tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4 2011-10-01T22:19:03Z Movable Type 4.21-en tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20184 2011-10-04T11:46:06Z 2011-10-01T22:19:03Z

[10/04/2011 "teEn-MAIL"] "OH, COME ON!" "Oh, come on! What's the problem. It will be fun. Join us." Such are the pleadings of friends that don't always lead down the right path. Regardless of the pressure we might feel to go along, serious consideration ought to be given to the "what"...

Carl Hanson [10/04/2011 "teEn-MAIL"] "OH, COME ