. Nebuchadnezzar named him chief of the wise men and a ruler of the land (2:28), a position similar to a modern Prime Minister. Nebuchadnezzar's grandson, Belshazzar, called Daniel out of retirement and because he explained the handwriting on the wall, made Daniel third ruler in the land (5:29). Darius named him leader over the whole realm (6:1-3). Certainly Daniel was God's faithful witness in a wicked and idolatrous kingdom for at least 75 years.

Chapter 6 gives is a real look at Daniel's daily activities. In verse 6:10 we are told that Daniel prayed to the Lord 3 times a day. He did this in his special room where the windows faced Jerusalem.

"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

So we can see that prayer was a very important part of Daniel's life. He did it 3 times a day, everyday.

The other governors had become jealous of Daniel and the relationship he had with the king. So the seed of jealousy is deep within them and they begin trying to find fault in Daniel and a way to accuse or discredit him in the eyes of the king. They realize the only way to do this is was to use Daniel's very own spiritual law against him.

These men approach the king and they get him to sign into law an order that anyone found worshiping any god or human during the next 30 days; other than the king will be thrown into the lion's den. They get the king to agree and he signs the proclamation into law. The real trick here is not even the king can reverse it. Then they sit and wait for the very next time Daniel goes upstairs to his room to pray...Daniel knows what they have done...and it doesn't stop him from the worship and devotion to the one true God.

Now, I want to stop and reflect here just a minute. We have so much to be thankful for. We live in a country that we can freely express our religious beliefs. I am able to go and worship God openly. I can stand on a street corner and profess my belief and no one is trying to through me in a lion's den for doing this. But, there are places still today that Christians are persecuted for any acknowledgment or profession of Christianity. They are drug out into the street and stone to death for openly professing their faith. They accept the fact they are going to die for believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

My question is, "Would I go up the stairs to my prayer room knowing I will die if someone is watching me do this..and it is now against the law?" Wearing my cross on my neck to display my Christian faith during a prayer ceremony of another belief system is one thing...it wasn't life threatening...but what if it was life threatening? What if I knew I could die for my actions...would I stand up for Jesus? I can't say I would be so brave. It is my hope God will continue to teach me how to trust Him. That I would be faithful and I wouldn't allow anything to keep me from worshiping Him with my whole self!

Now the other men...the governors in this chapter are jealous that Daniel is about to be made 2nd in command to the king. Satan can do horrible damage to the heart when he turns it to jealousy. Daniel has proven himself to be trustworthy, just and fair. The others must have been stealing from the king and their own guilty behavior was what consumed them to jealousy.

Now they witness Daniel go upstairs for his prayer time and they immediately go running to the king and "tattle" that Daniel has broken the new law established by the kings own hand. The king is very upset at this news...he even tries to put them off for a while to figure out how to save Daniel.

"Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him" (Daniel 6:13-14).

Their evil plot works...they have Daniel where they want him...and the king surrenders and gives the order for Daniel to be thrown into the lion's den for his worship to God.

We learn so much about compromise here. We compromise everyday in one way or another. "Everyone else is doing it...why not me?" "No one else can see me this time...so, I'm going to text on my cell phone this one time and drive."

Have you ever thought about the eyes of others watching? Many times throughout the ministry of Jesus...the Bible tells us, He was teaching and He would remove Himself to a quiet place...and they crowds would follow. Mark 3:7 says it this way, "Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed." The crowds were always watching Him. They were continually pressing in on Him to see if He would compromise Himself. He never did...and He has such compassion and love for them all!

Daniel went to his room where all eyes could see him and he lifted his hands and prayed. It wasn't a first time only prayer...he had done this since his youth. From the very day we find him in Babylon...he prayed, Daniel prayed without ceasing. God honored him and the Bible tells us He shut the mouths of the lions that day..and Daniel was spared.

"Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty" (Daniel 6:21-22).

The king was so overjoyed that he immediately ordered for Daniel to be lifted from the den. Then the king turned to Daniel's accusers and had them thrown in the lion's den, along with their families. In the end King Darius writes to all nations and in every language that Daniel's God is to be reverenced and feared!

A huge lesson here is, when we stay in relationship with Christ...study His Holy Word, pray and worship Him for the blessings He gives freely...when we are challenged to compromise our beliefs...we can stand strong in KNOWNING Him as our Rock! He will save us from the lion's den!

"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth" (1 Timothy 4:17).

Mama Barb

Book of Daniel - Study

2010-12-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

Chapter 5

It has been some 20 years between the events in chapter 4 to the events that take place in chapter 5. Belshazzar is now the ruler of Babylon. Belshazzar is enjoying his feast that was in honor of one of the great Babylonian gods. The king was not content to drink wine to just his gods, he wanted to to blaspheme the God of the Jews as well. So he had the sacred temple vessels brought in to be used at this idolatrous, blasphemy feast (see Dan. 1:2).

"So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone" (Daniel 3-4).

While I was reading this passage, I knew trouble was coming for King Belshazzar. This arrogant king was out to mock God. He was so confident in his kingdom that he felt secure enough nothing could shake it.

Our study guide tells us that this feast was in honor of one of the great Babylonian gods, and it took place in the autumn of 539 B.C. Archaeologists have unearthed palaces at Babylon containing great halls large enough to entertain a thousand guests.

This lesson is also revealing to us the drunkenness of King Belshazzar. We are given several verses that speaks to the drunkenness of the Babylonians. Wine has always been associated with Babylon and the Babylonian "system" of this world (Jer. 51:7; Rev. 14:8, 17:15, 18:3, 13).

This chapter reminds us of how it really reflects our world today. Judgment is about to fall and yet we are content to continue with our sins and worship our false gods. I am reminded that these false gods are anything I put before the Lord and hold up as idols over Him.

"While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape"
(1 Thessalonians 5:3).

Verse 5 tells me something that I found a little hard to understand. I'm not sure why, God can do all things...verse 5 states:

"Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking.

When I read this...I had to stop and think, "If I had suddenly witnessed fingers of a human hand appear and write something on the wall...I would definitely be shaking in my boots! Maybe, just maybe drinking from the sacred vessels was a bad idea!"

King Belshazzar wants someone to tell him the meaning of the writings...and none of his advisors can do this. He grows more and more frightened. The queen now comes in and tells him about Daniel who was once a great advisor to his father King Nebuchadnezzar and known for his abilities to..."interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems."

The king tries to impress Daniel by offering him gifts if he will interpret the writings for him. Daniel shows us he is not impressed by these gifts the king offers. He tells King Belshazzar to keep his gifts. Daniel has learned these gifts from the king have little value to him. Daniel uses the opportunity to give the king a sermon first before he reveals the writings.

He tells King Belshazzar his days are numbered on the throne, he has been found wanting more...and his kingdom will be taken from him.

To have been given this very condemning brutal message, the king does not seem to be moved. Verse 29 tells us,

"Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom."

That very night the Belshazzar king of the Babylonians was slain.

Daniel was trying to tell the king his father Nebuchadnezzar was given a message to humble himself...or he would find himself driven from his throne and given the mind of an animal.

So many times in my walk with God, I fall to the pleasures of this world. I take my eyes off of Him and begin my selfish wantings of this world. Farther and farther down the pit I find myself falling. I am so thankful that God never leaves me.

In this lesson I am reminded that Daniel found himself in the pits of fire because he allowed King Nebuchadnezzar to worship him...yet this time when called by King Belshazzar, he quickly tells the king, "You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else...."

Though my lessons from sinning in the flesh can be extremely painful at times...each cleansing brings me closer to Him and strengthens my relationship with Christ. Next time I loose focus...I become better at discerning these failures and why I need Him so much more. I am able to refuse the temptation in front of me and know the world has nothing to offer that is of better value than the gift of eternity that I have been given on the cross.

Can YOU read the "handwriting on the wall?"

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

Mama Barb

Book of Daniel - Study

2010-12-01T04:09:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4 - The King's Tree Dream

King Nebuchadnezzar is in a time of prosperity. He is enjoying his time of abundance and is lacking for nothing. Yet he finds himself with this message from God in a dream. Daniel is called to translate the dream for him and is immediately concerned for the King. He tells him the meaning of the dream is for him to renounce his sinful ways or he will be stripped of his abundance and will find himself eating like the animals of the fields. Daniel warns the king that 7 times will past before King Nebuchadnezzar will renounce his sin and his kingdom will be restored.

The questions this leaves me with is, "Why when we are warned does it take 7 more times before we learn? Why are we so stubborn not to see how really patient God is with us?"

In the study of chapter 4 we are given several examples of men who chose pride over humility, disobedience in instruction, testings end when they accomplish their purpose and praise and thanksgiving should be given for mercy.

The one example that stands out to me here is in the story of Saul. As King Saul's kingdom became larger...he became more and more disobedient to God's instruction. He began to make choices he thought would please the Most High God...and refused to listen to instruction. These verses tell a story of Saul's final act of disobedience and the Lord's rejection of him.

Samuel 15:16-23

“Enough!” Samuel said to Saul. “Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.”

“Tell me,” Saul replied.

Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel. And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; wage war against them until you have wiped them out.’ Why did you not obey the LORD? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD?”

“But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”

But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”

Rebellion can be seen in so many things. Saul was told to completely wipe out the Amalekites...yet he brought back the King Agag. He didn't even see how this was wrong. He tried to justify his actions by stating..."But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”

Instead of obedience Saul was after a prideful mission. He didn't wipe them out...he took their king and their sheep & cattle. None of which the Lord told him to do.

The bigger the man the harder the fall. We have so many examples today of people, men and women who are powerful by today's standards. They have taken in riches and misused the abundance they were given. Bernard Madoff and his $50 billion ponzy scheme. People trusted him to invest their money in an honorable way. Now he sits in prison for his actions.

Martha Stewart used her power for self gain. Today she is still able to go right back to her wealth and be visible to millions. What disturbs me is the world see her as someone to model their homes and lives after even today. We see media ads for her product line and we keep buying them...I'm confused by this?

Isaiah 26:3 tells us:

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."

I believe people like Bernie Madoff and Martha Stewart are reasons our economy is suffering so deeply today. You can't fraud people of 50 billion dollars and it not effect the economy...it has to. You can't use your position for self gain and not expect it to become a scandal to millions.

Even for me...I have to remember daily that my very job is a gift from God. He expects me to use it to further His Kingdom. If I fail to do that, He will remove me from it. It's that simple!

God's Word gives us this command to live by.

Romans 12:1-2
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

God in His unconditional love is so patient with me. He gives me so many opportunities to correct my behavior. He wants me to prosper...not to fail. He wants to bless me not to remove His gifts from me. He wants me to offer myself as a living daily sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him.

This is what we are called to do...this is our act of worship to Him. He gave us eternal life...He calls us to act holy and pleasing to Him in return.

"I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations" (Psalm 89:1).

"Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him" (Psalm 32:10).

Mama Barb

Book of Daniel - Study

2010-11-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

In studying the Book of Daniel I have posted notes of chapters 1 & 2 on Facebook. I finally woke up to the fact that I have this blog and it is better suited for my reflections on the Book of Daniel study. My hope is that you would join with me in studying God's Word to us through the Book of Daniel. Please offer any insight God reveals to you as we look through the pages of Daniel together.

Chapter 3 - Daniel refuses to bow down to the golden image of the King Nebuchadnezzar. I want to refer back to lessons learned in Chapter two just for a minute.

In chapter 2 Daniel was able to translate the dream for the King. In doing so the King fell prostrate down and worshiped Daniel.

"Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.”

Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men" (Daniel 2:46-48).

Daniel had approached the King and told him not to kill the astrologers and wise men, to allow him to interpret the dream. He went back to his friends and explained the urgency of which they were to pray. Pray that they would not parish along with the wise men of Babylon at the hand of the King. That night God revealed to Daniel in his dreams the meaning of the king's dream. Daniel was able to return to King Nebuchadnezzar and share the meaning of the King's dream. It was then that the king fell down and worshiped Daniel. The Word says, "he lavished many gifts on him and made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon." Daniel accepted the praise and worship of the king. He never stopped King Nebuchadnezzar to give honor to his God who it was due.

Chapter 3 Daniel finds himself and his friends being thrown into the fiery furnace for not bowing down to the golden image King Nebuchadnezzar has commanded.

"King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon" (Daniel 3:1).

"Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace" (Daniel 3:6).

Note: The question is often asked, "where was Daniel during this entire episode?" Most of the commentators neatly tuck him away on an out of town mission or some such thing. But according to (Dan. 2:49), Daniel sat in the gate of the king. That means he was at his right hand, as his constant companion and advisor. What seems to be nearer the truth is Daniel was probably there, next to the king, and unable to protest because he had accepted worship of himself in (Dan. 2:46-48). - Yea verily "all have sinned." (http://www.thebiblestudypage.com/daniel3.shtml)

I find this very interesting. Daniel failed to give honor to God for revealing the King's dream...and next he finds himself unable to avoid the fiery furnace for failure to bow down to the golden image.

How many times have we stood up for something in protest, yet we ourselves have sinned in God's eyes in doing very close to the same thing. It could be as simple as cutting someone off in traffic...yet we yell out or lash out at someone for cutting us off just minutes before. (This is my confession people...I find myself doing this very thing.) We are outraged that we take precious farm land or green space to build more houses in sub-divisions, as we live in one established the same way. Yea we have all sinned and fall short from the glory of God!

The praise in this chapter is Daniel's complete trust and faith in his God! In verse 16 & 17 they tell the King, "...we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand" (Daniel 3:16-17).

God rewarded their actions with His protection and (vs. 18) company with the Son of God (vs. 25).

The furnace was so hot that the men that tied up Daniel and his friends perished. When the king watched, he saw 4 men walking around in the furnace, no longer tied and unharmed.

Hell (found in type in the furnace) has no power over those who put their trust in the Lord.

Trust, complete unwavering trust. The kind of trust that you don't even have to think about, you know without a doubt it's real! Daniel didn't have to ask the King to let him stop to pray, fast, or meditate on what was about to happen. His trust and faith in what his God could do is the witness!

Daniel's replied with (verse 18), "But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Daniel knew there was a possibility he would die in the flames. Probably more so he was about to die...than God saving him. But he stood on the faith and knowledge that God could do just that! Having a trust and belief that the Lord can do all things.

I love the description the King gives as he witnesses the 3 men in the furnace.

(verse 25)
He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

If we could witness Christ walking right beside us in times of our troubles...

"But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you." (Romans 8:10 & 11).

Would our answers be as quick as Daniels...no need to stop and pray...just act, act and trust!

In closing the study today gave me Psalm 46 to reference:

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."

Peace is in Him...our Mighty Fortress!
Mama Barb

Luke 1:1-4

2010-06-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught" (NIV).

Introduction to the Book of Luke:

Nearly two thousand years ago a doctor named Luke began a letter to a friend with these word: "Many have tried to report on the things that happened among us. They have written the same things that we learned from others-the people who saw those things from the beginning and served God by telling people his message. Since I myself have studied everything carefully from the beginning, most excellent Theophilus, it seemed good for me to write it out for you. I arranged it in order to help you know what you have been taught is true" (Luke 1:1-4 NCV).

Luke and Theophilus shared two loves: a love for Christ and a love for the facts. They didn't want legends, they wanted truth. And so Dr. Luke begins to sort the truth and report the facts to Theophilus. The result is part letter and part research paper.

It is part letter because it was written from a friend. What a bond must have existed between these two that Luke would labor so! It is part research paper, because Luke had studied every thing carefully from the beginning and he wanted Theophilus to benefit from his study.

Can't you envision him in the home of Mary? "Tell me again what happened in Bethlehem." Can't you see him peppering Matthew with questions? "Let me see if I got this parable right." Or on long walks with Peter, "When you denied him the third time, did Jesus know?" With the skill of a surgeon, Luke probes for truth.

Why?

So his friend could know that what he had been taught was true.

Did Luke have any idea that millions of us would benefit from his study? I doubt it. All he did was share the truth with a friend.

Can you imagine what would happen if we all did he same?

Max Lucado The Devotional Study Bible

Information about the Book of Luke:

Luke, the author was a non-Jewish doctor. The book was written c.A.D 60.

Key themes about this book is:

*Jesus was fully man and fully God
*Jesus experienced the conflicts of life, yet performed miracles.
*Jesus fulfilled God's mission and taught of God's kingdom.
*Jesus' death and resurrection made possible our relationship with God.

Key verse in the book:
"Since I myself have studied everything carefully from the beginning...it seemed good for me to write it out for you. I arranged it in order to help you know that what you have been taught is true" (Luke 1:3-4)

The book contains:
I. Jesus' Birth and preparation 1:1-4:13
II. Jesus' Ministry 4:14-9:50
III. Jesus' Ministry in the Midst of Conflict 9:51-18:43
IV. Jesus' Last Week, Resurrection, and Ascension 19:1-24:53

Scholars have suggested that these events took place around 6 B.C. during the rule of Herod the Great. God set the stage for the coming of Jesus into the world. The events leading up to Jesus' birth can be summarized by the angel's words, "God can do anything!"

So then, what are your greatest dreams? Remember, God can do anything, and He loves to fulfill dreams. Ask God to show you what He wants you to do, and then ask Him for the power and courage to do it!

Let's begin the Book of Luke...

Mama Barb

Mark 13:32-37

2010-05-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "

Most days I don't even think about being on guard for Christ's return. You might think that is wrong...it probably is. Because Jesus stood right there on the Temple Mount and told His disciples to be ready...and watch!

There is this hope I have in this Scripture. Jesus tells them He has put His servants in charge of His house..."Therefore keep watch because you don't know when the owner of the house will come back..." "If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping..." Those words there are my hope! I don't want Him to find me sleeping...so I serve! I will continue to work in His Kingdom...in His house until He returns or takes me home!

My war is a daily war that I battle...indifference, injustice, hatred, evil and more prevails. But I choose to stand at the door ready! I am not fearful of the second coming. I know that my heart is set in His hands. My eternity is secure. What about yours? Will He come and find you working or sleeping?

I believe my lack of fear about His return...is my confidence that I am saved and He HAS prepared a place for me. So I don't dwell on the what if He comes...I choose to be ready and working daily for His Kingdom, ready when He comes.

But I ask you again, "If Jesus returned today...at this very hour, minute or second...would you be among those that welcome Him or those who dread His coming? Reconsider your priorities and stand ready to go at a moment's notice." Be confident that He will find you at your assigned task...working in His name.

Mama Barb

Mark 12:43-44

2010-05-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

"Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on" (NIV).

Putting in all you have out of your poverty. Making an offering that requires us to really trust in the Lord that HE will provide.

When I read this passage it reminded me of my own daughter. Over the past 3 years Cara Jane has had to trust her Jesus to provide for all her needs. Last Christmas after a wonderful visit home with us...we were able to love on her, feed her emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We helped pack Cara Jane back up and she flew back down to the Dominican Republic, only to experience the most devastating earthquake that had ever hit Haiti in over 200 years.

All Cara Jane could do, all she could think about was this nation of people desperately needing help. "I don't have much - but what I have God will bless and make it all they need. He will provide for me if I make this offering to them." Cara told us.

Cara Jane gave out of her poverty. She gave all that she had...and then she gave again. She donated her money, food, medical, her home, and even the use of her vehicle...she felt God had provided her with these blessings and trusted Him to make it feed her and the multitudes. She took 3 trips into Haiti at different times to make her offerings.

I was blessed by my own children this week as they conspired together to bring Cara Jane home for Mother's Day. During the time she was home this week, she shared more stories about those special moments she spent serving in God Kingdom after the earthquakes. These were stories of desperate loss, to stories of insurmountable joy, that only her Jesus could have provided. She gave all she had to Him her King and her Creator.

I know that I struggle to let go of my one tenth that He asks me to share. Hearing these stories from Cara Jane and the blessing she received doing God's will, I am reminded how much joy I choose to forfeit. If I too am in "Crazy Love" with my Jesus and sold out to Him who died for me, why can I not choose to simply trust Him. So many times I come to Him and say the same: "I just have this little tiny bit...of money, of time, of resources, of energy." And He says, "Bring what you have to me. That's all I ask. Let me take care of it from here." Giving all that I have and letting Him make it enough for someone He has prepared to bless with it.

"One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:28-31 NIV).

So I ask what little you might have to give? You might not be able to give $1000. But you could give $10. You might not be able to pledge hours and hours to serve in your church body. But you can serve once a month for one hour. You might not feel comfortable speaking to crowds. But you're great at sharing what God's doing in your life one-on-one. You might not be able to lead a prayer ministry. But you can pray for a friend who needs it, even if it seems like you're too late.

Let God take your little and make it much. Let Him take your offering out of your poverty and make it all that someone will need that is trusting Him.

Thank you Cara Jane and Jonathan Michael for blessing your mother this past week...and bringing her home. ILYA!

Mama Barb

Mark 11:22-26

2010-04-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

"Jesus answered, "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'Go, fall into the sea.' And if you have no doubts in your mind and believe that what you say will happen, God will do it for you. So I tell you to believe that you have received the things you ask for in prayer, and God will give them to you. When you are praying, if you are angry with someone, forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins. But if you don't forgive other people, then your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins" (NCV).

Deep rooted faith that moves mountains, does that describe my faith in Him?

Jesus was telling His followers this after they witnessed Him dry up a fig tree that did not produce fruit. Jesus had been hungry and when He approached the fig tree He was looking for it's fruit to eat. God's word tells us, "Seeing a fig tree in leaf from far away, he went to see if it had any figs on it. But he found no figs, only leaves, because it was not the right season for figs. So Jesus said to the tree, 'May no one ever eat fruit from you again.' And his followers made note of this." Mark 11:12-14

Then the next morning as Jesus and His followers passed the tree again, they noticed the tree had dried up and was dead to the roots. Peter even exclaimed to Him, "Teacher, look! The fig tree you cursed is dry and dead!" (Mark 11:21 NCV)

I believe this one story is in God's word to remind us of that deep trusting, unswerving, faith that can indeed move mountains. We seem to loose sight of this when life starts pressing in and we feel overwhelmed by it all. Satan's job is to replace that strong trusting faith...with doubt and despair. Let me remind you that God gives us the tools to keep this from happening.

Do you not see that Jesus was walking in to Jerusalem for His final days? Shouldn't He have been experiencing doubt and despair? The leaders were about to take His life. But, what Jesus continually did was to never loose sight of the mission He was on. He came to save the world..He came to serve us...when we didn't even believe He could!

I read this story today in my study Bible...it was a good example of faith in believing and trusting God to do what He says He can do.

The story is told about the time Napoleon's steed got away from him. An alert private jumped on his own horse and chased down the general's horse. When he presented the reins of the animal to Napoleon, the ruler took them, smiled at his willing private, and said, "Thank you, Captain."

The soldier's eyes widened at what he had heard. He then straightened. Saluted. And Snapped, "Thank you, sir!"

He immediately went to the barracks. Got his bags. Moved into the officers quarters. Took his uniform to the quartermaster and exchanged it for that of a captain. By the general's word, he had become a private-turned-commissioned officer. He didn't argue. He didn't shrug. He didn't doubt. He knew that one who had the power to do it had done it. And he accepted that.

If only we would have the faith of this private...If only, when God smiles and says we are saved, we'd salute him, and live like those who have just received a gift from the commander in chief. (From In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado)

I ask you, do you have a regular prayer time when you tell God both your troubles and joys? Jesus gave us these examples all through His ministry here on earth. He continually stopped and went off to pray and to seek God direction for His mission.

"I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on Your laws. I hold fast to your statues, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free" Psalm 119 30-32 NIV).

If we would just believe He can move those mountains for us...if we would just trust in His word knowing it as His Truths. For me, I want to "run in the path of His commands"...because it is there that I find true freedom! It is there I can move mountains!

Mama Barb

Mark 8: 11-12

2010-04-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

"The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." (NIV)

Mike was watching Bill Maher last night...and I was on my laptop working. I was listening to the program as Michael was watching...but sincerely...I really have a problem with Bill Maher. I have a problem with him personally. This program last night was Bill Maher's latest stand up act on HBO. Since this program was on HBO, Bill was really able to just spit evil from his mouth freely. He began to talk about "God the Creator." This one single comment is what prick at my ears and I began to really listen. Bill began with, "Now I want to talk about this so called God of Creation that created me..." Mr. Maher went on to mock my God of Creation and claim many things in the Bible were hypocritical. Personal I was confused as to how he really thought any of his act was funny. But people in his audience were laughing at him or with him.

Now I know God wants me to pray for my enemies and this includes Bill Maher. That may sound silly to you, but I really struggle with this comedian and his open ability to touch so many with his views on my Savior. We have a lost and dying world that needs my Jesus. Really God, I just wish you would pull Bill Maher up to the pearly gates and give him a face to face with you right now!

Bill Mahr even said..."I know religious people think they need to pray for me..." Well we do! This very visible comedian needs a lot of prayers. First, God does not want a single one of his sheep to be lost. Remember, He tells us He will leave the flock to go after the one lone sheep! "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?" (Luke 15:4) So, Bill Mahr and so many others just like him are the ones God will and does want to pursue. As his act continued it lead me to believe that at one time Bill Maher was a believer. Something in his life had harden his heart against God and now he is lost in the fields of this world.

When he says things like "you religious people." I can't help but think of him in the same way as the Pharisees of the Bible. These Pharisees were very intelligent, religious leaders of the day. They were convinced that Jesus was a fraud, and they demanded Him to prove Himself with a miraculous sign. This verse in Mark tells us that Jesus "sighed deeply" at them. He then said, "Why do you people ask for a miracle as a sign? I tell you the truth no sign will be given to you."

If you have teenagers, you've probably sighed. If you've tried to resist temptation, you've probably sighed. If you've had your motives questioned or your best acts of love rejected, you have been forced to take a deep breath and let a painful sigh escape...All these sighs come from the same anxiety: a recognition of pain that was never intended, or of hope deferred.

Man was not created to be separated from his creator; hence the sighs, longing for home. The creation was never intended to be inhabited by evil; hence she sighs, yearning for the Garden...It was never intended to be this way for us.

So this deep sigh that Jesus gives when talking to the Pharisees I really relate it to the word comfort. Yes, comfort! For in an indirect way God's pain is our comfort. And in the agony of Jesus lies our hope. Had He not sighed, had He not felt the burden for what was not intended, we would be in a pitiful condition. What hope would we have really?

But He didn't. That holy sigh assures us that God still groans for His people. He groans for the day when ALL sighs will cease, when what was intended to be will be.

Now back to Bill Maher...yes, I too sighed at the end of this comedian's routine. My sigh was one for a lost sheep confused and consumed with the things of this world. So, I am called to pray for the one lost sheep that he will someday find my Savior and my hope is that it won't be when they meet face to face. I know that the groanings of Christ is my hope for this lost soul.

Mama Barb

Mark 7:15

2010-04-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

"There is nothing people put into their bodies that makes them unclean. People are made unclean by the things that come out of them." NCV

I have friends who are the prominent leaders of their congregations. They are the teachers of a large body in Christ. I was able to go to a wonderful conference last February that was put on by the Austin Stone Community Church...and many more pastors and leaders of congregations were sharing about their body of believers...and how to get all of us to live on mission and to love missionally! (Ok Webster Dictionary doesn't like this word...but it is the one I want to use).

One comment thread I kept hearing at this conference was, "I'm just not being fed..." It was the teaching pastors all saying the same thing. Their congregations were full of great people, wonderful Christians, but their hearts were just dead...and how do we wake them up again? The main question was how? How do you get them to see...they will never be fed by the teaching pastor...they have to open the Book, read the pages and let God feed them! If they feel they are not being fed...then they have to go figure out why! All they teaching pastor can do is lead them to Christ...they have to learn to drink on their own.

This verse in Mark chapter 7 is a version of that kind of heart. The Pharisees doubted Jesus' divine nature...they kept asking him for a sign from heaven that would proclaim him as the Messiah. Hello...He had given then many miracles and signs...reasons to believe...but it was their hearts. They were a proud judgmental, jealous lot. They only saw Jesus as a threat to them. They couldn't wait to find a way to bring Him to THEIR judgment!

When we fail to really read and study God's word...we don't have a valuable tool God provides to feed us real food for life. We start looking at things with the world's eyes and not the eyes, heart and compassion of Christ. Our leaders begin to look weak, lacking vision...so to speak...but they are human just like us. We start to become very critical of them to a point we want to take them to our own personal judgment table.

The mouth reflects the condition of the heart. Remember these words...and mediate on them deeply. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..." Philippians 2:5 (NIV) Dear Lord, search me, O God, and know my heart (Psalm 139:23). Soften my heart and make me willing to receive an attitude adjustment from You. Help me to see when I am not reflecting the love and compassion of Christ. Help me to remember and to know it is MY job to be in a real relationship with You. That is what you desire from me. Even at best all my teaching leaders can do is show me the Book, the Bible...I have to open it for myself and really read God's love letter to me.

In Christ,
Mama Barb

Mark 6:1-3

2010-04-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

"Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

"Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him."

This passage really spoke to me this morning. In reading all of Mark, chapter 6 I was amazed at all the things Jesus did in this one day! He began it on the Sabbath teaching in His home town. Now the friends and relatives who saw Jesus grow up...did not believe in Him. The Bible says they, "took offense". They only saw a man...a man that came from a simple, humble beginnings. How could he have such knowledge and wisdom that we should listen to anything he as to say.

So Jesus takes His disciples and leaves His home and travels on. He then went to other villages and He teaches there. He brings His disciples together and He commands them to go out two by two then He gave them authority over evil spirits.

He tells them how to conduct themselves on their travels. "Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them." (Mark 6:8-11)

This is exactly what Jesus did to the people of His home town. They refused His teaching...the Bible tells us He was only able to heal a few in that place. When they refused to listen or welcome Him, Jesus dusted off His feet and moved on.

The next passages quickly reveal Jesus feeding of the five thousand. Ok, I think He was able to make His point pretty quickly!

Have you ever been rejected by your own family and friends. Have you seen the doubt from a loved one...and had to just shake it off and move on. This speaks to me in so many ways. I have been there...I have had to rely on the One who gives me all strength. To trust that He is in control and no one can take that blessing from me. No one can remove me from His hands.

I have learned to pray for those who have doubted my efforts. I have learn to forgive those who don't listen. I have learned to worship Him in the times that He calls me to just sit at His feet. I pray that you will be encouraged today by this message.

Jesus has felt rejection much worse than those that won't listen! He was nailed to a cross and died for you and me! I can live with a turned head or eyes that roll in disbelief...I just have to remember the cross!

Mama Barb

Mark 5: 24b-34

2010-03-31T04:16:00.000-07:00

"A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"

"You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask, 'Who touched me?' "

But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

I love this story of the woman who came up to Jesus and thought, "If I could just touch his clothing...I know I would be healed." To have that kind of faith in the One who healed the blind, and brought the dead to life again. Wow, how different my faith would look.

Jesus felt the healing power leave his body...and immediately wanted to know who did it. So, His disciples make the statement..."There are so many here pushing up against us, how would we ever know who did that?" This statement tells me many things. People could be that close to Him and could have touched Him yet, not feel His true power of healing and love. This woman knew...she knew in her heart, if I could just touch the man, I could be healed. So in a crowd of many she was able to reach out and touch His robe...and after 12 years, 12 YEARS of pain and suffering she was healed. She had to confess to Him what she had done. She heard Him say, "I felt it...someone touched me."

In my devotional Bible I was told to go back and read in the Book of Ruth. To read the story again about Ruth & Naomi. The story of Ruth takes place during the spiritually dark days of the Judges. Ruth lives during this evil period in Israel's history, but she does not surrender to it's moral decay. No Ruth's story is about integrity, righteousness, and faithfulness. This story of Ruth covers a period of about 11 -12 years in time. Now she is a pretty important woman...because there are only 2 women in the Bible who have Books named after them, Ruth & Esther.

Ruth's story opens with a severe famine in the land of Israel. This famine forces the Israelite Elimelech to move his wife Naomi, and their 2 sons to Moab, to a country to the east. While living in Moab, both sons marry Moabite women...but then both sons die and so does their father Elimelech. Now left alone Naomi decides to return to her homeland and suggests to the 2 daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah,that they remain in their own land of Moab. Orpah chooses to stay and is never heard of again...but Ruth, Ruth chooses to cling to Naomi and follow her God of Israel. Because of her desire to be faithful to Naomi, Ruth gives up her gods, her culture, and her people.

I want you to read this Book of Ruth...I am not going to tell you the whole story. It is an amazing story of great encouragement as God provides an example to us of godly behavior in the midst of widespread ungodliness. Ruth's faithfulness to follow the God of Israel leads to a great blessing not only for her, but for Naomi as well. Ultimately it turns into a blessing for the whole world as she takes her place in the family line of Jesus Christ.

Now I understood why when I was reading in the Book of Mark about this woman who came to just touch the robe of Jesus...that my devotional took me to read Ruth's story. What I might think to be a tragedy is God's opportunity to show Himself faithful. This woman was bleeding for 12 years...no one could heal her. She had spend all her money on doctors trying to find her answer...then Jesus came...she had an opportunity to drop her gods, her culture, her poverty...and just touch His robe...to worship Him. She had the faith that things would change if she just could do that one thing! God honors a faithful heart. Good character is a noble quality that God wants to bless.

When the woman realizes that Jesus knows she has been healed...she gets scared...but comes forward and admits what she has done. She realized it worked! So in her confession of her act...Jesus can see her real heart. He blesses her and tells her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

So many of us can learn from this simple touch. God tells us if we have faith...we can move mountains. But because we doubt...we find ourselves struggling to be healed...going from one doctor to another looking for answers. One vice to another..trying to be satisfied. When all we need is Him!

So I ask you, have you just tried to touch His robe? Remember this,
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Phillipians 4:6 NIV).

Mama Barb

Mark 4:37-40 (NIV)

2010-03-29T04:07:00.000-07:00

"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

How many times have I cried out this question to God? "Lord, don't you care?" "Why Father?" So many times I think He is not really listening or does He care that I am hurting deep inside.

As the winds howled and the sea raged the disciples were terrified that Jesus did not care that they were drowning. They were afraid they were going to die at this point.

With all the patience that only One who cares can have He answered the question. He hushed the storm so the shivering disciples wouldn't miss His response. Jesus answered once and for all the aching dilemma of man - "Where is God when I hurt?"

Believe me He is listening and healing. That is what He's doing. He cares!

Sometimes He is sitting right in our boat through the storms...just waiting for us to cry out. But we have to have the faith that He is with us and He cares!

Do you have a story to tell about God's ability to calm the most raging storm in your life? Consider the impact of that experience and what it taught you in trusting Jesus...share it with others.

"You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples" Psalm 77:14 NIV).

Mama Barb

Taking a Detour

2010-03-26T04:41:00.000-07:00

'Then neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared. 'Go now and leave your life of sin.'" John 8:11 (NIV)

Yesterday I was running errands after work. Many of us have so many things to squeeze in to our schedules when the 5 o'clock bell rings. A dear friend of mine Michelle T...said it perfect yesterday..."The school bell rang...and my job at work was done for the day. Now my mommy job begins!"

It's all we can do as wives, mothers and co-workers in any given day...I want to encourage you today!

Again...back to my running errands after work. I went to purchase a gift for a sweet person, her daughter is taking her first communion this weekend...and I had found the perfect gift in the James Avery catalog. A first communion charm for a bracelet. I drove to the Georgetown shopping center to my local James Avery, only to find out it had close at 6pm...and it was 6:05pm when I arrived. "Well what to do, what to do?" I wanted to give this perfect gift to my friend and now what.

When I pulled into the shopping center...I had seen a Starbucks at the entrance and told myself, "Come back over here and get my favorite...skinny latte on the way out." So I gravitated to Starbucks and thought I would look up the phone number to James Avery and see if the store at Tech Ridge was open by chance.

So as a good cell phone driving woman...I pulled into the Starbuck's parking lot, parked my car in a great spot...and made my call. Well good for me! The Tech Ridge store was open until 8pm. It was now 6:20ish..and I thought..."Hey get the drink later...get over to James Avery now before it closes."

So here comes my confrontation!! I put my phone away...look before I back out of the spot...and I see a white "Rav4" coming in the distance...but I was already moving out...and noted to myself..."You have time to pull out and get out of her way..it is a parking lot, right!" Well, this lovely driver speeds up and really makes it hard for me to pull out enough to clear a proper turn...and as I'm trying to do so...I come very close to her, "Spot on new Rav4". I make eye contact with this woman and she is giving me the, "What the X@#$! Look Lady!" And I don't know...an awful word came out of my mouth! Mind you, I was in my car with the windows rolled up and alone...but why do we think we can be so bold when no one can hear us...or Rude?

This woman really had no reason to be an ugly driver either. I had done nothing to her car...she has actually encroached me. But the minute I got the "LOOK" from her..I wanted to spit it right back!

I was shocked at myself. I had just dropped down to a miserable level with this woman I didn't even know...and would never see again. I wanted a do-over! On my way down to the other James Avery store...I talked with God about a do-over...and how do I handle the typical...road rage driver in today's society...and not become one myself?

Well, this morning I get up and this is the very Scripture He gives me. 'Then neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared. 'Go now and leave your life of sin.'" John 8:11 (NIV) In the middle of an ordinary teaching day Jesus shared a revealing truth about our Savior. The Pharisees interrupted His lesson by dragging in front of the crowd a woman who had been caught in adultery.

This woman had obvious, visible sin in her life. She was caught red-handed. It was easy for the lawgivers to snatch this life and display it before the crowd. They had their motives for bursting onto the scene, but Jesus flipped their intentions upside down.

When these puffed up leaders asked Jesus if this woman should be stoned, "Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger" (vs. 6b, NIV).

Did you catch His reaction to the confrontation? Silence. His mind was at work, but His mouth was not. We learn from scripture that Jesus asked His Father in heaven about every decision before moving forward. Why would this situation be any different?

We've probably all heard that pausing to count to ten before getting angry can diffuse an argument, but I want to park here a minute to see what Jesus did.

Jesus' agenda had just been altered by a bunch of self-righteous leaders. He was preparing to teach truth, and now He had the opportunity to live it. Instead of a quick response He hit the pause button while the Pharisees continued the barrage. Jesus was in no rush to respond.

As He bent down, I imagine Him offering up prayers. He saw that broken woman, He heard that accusing crowd, and yet His focus was on truth. The verse tells us He didn't just stand up, He straightened up. Jesus knew about body language before it was hip to study it. The power of this visual communication meant that He was about to say something that would pierce their hearts.

Many scholars have guessed Jesus was writing on the ground all of the sins of each of the accusers there. His words, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her" (vs. 7, NIV), must have been the first glimpse of light this woman had seen in a long time. Finally, someone saw value in her beyond the bedroom.

Can you imagine the flood of emotions filling her at that moment? She witnessed hope in the middle of her circumstance. Jesus then straightened up to speak to her. He declared that He did not condemn her but she must leave her life of sin. She was given a do-over!

I want a do-over from yesterday...I wish, I could have pause and just counted to ten...maybe even rolled the window down and asked her, "How can I pray for you today?" Instead of allowing her negative behavior take control of mine.

I'm a witness: Jesus is the master of second chances. Throughout the Bible He not only raised the physically dead, He resurrected the spiritually and emotionally dead as well.

Romans 3:10 tells us, "There is no one righteous, not even one" (NIV). Jesus wants you to see that you are not alone. If you look around and think that everyone else has it all together, this story is for you. No one is righteous, not even one! Everyone has their sins, some are just more visible than others. But Jesus knows your heart. He knows your struggles. He sees what plagues your life.

Where are you in this story? Are you the adulterous woman looking for hope? Are you the leader looking to condemn? Are you part of the crowd standing silently in the background? There was only One in this story without sin and He offered grace.

Jesus gave us the perfect example of how to live the truth. Quietly seek the Father's guidance. Think before we speak. Then straighten up and live redeemed.

He has come to give you a second chance; a do-over. Will you listen to His voice?

Bottom line for me..as I rode down the interstate...God helped me see a better way of dealing with road rage. Now I have a wink and a point with a smile attach...next time I encounter someone who needs a hug!

Mama Barb

Mark 2:22 (NIV)

2010-03-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

"And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins."

Jesus offers hope, healing, and new life to all who come to him in faith. But I know this person who refuses to believe anything good can come to her. Her hope is simply lost. She lives in her prison of darkness days on end. She claimed all the promises of God, but refuses to believe that she can trust Him to bring her true freedom and a better life. So instead she chooses to live her life in darkness, fear, bitterness and despair. And this my friends is putting it mildly.

This is so sad to me because I know a Savior who wants to provide a life of abundance for me. He wants to give me all my hopes and dreams in Him. But we simply start believing the lies. The lies that we are not worthy of anything good, allowing ourselves to be convinced by Satan that nothing of anything good will ever find me...ever! I pray for this person daily to come to the foot of the Cross and bury it there. For her to take hold of my Savior's hand and crawl out of the pit she is in...I do believe in miracles...I pray she does too.

This verse is a reflection of those who simple try to put their new life in Christ in their old lifestyle of the world. It just can't be done. The more time you spend reading God's word the more you want to be around other people who do the same. You look for those people who might be able to give you more insight and wisdom in the Truths of God. Do you ever buy a new video game..or for me...a new stamping product...just out on the market..and just let it sit because you can't figure out how to use it? No, you read the manual...and if that still isn't enough...you seek out others who know how it works...someone to give you feedback on how to make the thing go! You bought it...to enjoy it...not for it to become lost to you!

No friendship or romance is worth your soul. Repentance means change. And change means purging your heart of anything that can't coexist with Christ.

You can't put new life into an old life style people...you just can't! The inevitable tragedy occurs. The new life will become lost.

Do you need a big change to put your life on course? Boldly put your life in Christ's hands and let God do a miracle. I hope my friend is reading this now and will trust that God can make a difference in her life...if she will just trust Him!

Mama Barb

"News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them" (Matthew 4:24 NIV).

Mark 1:7-8

2010-03-24T04:21:00.000-07:00

"And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

John the Baptist has been baptizing people in the desert and preaching a whole new song of the day. Telling people to live lives of changed hearts and forgiveness of sins. When the Holy One approaches John and now wants to be baptized by him.

Can you imagine this seen? These two men are second cousins actually. John the Baptist was the son of Zachariah & Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Mary were cousins and found each other pregnant when Mary came to visit her.

John's baptisms was a purification rite for repentant sinners, performed in "living water" (in this case the running water of the River Jordan) in accord with Jewish custom. All four gospels relate to John's ministry, his preaching and baptism in the River Jordan. Most notably he is the one who recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and on Jesus' request, baptized him.

The baptism marked the beginning of Jesus' ministry. The Gospels of Mark, Matthew and (most clearly) Luke relate that Jesus came from Galilee to John and was baptized by him, whereupon the Spirit descended upon him and a voice from Heaven told him he was God's Son.

How exciting this day was!! Heaven opened up a window and a dove descended and rested upon His shoulders. God has such an amazing way of showing us His deep love for us. This made me think back to the time of Noah...Noah kept sending out the dove until it came back with an olive branch...it was the sign Noah needed to know the rains has stopped and the waters were receding. The storms were finally over.

Jesus is about to begin His ministry...and He comes to John to stand before the Father and he asked to be baptized...this marking the start of a new beginning. The Son of Man is about to take His position in eternity.

If you have never taken in this picture and understood the powerful message of baptism. I ask you to go to the Father today...pray that He would reveal His will for you and the message He gives us on baptism. John says, "I baptize you with water, but One is coming who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit" (Mark 1:8).

"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. — Malachi 3:1 (KJV)

May the God of Peace bless you today!

Mama Barb

Gospel of Mark

2010-03-23T03:59:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give some history about this book before we begin, because I simply didn't know anything to tell you. I went to look through some materials I have here at home. I also used the internet to see what I might find on the writer of the Gospel of Mark. I also wanted to confirm my findings were true before I began. I really didn't know much about the writer or the historical setting of the Book of Mark at all. So what an awesome blessing for me to do some research and learn so much more about God's Word.

The Book of Mark was written by John Mark around A.D. 60. Mark (his Roman name) and John (his Jewish name) was not an eyewitness of the life of Jesus. But he is a close companion of the apostle Peter, who passed on the details of his association with Jesus to John Mark. Whereas Matthew wrote his Gospel to a Jewish audience, Mark seems to target Roman believers. He uses Latin, the language of the Romans, for certain expressions as he writes his Gospel in Greek. Mark describes time according to the Roman system, and carefully explains Jewish customs and omits the traditional Jewish genealogies as found in Matthew. Mark presents Jesus as the Suffering Servant. He focuses more on Jesus' deeds than His teachings. He demonstrates the humanity of Christ and describes His human emotions, His limitations as a human, and ultimately His physical death.

Many have asked the question, "Why four Gospels? Couldn't the story of Jesus have been given in one book rather than four?" The apostle John goes the other way and ends his Gospel with the observation that if all that Jesus had done and said had been written down, "even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written" (John 21:25). Each of the Gospel writers gives the story of Jesus from his perspective and for his particular intended audience. As a result, each Gospel contains distinctive material. Taken together, the four Gospels form a complete testimony about Jesus Christ.

Life Lessons from Mark:

Opposition to your beliefs should not keep you from continuing to carry on the work of God has called you to do.

Follow Christ's call and seek a life of self-denial and personal sacrifice.

Jesus came to serve, and you should desire to follow His example.
From the book, "The Bare Bones Bible Handbook" by Jim George.

One of the key verses from the Book of Mark is:

Mark 10:45 "In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."

This information I found from Max Lucado in the Devotional Study Bible.

Mark's perspective comes from his association with Peter, the disciple who becomes the chief spokesman for this new religious movement. In Mark, the Lord is presented as an active, compassionate, and obedient Servant who constantly ministers to the physical and spiritual needs of others. At the same time Mark clearly shows the power and authority of this unique Servant, showing Him as no less than the Son of God.

I look forward to the days ahead reading God message through the Gospel of Mark. Jesus asked His disciples two questions in the eighth chapter, "Who do people say I am?" Then He asked them, "But who do you say I am? These are good questions for us to think about as we begin.

So let's get started...

Mama Barb

Matthew 28:5-7

2010-03-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

Mary Magdalene and another Mary were on their way to the tomb to prepare Jesus's body for burial. Because of the time of Jesus' death...His body was placed in the tomb...but it was not given the proper burial as was tradition. These ladies were on their way to achieve that task.

I wonder what if Mary & Mary simply had decided not to go back to the tomb and prepare His body. What if they had sat down and said..."What's the use?" What if they had just given up? What if they had just thrown up their hands and said..."I don't care anymore, He is gone and I have no hope of a Savior!"

Whether or not they were tempted to, I'm glad they didn't quit. That would have been tragic. You see they thought they were alone. They weren't alone though...they thought their journey was going unnoticed. That was not the case...God knew! He was watching them walk up the mountain. He was measuring their steps. I can just see Him smiling at them...thrilled at their devotion. And He had a surprise waiting just for them!

Why did the angel move the stone? What reason did he really roll the rock away? For Jesus? Well when I truly think on this question..I know in my heart it was not so Jesus could come out...it was so these women could look in!

Think about it...does God really need to move a rock so Jesus can come out? Did the stone have to be removed in order for Jesus to exit? Was the conqueror of death so weak that He couldn't do that for Himself? The one who healed the blind...and brought Lazarus back to life again, you really think He couldn't come out unless someone moved the stone?

These verses tell us that Jesus was already out when the stone was moved. Read it again...verse 6 says, "Come and see the place where he lay." The stone was not moved so Jesus could come out...but so that these women could see in!

Our Scripture goes on to say in verses 7 & 8, "Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." The two Mary's don't have to be told twice...they look and see that their Savior is not there and turn to tell the others...the Good News!

Now I want to just think about my Savior's joy for a moment. I know He takes great delight in giving precious gifts to those He loves. Those who know Him as a personal Savior. In verses 9 & 10 Jesus meets them and says, "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

The God of surprises strikes again. It's as if He can't wait any longer. I can hear Him say, "They came this far to see me...I'm going to drop in on them so they can rejoice and have full joy!"

I know when I have a gift for my husband...or my children...I really can't wait until they open the gift! I want to help them untie the ribbon...and tear open the paper. I can just sense that this is the same excitement of Jesus that day!

Because see my Savior is a God of love and mercy...God does that for the faithful. Just when the womb gets to old for babies, Sarai gets pregnant. Just when the failure is too great for grace, David is pardoned. And just when the road is too dark for Mary and Mary, the angel glows and the Savior shows and the two women will never be the same.

The lesson? Three words, "Don't give up!" Is the trail dark? Don't sit. Is the road long? Don't stop. Is the night black? Don't quit. God is watching for all you know right at this moment He may be telling the angel to move the stone.

God still sends His angels...and God still moves stones!

But there is one more thing God does in this chapter of Matthew...He gives the "Great Commission" to His followers. Matthew 28:18-20 says, "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

So I have to ask you, "What does the Great Commission mean to you? Has it made a practical difference in your life?" There are so many opportunities to serve in God's Kingdom. Take a moment and seek God's direction for what that means to you. Ask God for wisdom to understand where you fit in to His plan.

"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (Colossians 1:28-29).

I love you and pray God's grace to you...that you may look in the tomb and see the real victory!

Mama Barb

Matthew 27:51-54

2010-03-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

"At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

This section of Scripture is one that truly causes me to stop and reflect, "What do I do with that day in history? What do I do with its claims?"

If it really happened...if God did commandeer his own crucifixion...if he did turn his back on his own son...If he did storm Satan's gate, then those six hours that Friday were packed with tragic triumph. If that was God on the cross, then the hill called Skull is a granite studded with stakes to which I can anchor.

Those six hours were not normal six hours. They were the most critical hours in history. For during those six hours on that Friday, God embedded in the earth three anchor points sturdy enough to withstand any hurricane.

Anchor point #1 My life is not futile! This rock secures my very heart. Its sole function is to give me something which I can grip when facing the surging tides of futility and relativism...Someone is in control and I have a purpose!

Anchor point #2 My failures are not fatal. It's not that He loves what I did, but He loves who I am...The one who has the right to condemn me has provided the way to acquit me. I make mistakes. God doesn't. And He made me...I am no mistake!

Anchor point #3 My death is not final. There is one more stone to which I must tie...It blocked the door of a grave. It wasn't big enough, though...He only went in to prove He could come OUT!. And on the way out He took the stone with Him and turned it into an anchor point...Tie it to His rock and the storm of the tomb becomes a spring breeze on Easter Sunday!

Three anchor points that can secure me to eternity...the cross!

Some people would rather see Jesus dead than controlling their lives. What room in the castle of your life - career, family, church - needs to be placed under Christ's control? Don't hesitate a day...Pray now! Give your life fully to Him. He tore the veil from top to bottom...so you and I might enter in...but more importantly...is that He could come out!

"At one time you were separated from God. You were his enemies in your minds, and the evil things you did were against God. But now God has made you his friends again. He did this through Christ's death in the body so that he might bring you into God's presence as people who are holy, with no wrong, and with nothing of which God can judge you guilty" 1 (Colossians 1:2-22 NCV).

Mama Barb

Matthew 26:26-30

2010-03-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

This morning I wanted to look up more history on the Mount of Olives. I did a Google search of it and found out some very interesting facts about this very sacred place.

The Mount of Olives is first mentioned in connection with David's flight from Absalom (David's son) (II Samuel 15:30): "And David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up." The ascent was probably east of the City of David, near the village of Silwan.

The sacred character of the mount is alluded to in the Ezekiel (11:23): "And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city."

Then there are those passages in Scripture that talk about the Mount of Olives an the dishonor that was brought upon this sacred place...

Solomon built altars to the gods of his wives on the southern peak (I Kings 11:7-8). During the reign of King Josiah, the mount was called the Mount of Corruption (II Kings 23:13). I did not know that Solomon built alters to the gods of his wives on the Mount of Olives...did you?

And this last reference of the Mount of Olives is the one taken from this part of Scripture...

The New Testament, tells how Jesus and his friends sang together - "When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives" Matthew 26:30. Jesus ascended to heaven from the Mt of Olives as recorded in the book of Acts 1:9-12. It will be the Mt of Olives to which he is to return as stated in the book of Acts 1:11.

The Mount of Olives is frequently mentioned in the New Testament (Matthew 21:1;26:30, etc.) as the route from Jerusalem to Bethany and the place where Jesus stood when he wept over Jerusalem. Jesus is said to have spent time on the mount, teaching and prophesying to his disciples (Matthew 24-25), including the Olivet discourse, returning after each day to rest (Luke 21:37), and also coming there on the night of his betrayal (Matthew 26:39). At the foot of the Mount of Olives lies the Garden of Gethsemane.

I find this information beautiful in my learning about the places that Jesus traveled, taught, and then His betrayal. This evening in Matthew 26 is the final meal with His followers. Judas has been revealed as the one that will betray Jesus...the very Scripture is, Matthew 26:25 "Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."

Jesus knows Judas is the one...yet He continues on with the blessing of the Lord's Supper...and Judas is present. How can this be? This kind of grace? Jesus' willingness to obey God during the events leading up to his death is what made salvation possible.

Please consider this just a little more if you will...consider the holiness of Christ. To even do this we must be firmly grounded in our security in Christ. It is important for us to understand the righteousness of Christ. Not only that...but His righteousness is credited to us!

On numerous occasions the Scriptures tell us that Jesus during His time on earth lived a perfectly holy life.

But the holiness of Jesus was more than simply the absence of actual sin. It was His willingness to submit to His Father's will!

It is possible for us to do the right action from the wrong motives. But this does not please God! Holiness has to do with more than mere acts. Our motives our heart must be holy, that is, us rising to the desire to do something simply because it is the will of God!

Now please consider this holiness of Christ. "I always do what pleases Him." Do we dare take that as our personal goal in life? I have to say no I don't! Am I truly willing to scrutinize all my activities, goals, plans, and impulsive actions in the light of this statement? Really, am I doing this to PLEASE GOD? No, I fail more than I would ever succeed.

But this is the example He gave us to follow in all of our thoughts, actions and in every part of our character. This very ruling principle that motivates and guides us should be the desire to follow Christ in doing the will of the Father. I must choose the high road in my pursuit of holiness.

Back to the visual of the Mount of Olives...Jesus went up and prayed, wept and taught from this very place. It was a high point geographically in Bible times and it is a very sacred place today. Jesus wept over Jerusalem from this point the eve He was to be betrayed. He prayed that God would take the cup from Him..3 times He prayed this! But He also prayed, Your will be done...not mine. I see the deep sadness and grieving of Christ' spirit. He went to the cross alone...because of His pursuit of Holiness. What DEEP LOVE that is to me!

"Jesus answered, "Those are your words. But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of God, the Powerful One, and coming on clouds in the sky" (Matthew 26:64 NCV).

He knew the pain would not last forever...but the pursuit of Holiness would be our eternity.

Do you really want to follow Christ's example by doing the will of the Father? Are you ready and willing to submit your plans, thoughts, and behavior to Him? If submitting is difficult for you...and it is for me...pray specifically that God will help you in this area.

"Now that you are obedient children of God do not live as you did in the past. You did not understand, so you did the evil things you wanted. But be holy in all you do, just as God, the One who called you, is holy. It is written in the Scriptures: "You must be holy, because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:14-16 NCV).

Mama Barb

Matthew 25:1-2

2010-03-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to wait for the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise."

Jesus tells the story of the ten bridesmaids. Five were wise and took extra oil for their lanterns and 5 did not. The bridegroom was late and the bridesmaids grew sleepy. When the shout came that the bridegroom was coming, the 5 who did not take extra oil ask the others to share...By then they too only had enough for themselves. They told the unwise to go and by more from those who sell it. The 5 unwise went to buy more...but when they returned they found the door closed and they were locked out. The point of Jesus' story is to always, always be prepared. We never know the exact hour or minute when Jesus will return.

But I don't think Jesus was telling me to hoard supplies and stock up for end times with this story. No, what I do think the message is here is, Jesus wants me to be busy in service and in sharing the good news right up until the day of His great return. Watchfulness and active service do go hand in hand.

Because I don't have to be afraid of Judgment Day...all my sins are forgiven and forgotten! They are blotted out and remembered no more. All the things in my life that are rotten and filthy, and all the things that are so shameful that I have never dared to share them with anyone, will be erased from my records. In place of all that garbage will be recorded all the magnificent things that Jesus did for me.

The joy that comes from thinking about glory is a joy available to all who have surrendered their lives to Christ. All they have to do is just stop and reflect on it all from time to time. Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? Is your name written in the Book of Life?

I have a dear friend, Theresa Bonnet. Many of you know her...and many may not. She is the most joy-filled woman of god that I know. Theresa talks about the return of Christ every day. She laughs and jokes at times..."I hope my Savior comes today...because I have a sink full of dishes I'd love to leave behind!" But really, she is ready for His glorious return. When Jesus used this example of the 10 bridesmaids going out to wait for the Lord's return...Theresa is the one that comes to mind for me. She is always busy serving and doing God work. She continually looks for all ways to serve her King. Not only that, but she does it with full joy! Yes sometimes Theresa tries to work her magic in her task...but God in His beautiful love for Theresa guides her to His will...which she knows is the very best for her. Theresa is a woman who goes out with her extra oil knowing God may be coming at any moment and she wants Him to see her with her light shining for His Kingdom.

I ask you again...do you know the joy of being forgiven? If not, come to Jesus and lay your past AS well as your future at His feet. Take comfort in knowing that no matter what the circumstances, Christ remains within you!

1 Timothy 6:12-14
"Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever. You were called to have that life when you confessed the good confession before many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, I give you a command. Christ Jesus made the good confession when he stood before Pontius Pilate. Do what you were commanded to do without wrong or blame until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again."

1 Peter 1:13-15
"So prepare your minds for service and have self-control. All your hope should be for the gift of grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ is shown to you. Now that you are obedient children of God do not live as you did in the past. You did not understand, so you did the evil things you wanted. But be holy in all you do, just as God, the One who called you, is holy."

My prayer is that you KNOW Him!

Mama Barb

Matthew 24:36, 42-44, 46 (NCV)

2010-03-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

"No one knows when that day or time will be, not the angels in heaven, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.

"So always be ready, because you don't know the day your Lord will come. Remember this: If the owner of the house knew what time of night a thief was coming, the owner would watch and not let the thief break in. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at a time you don't expect him.

When the master comes and finds the servant doing his work, the servant will be blessed."

In this chapter Jesus prophesied about the second coming from the Mount of Olives, where the prophet Zechariah predicted the Messiah would stand when He came to establish His Kingdom. (If you have time read the book of Zechariah. Chapter 9 tells of the coming King...it is an amazing book. Somehow I never read the pages before like I did today.)

So if we read Matthew 24...and know that Jesus is who He says He is. He is telling His followers about a time when He will come again. He describes it like the days of Noah when people just went about their business and no one knew the appointed time of the flood. "They knew nothing about what was happening until the flood came and destroyed them. It will be the same when the Son of Man comes. Two men will be in the field. One will be taken, and the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain with a mill. One will be taken, and the other will be left"(Mathew 24:39-41 NCV).

What kind of people should we be? Peter tells us, "You should live holy lives and serve God, as you wait for and (here is that word again) look forward to the coming of the day of God" (2 Peter 3:11-12 NCV).

But we must remember that hope for a future is not a license for irresponsibility in the present. We must wait...but remembering we are waiting forwardly.

For many of us waiting is not a problem. Or, maybe waiting IS our real problem! We are so good at waiting that we are not waiting forwardly. We forget to look. We become so complacent in our lives...we forget to look. We are to content. We seldom search the skies. We rarely run to the temple...We seldom, if ever, allow the Holy Spirit to interrupt our plans and lead us to worship so that we might SEE JESUS!

So really it is to those of us who are good at waiting and weak in our watching that our Lord was speaking to when He says, "No one knows when that day or time will be, not the angels in heaven, not even the Son. Only the Father knows...So always be ready, because you don't know the day your Lord will come!

We are to wait forwardly...patiently vigilant...always going about God's work. But not so patient that we lose our vigilance. Nor so vigilant what we lose our patience either.

I have to ask myself, "If Jesus were to return this very moment, would I be prepared? What would He find me doing? If I am not prepare...what steps must I take so I would be prepared? Remember the first thing the Lord asks of me is to, "Lead a holy life."

"Who is the wise and loyal servant that the master trusts to give the other servants their food at the right time? When the master comes and finds the servant doing his work, the servant will be blessed" (Matthew 24:45-46)NCV.

I don't know about you..but I want to be blessed by my Lord. I want to be the one He takes because He sees me doing His will. Please know it is a daily battle...God tells us to fight will all the power of the Holy Spirit! But to remember to be ready...because He is coming!

Mama Barb

Matthew 23:25-26

2010-03-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

Jesus held nothing back in His words to the Pharisees and the religious leaders. He had spent 3 years of His ministry trying to teach them...and they just got more and more jealous of Him. To a point they wanted Him dead.

Even though Jesus' words were harsh to the religious leaders...He spoke truth to them. Human rules, practices and interpretations became more important than God's Law. Jesus condemned the Pharisees as hypocrites.

His words were uncharacteristically harsh, though not unjustifiably harsh. He was justified in His rebuke to them. The normal form of rebuke He made to sinners was, gentle. He spoke tenderly, though firmly to the woman caught in adultery, and to the woman at the well. It seems that Jesus saved His severe comments for the big boys! Those theological professionals...with them He spared no words.

"The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men" (Isaiah 29:13).

The old saying is, "Nothing dispels a lie better than the truth." Or "Nothing reveals a fake better than the genuine article." What every counterfeiter fears is that you would hold that fake up to the real thing and see that is is worthless.

Jesus was the real deal. The presence of Jesus represented the genuine in the midst of bogus fakes. Here authentic holiness appeared...and they were being exposed for the snakes that they were.

Yet, Jesus went to the cross even for them. He never said, "I'll get you!" He left the judging to God. He actually prayed for them..."Forgive them Lord for they don't know what they are doing?"

If there was a person who deserved revenge it is Jesus...instead He died for them. How could He do that? I don't even know...but it makes any untruths spoken about me seem small. All of a sudden my wounds are very painless in comparison. All my grudges and hard feelings seem childish when I compare them to the cross.

The next time you face criticism, consider how Jesus carefully chose His words and used Scripture to answer His opponents.

Mama Barb

1 John 1:8, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." (NIV)

John 8:32, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (NIV)

Matthew 22:28-32

2010-03-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
" 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
"Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
"The first," they answered.
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

We have all had that moment where we were called to do something and we really didn't want to do it. Sometimes we even went so far as telling that person who has called upon us..."NO, not this time." Then as time passes...we see why that response was not the best and we go back and choose to do the thing we rejected in the first place.

The Pharisees in this story were so jealous of Jesus by this time. Jesus had just rode in on the donkey with praises from the people. He walked into the temple and witness the corruption of the money changers...and turned over the tables and threw them all out of the House of God. The Pharisees and religious leaders of the day were looking for any way they could to have Jesus arrested to be done with him.

Then Jesus tells the story of the 2 sons. One who said no, I will not go into the vineyard and work...then later decides to go. The other says OK, I'll go and never does. Which one are you in the story?

I know I rejected the idea of working in the vineyard at first. And truthfully, I was the seed that was planted on shallow ground. The weeds of life quickly came and choked out the roots and it never grew to it's full potential. Even though that seed was dormant for years...it found a day when the rain came and it was germinated into life again. This time it found the ability to grow and produce fruit. It's roots grew deep into the soil and a stronger tree is the product of the life giving rain that came.

Sometimes my tree experiences drought, high winds, hail, and bitter cold. But with the roots deep into the ground...the Word of God...it always comes through the storms. Sometimes it might loose a branch or too. Sometimes the leaves are shed from the hail...but there is always a day when the Son's shine and His healing waters come...the tree quickly recovers and new leaves are plentiful again. Flowers bud and their smell is fragrant for all to experience.

This is my work in the vineyard. To share God's love and redeeming grace with others. "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4"

Please dear sisters and brothers in Christ "let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." (NLT)1John 3:18

Be a part of the work in His vineyard!
Mama Barb

Matthew 18:2-4

2010-03-08T04:34:00.000-08:00

"He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Humility is a fruit of the Spirit, the result of his ministry in our hearts. But this ministry does not occur without deliberate, conscious effort on our part. The Spirit does not make us humble; he enables us to humble ourselves in these difficult situations.

We should judge ourselves...I have to ask myself, "When do I put my needs before others? Before Michael's, my children, those in the Body of Christ? What steps can I take to put their needs ahead of my own?"

Mama Barb

Matthew 17:10-13

2010-03-03T04:31:00.000-08:00

"The disciples asked him, "Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"

Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist."

Something bigger is here today for me in this passage. Jesus' own followers were still questioning the Scriptures and Him as the Messiah. In this chapter Jesus takes Peter, James & John...the brother of James with him to the high mountain. They actually witness Jesus' transformation right before their very eyes. The Word says, "While they watched, Jesus' appearance was changed; his face became bright like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. Then Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus." Matthew 17:2-3).

After this transformation...Peter is trying to tell Jesus, Let us build shelters for them...one for Jesus, one for Moses...and one for Elijah. When Peter was still speaking...Mind you Peter never really shuts up long enough to listen! A cloud covers them and they hear a shout..." "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" Matthew 17:5. The disciples fall to their faces in fear...and Jesus comes to them to comfort them with His touch.

How perfect this picture is. They have been given a moment to see Jesus as no one else...and they can't stop talking about the things right in front of them...I will build a shelter for you...maybe it was nerves...but, one more thing happens...

When they come back down the mountain...Jesus warns them not to tell anyone what they saw until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Then his followers ask Him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" Matthew 17:10 Ok, didn't Jesus already tell them that if they believed...then they would know John the Baptist was Elijah? (Matthew 11:14).

Here in this passage Jesus is telling them once again..."Yes the religious leaders are right in what they say about the coming Messiah. Elijah will come first...but he did...and they rejected him and did what they wanted to do to him. So it will be with the Son of Man. The last verse finally says, "Then the followers understood that Jesus was talking about John the Baptist." They finally got it! Whew!

How long have you been there...you know the Truth. You have surrendered to Him. But you still have doubts? How can all this be? How did deity and humanity coexist in one person? It is beyond my very own understanding...I do know this...If a prince leaves his royal palace to live in the slums, his position has changed, but he is still the same person. He can empty himself of his privileged place and veil his true identity, but he cannot empty himself of his personhood. So it was with the Lord Jesus. He did not consider His position with the Father in heaven something He had to hold on to at all costs. He came as a man so that He might die for humankind.

I hold to the truth that "in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9), and that means He always possessed all the attributes of deity.

He is the King of Kings!

I ask you to do this one thing today, When did God open your eyes to accept him? Recount the experience when God took your heart and made it new. Thank Him for His grace. In your day today...look for a way to tell someone your story. Yes you have one! Remember that moment where it was just you and Jesus...and you KNEW...your life was changed forever!

Mama Barb

Numbers 14:22 (NLT)

2010-02-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

"Not one of these people will ever enter that land. They have all seen my glorious presence and the miraculous signs I performed both in Egypt and in the wilderness, but again and again they have tested me by refusing to listen to my voice."

We were given a challenge this morning in worship service to make more time for God and actively listen to what He may be trying to tell us. It made me think..."Do I really listen to God? Do I slow down enough to hear Him speak."

While I was sitting there reading His Word...He opened my heart wide and poured His love and mercy into me.

This very Scripture said it all to me. I don't want to be included in a group of people that test the Lord time and time again...and doesn't believe in all the miraculous signs He performs!

Then God took me to a devotional page in my Bible that showed me the real Love of Christ!

The Promised Land flowed with milk and honey because of the abundance of figs, dates, and nuts there. But the land also contained many imposing cities with tall, thick walls.

Ten of the twelve spies discouraged the people from trying to conquer Canaan. Rather than trust in God's promises, they looked at unfavorable military odds. Though God had promised to be faithful, his people did not believe him.

"Then Jesus took the loaves of bread, thanked God for them, and gave them to the people who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish, giving as much as the people wanted." (John 6:11)

When the disciples didn't pray, Jesus prayed. When the disciples didn't see God, Jesus sought God. When the disciples were weak, Jesus was strong. When the disciples had no faith, Jesus had faith. He thanked God.

For what? The crowds? The pandemonium? The weariness? The faithless disciples? No, he thanked God for the basket of bread. He ignored the clouds and found the ray and thanked God for it.

Look what he does next. "Jesus divided the bread and gave it to his followers, who gave it to the people" (Matthew 14:19)

Rather than punish the disciples, he employs them. There they go, passing out the bread they didn't request, enjoying the answer to the prayer they didn't even pray. If Jesus would have acted according the the faith of his disciples, the multitudes would have gone unfed. But he didn't and he doesn't God is true to us even when we forget him.

God's blessings are dispensed according to the riches of his grace, not according to the depth of our faith. "If we are not faithful, he will still be faithful, because he cannot be false to himself." (2 Timothy 2:13)

Why is that important to know? So you won't get cynical. Look around you. Aren't there more mouths than bread? Aren't there more wounds than physicians? Aren't there more who need the truth than those who tell it? Aren't there more churches asleep than churches afire?

So what do we do? Throw up our hands and walk away? Tell the world we can't help them? That's what the disciples wanted to do. Should we just give up on the church?

No, we don't give up. We look up. We trust. We believe. And our optimism is not hollow. Christ has proven worthy. He has shown that he never fails, though there is nothing but failure in us...

God is faithful even when his children are not.

That's what makes God, God. (From a Gentle Thunder by Max Lucado)

So, I am so thankful that He is faithful...even when I am not. I am so blessed by His mercy and grace...when I don't even deserve it. So don't give up...look up...and believe, He loves you more than you could ever imagine! Really, take the time to listen...He will not only tell you...He will show you!

Mama Barb

Matthew 16: 26

2010-02-26T04:14:00.000-08:00

"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?[a] Is anything worth more than your soul?"

The Pharisees and the Sadducees were two prestigious groups of Jewish teachers who jockeyed for influence and power. Leaders in both groups failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Jesus did not seek to have earthly power like the Pharisees and Sadducees. He sought to build a kingdom that would last into eternity.

The pole of power is greasy.

The Roman emperor Charlemagne knew that. An interesting story surrounds the burial of this famous king. Legend has it that he asked to be entombed sitting upright in his throne. He asked that his crown be placed on his head and his scepter in his hand. He requested that the royal cape be draped around his shoulders and an open book be placed in his lap.

That was A.D.814. Nearly two hundred years later, Emperor Othello determined to see if the burial request had been carried out. He allegedly sent a team of men to open the tomb and make a report. They found the body just as Charlemagne had requested. Only now, nearly two centuries later, the scene was gruesome...But open on the skeletal thighs was the book Charlemagne had requested- the Bible. One bony finger pointed to Matthew 16:26 "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?"

You can answer that one!!
(from the Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado)

Life is like a play were you have been given the leading role....make it an Oscar winning performance! Empowered by God!

Mama Barb

Matthew 15:11 (NIV)

2010-02-25T04:34:00.000-08:00

"What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.' "

I think this is one of my favorite chapters in the book of Matthew. Jesus is very firm with the Pharisees...they were so focused on the outside of the body...what was clean or unclean. They never considered the heart.

Although the Pharisees were experts in God's Law, they lacked proper understanding of the purpose of the Law. Most importantly, they lacked faith in God.

The Pharisees had faith in the religious system Jesus pointed to God who was beyond the system they worshiped.

I have to laugh at the disciples here...they say to Jesus in verse 12: "Do you know that the Pharisees are angry because of what you said?" And Jesus responds with "Stay away from the Parisees; they are blind leaders. And if a blind person leads a blind person both will fall into a ditch!"

But the disciples still don't get it! The ask Him to explain what He means! This must be where the phrase comes from "It's like the blind leading the blind". Jesus is trying so hard to help them understand that God doesn't care about our outer self. It is the heart He is looking at. The condition of the heart reveals the true life of that person! And the condition of the heart comes out in the very words we speak! If we have a bitter uncaring heart...our mouths will reveal it in all it's glory!

When you obey certain rules today, stop and think through why you obey them. "I don't speed because...I don't cheat on my income taxes because...I honor my family because..." What condition is your heart in today? Will it reveal Jesus? I know I have to pray everyday that the condition of my heart is full of God's love for me!

Mama Barb

Matthew 14:28-31 (NCV)

2010-02-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

"Peter said, "Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water."

Jesus said, "Come."

And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, "Lord, save me!"

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, "Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?"

You know as long as Jesus is one of many options, he is not option! As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don't need someone to carry them. As long as your situation brings you no grief, you will receive no comfort. And as long as you can take him or leave him, you might as well leave him, because he won't be taken halfheartedly!

Peter knew better than to bite the hand that could save him...so he reached out and said, "Save me Lord!" Remember Peter is the one who denies Christ 3 times...and swears he will never do it! So, even when I fail...and it is often! I have a Savior who will carry my burdens! I have a great comfort from the only Comforter I need. He is my ONLY OPTION! He is my passion! So I have no problem crying out, "Save me Lord!

"Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life." Ecclesiastes 7:12 (NLT)

Mama Barb

Matthew 13:11

2010-02-23T04:28:00.000-08:00

"Jesus answered, 'You have been chosen to know the secrets about the kingdom of heaven, but others cannot know these secrets'."

God speaks all languages - including mine! He says, " I will...show you were to go" (Psalm 32:8). Are we not urged to "accept teaching from His mouth" (Job 22:22). So I ask you, "What language is God speaking to you?"

I am so very thankful He is speaking to me! Aren't you grateful that He cares enough to talk? Isn't it good to know that "the Lord tells his secrets to those who respect him (Psalm 25:14)?

God is speaking my language! "Barbara you have been chosen to know the secrets about the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 13:11). Put your name in the verse...He is speaking your language too!

Maybe a word of thanks is appropriate for speaking to me in a way that I can understand the treasures of the Kingdom! It's one thing to miss a message from your family on the cell phone...or an email from a friend. It's something else entirely to miss one from God about the destiny of your life!

Mama Barb

"That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and understands it. That person grows and produces fruit, sometimes a hundred time more, sometimes sixty times more and sometimes thirty times more"(Matthew 13:23).

Matthew 5:8

2010-02-22T04:24:00.000-08:00

Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (KJV)

Matthew 5:8, "You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world." (MSG)

These are pretty important words. God brought me back to them twice this morning...I would think He is trying to tell me something. When we prepare our hearts to experience Him, He will prepare our eyes to see Him. Plain and simple don't you think?

Mama Barb

Matthew 12:14-21 (NIV)

2010-02-19T04:21:00.000-08:00

But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, warning them not to tell who he was. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope."

I went back and re-read Isaiah 42:1-4 to cross reference this quote in Matthew. I love how God reveals His plan in the Old Testament and reminds us in the New, "I told you so!" The lengths He goes to to find even me. In my research I also found a sweet reminder of just how much my God really pours out His love for me. Jeremiah 31:2 says, "And from far away the Lord appeared to his people and said, "I love you people with a love that will last forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness."

I have to question why He didn't just give up? Why didn't He let His wrath cause us to burn the real death we deserved?

Even after generations of people had spit in His face, He still loved them. After a nation of chosen ones had stripped Him naked and ripped His incarnated flesh, He still died for them...for me! And even today, after billions have chosen to prostitute themselves before the pimps of power, fame, and wealth, He still waits for them...for me! So I am very blessed by the fact that "He chooses to love me with a love that will last forever." It leaves me in AWE OF HIS GLORY!

Mama Barb

Matthew 11: 9-19 (NCV)

2010-02-18T04:42:00.000-08:00

"So why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, and I tell you, John is more than a prophet. This was written about him:
'I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare the way for you.' — Malachi 3:1
"I tell you the truth, John the Baptist is greater than any other person ever born, but even the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. Since the time John the Baptist came until now, the kingdom of heaven has been going forward in strength, and people have been trying to take it by force. All the prophets and the law of Moses told about what would happen until the time John came. And if you will believe what they said, you will believe that John is Elijah, whom they said would come. Let those with ears use them and listen!

"What can I say about the people of this time? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace, who call out to each other,
'We played music for you, but you did not dance;
we sang a sad song, but you did not cry.'
John came and did not eat or drink like other people. So people say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came, eating and drinking, and people say, 'Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine, and he is a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved to be right by what she does."

This passage spoke to me today when reading Matthew. Jesus is talking about John the Baptist...His reference to the verse in Malachi 3:1 "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty." He calls John Elijah! "And if you will believe what they said, you will believe that John is Elijah, whom they said would come." (Matthew 11:14) The NIV version says it this way, "And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come."

Man, I have never seen this before! Jesus talks about..."Since the time John the Baptist came until now, the kingdom of heaven has been going forward in strength, and people have been trying to take it by force. All the prophets and the law of Moses told about what would happen until the time John came." They came and play music and they did not dance...they sang a sad song and they did not cry....they just didn't get it.

Do you? Go read this passage for your self. Read it through other translations and see what it says to you. I am amazed! God's word is so new and fresh each time I read.

Mama Barb

Matthew 10:16-20 (NCV)

2010-02-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

"Listen, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as clever as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be careful of people, because they will arrest you and take you to court and whip you in their synagogues. Because of me you will be taken to stand before governors and kings, and you will tell them and the non-Jewish people about me. When you are arrested, don't worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given the things to say. It will not really be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

We need to remember that the disciples were common men given a compelling task. Before they were the stained-glassed saints in churches of today, they were somebody's next door neighbor trying to make a living and raise a family. They weren't cut from theological cloth or raised on supernatural milk. But they were an ounce more devoted than they were afraid and, as a result did some extraordinary things.

We are all called to be disciples in Christ. That doesn't mean God expects you to got out and beat your Bible at people to get them to turn from their sinful ways. Actually, I bet that didn't even work for you to find Christ! What He does expect as a follower of Christ is to Love as He has Loved you! Mercy, kindness, gentleness, self-control...all these things are of Christ! When we love like He Loves...people are drawn to the God in your life. "Tell me more about this Jesus you claim to know!"

In His Love all things are POSSIBLE,
Mama Barb

Matthew 9:9-12

2010-02-16T04:33:00.000-08:00

When Jesus was leaving, he saw a man named Matthew sitting in the tax collector's booth. Jesus said to him, "Follow me," and he stood up and followed Jesus.

As Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with Jesus and his followers. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked Jesus' followers, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

When Jesus heard them, he said, "It is not the healthy people who need a doctor, but the sick.

This is the story of Matthew's calling...he was just a bottom feeder tax collector. A real thug in his community. God called him, Matthew answered. Others religious leaders didn't get it. How is this man eating and basically having community with sinners? Well Jesus tells them...I didn't come for the healthy...I came for the sick and dying...to give them hope! Glad I was included in that! He came so that I might live. Amen!

Matthew 8:23-26

2010-02-15T04:36:00.000-08:00

Jesus Calms a Storm

"Jesus got into a boat, and his followers went with him. A great storm arose on the lake so that waves covered the boat, but Jesus was sleeping. His followers went to him and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We will drown!"

Jesus answered, "Why are you afraid? You don't have enough faith." Then Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm."

"If you lose your faith, you will probably do so gradually in tiny increments you will get spiritually sloppy." (Max Lucado) Huh, spiritually sloppy! Man did that hit home. It caused me to think about my desire to loose more pounds again. I was not eating good anymore. I was getting sloppy and lax with my eating habits. The pounds just crept back on...and before I knew it I had re-gained 8lbs. Then sat there and said, "How did that happen?" Duh! You big nut! You got sloppy!

If I want to stay spiritually strong I have to remember that it will required daily, DAILY meditation, prayer, Bible study, keeping centered with other believers..all this to keep me from being spiritually sloppy. I need Jesus in my boat when the storms hit!

Luke 9:23, "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (NIV)

I have to remember this very verse...I must deny myself and take up my cross daily! This is the way I will stay spiritually sound. If I want to loose those unwanted pounds...I have to deny the Girl Scout cookies, breakfast tacos, pizza, on & on...I need my spiritually Compass! His name is Jesus!

"Stability in the storm comes not from seeking a new message but from understanding an old one. The most reliable anchor points are not recent discoveries, but are time-tested truths that have held their ground against the winds of change.

Attach your soul to these boulders and no wave is big enough to wash you under!" Max Lucado

Matthew 7:1-2 (NCV)

2010-02-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

"Don't judge others, or you will be judged. You will be judged in the same way that you judge others, and the amount you give to others will be given to you.

Be careful when you judge, That doesn't mean we shouldn't discern. That does mean we shouldn't pass the verdict. The amount of grace you give is the amount you get.

Jesus had another view of the man born blind. Rather than see him as an opportunity for discussion, he saw him as an opportunity for God. Why was he blind? "So that God's power could be shown in him" (John 9:3).

What a perspective! The man wasn't a victim of fate; he was a miracle waiting to happen. Jesus didn't label him. He helped him. Jesus was more concerned about the future that the past.

Who do you best relate to in this story? Some of you relate to the man born blind. You have been the topic of conversation. You have been left on the outside looking in. You've been labeled.

If so, learn what this man learned: When everyone else rejects you, Christ accepts you. When everyone else leaves you, Christ finds you. When no one else wants you, Christ claims you. When no one else will give you the time of day, Jesus will give you the words of eternity.

Others of you will relate to the observers. You've judged. You've labeled. You've slammed the gavel and proclaimed the guilt before knowing the facts. If that is you, go back to John 9:4 and understand what the work of God is: "While it is daytime, we must continue doing the work of the One who sent me."

What is the work of God? Accepting people. Loving before judging. Caring before condemning.

Look before you label. (From A Gentle Thunder by Max Lucado)

After reading this Scripture and looking into His word deeper this morning...God revealed to me how many times I have passed judgment on others. He also caused me to reflect on the times I felt judged and left on the outside looking in. Either case is not a good place to be. The grace I find in this lesson is the reminder of John 9:4 "While it is daytime, we must continue doing the work of the One who sent me." If I am in relationship with Christ...then I covet His grace and mercy. How much grace & mercy I give out...is the measure I will get back. I'm a sinner...I think I need all the grace and mercy I can get! Forgive me Lord when I fail to see that. Thank you for reminding me I need to just be going about your work while there is still daylight!

Barb Welch

Matthew 6:22-24

2010-02-12T04:26:00.000-08:00

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

It is so amazing to me to read a Scripture you know you have read many times and see God telling you something new within it. Today these verses spoke so loud to me. I know I want more stuff everyday. I fight that battle telling myself your flesh is driving that desire...it is not of God.

If the eye is he lamp of my body...and my eyes are good...my WHOLE BODY will be full of LIGHT! If I look to the things that pleases my Heavenly Father, He will create new desires in my heart for the things He wants for me.

The other side of that is...when my flesh controls me...then my eyes see with darkness...and my whole body becomes dark and there is nothing good in me anymore. I get a real visual...so to speak...of how dark that really becomes.

If I am to be a light to the world, I have to look for the things that are of God not of man. I can't serve two masters...one will bring me victory for eternity and the other might bring me victory for he moment...but it will fade to nothingness.

Go with the light,
Barb Welch

Hebrews 12:28

2010-02-10T04:26:00.000-08:00

"Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;" (NASB)

What a beautiful verse! I have received the Kingdom! And to add to that...it cannot be shaken! It can't be taken away from me. For such a precious gift that I have received what kind of response would you say shows gratitude? It causes me to think back on the gift I received...my children. God blessed me with two beautiful children...I would like to think that gift cannot be shaken! Even if He calls them to their heavenly home, that gift was mine...no one will ever take that experience and love away from me. My response for that gift of life is humbleness and awe!

This feeling I am talking about...is what I match to this kind of feeling of my salvation. I am so moved by a Savior who would die for me...a God who would bless me as the mother of my children...the only response to this precious gift for me is a humble, repentance heart. One that is willing to serve and give back for the unbelievable blessing I have received.

1 Chronicles 16:34, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (NIV)

Amen,
Barb Welch

Ephesians 4:2,

2010-02-09T04:33:00.000-08:00

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (NIV)

If I could remember that God does this for me. He has forgiven me of a multitude of sins. Most of which His grace poured over me...instead of his wrath. Instead of being all bent because the bag of chips was open and left out again...Just close the bag and put it back into the pantry.

I hate when I fall to my flesh! I get so frustrated when I can't express love like I have been created to do. Then I can't take back all the harsh words and actions. It leave a cut deep into the soul of my family. As much as they would like to tell me it's ok. They too carry that scar and rub it each time I fail...it's the memory of my last sin.

God forgive me when I choose not to love...forgive me for not taking a deep breath and waiting for you to fill me so I can close the chip bag and put it back in the pantry myself.

to be filled with Grace...

Jeremiah 29: 11,

2010-02-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future " (NIV).

For so long I never really thought about the fact that the Lord had plans for me to prosper. Having a relationship with Him and reading His Word. I have found the hope He is declaring in this verse. I never want to move forward without Jesus again. If I truly want success in my plans and hope for my future...my HOPE is in Jesus.

2010-02-07T16:04:00.000-08:00

"If you want good fruit, you must make the tree good. If your tree is not good, it will have bad fruit. A tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces” (Matthew 12:33 NCV).

I have heard this verse quoted many times. I have it underlined in my Bible…but I chose it to share with you because it has a very different meaning to me today. Last spring, I spent time reworking my garden in my backyard. My poor yard was so overgrown and needed some real tender care. But it meant rolling up my sleeves and getting my hands dirty. It was some of the hardest work I have ever done…but the payoff was tremendous. From just reading up on how to trim, feed and water my roses…they went from bare wilting bushes to flowering plants. I had flowers that I could create into beautiful arrangements. My kitchen was blessed with vases full of crimson red roses not to mention the wonderful smell I was able to enjoy.

This was a real picture of my spiritual self, wilted and dying. I had failed to spend time maintaining my spiritual tree…reading God’s word, feeding and watering my spirit. My spiritual tree was not good…it could never produce good fruit in its current shape.

It is my hope and prayer that we just take the time to read God’s Holy Word and allow it to just feed us the Fruits of His Spirit.

The book of Matthew is the first book of the Gospels. The Gospels are God’s love letters to us. Matthew, the author is a tax collector of the day. It makes me wonder what Jesus saw in him. The profession was not an honorable one…and people despised them. They took from there own people and gave to Rome. As long as they met their quota, they could tax whatever they wanted and as much as they wanted. People ducked when they saw them coming down the street.

Not only was Matthew a tax collector he was a public tax collector. Some tax collectors did their business underground. They would hire runners to do their dirty work. Matthew did not…he did all of his own. This made him a leech at the bottom of the pit. He pulled his big stretch limo right into the middle of town and set up his table for business. This is right where he was when Jesus called him.

Knowing this makes me wonder what Jesus saw in Matthew. Then again, what did Matthew see in Jesus that he was so willing to drop it all and follow him. The clergy of the day wouldn’t give Jesus the time of day. He really had no clout in the local church. No committee, no office…no special robes that set him apart. As a matter of fact…Jesus was a simple carpenter with calloused hands. He had dirt under his fingernails and holes in his sandals.

What a pair they were…whatever they saw in each other must have been something. Matthew heard the call and never went back. He spent the rest of his life convincing others that the carpenter was the King. Jesus gave the call and never took it back. He spent his life dying for people like Matthew, convincing a lot of us that if he had a place for Matthew, he just might have a place for us.

The content of this book is:

The birth and preparation of the Messiah 1:1-4:11
Jesus’ ministry in Galilee 4:12 – 20:29
Jesus’ last days on Earth 21:1 – 28:20

Because Matthew wrote to a Jewish audience he began his Gospel by showing through family records that Jesus was a descendant of both King David and Abraham.

Exploration Materials: Jesus’ family history – Ruth 4:18 – 22, 1 Chronicles 3:10 – 17, Luke 3:23 – 38, the virgin birth of Jesus Isaiah 7:14

Revelation 2:1-7

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

2008-09-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Mama Barb's Blog
When you come to visit you will find things going on with the Welch's...from Cara Jane's blog to the music of my son's band Tyagaraja. Current Bible study notes will be available here. I have a card stamping business, "Stamping with Joy"...You will also find some information about that here. It is a work in progress...so come and visit often.

Blessings to you,

Mama Barb Welch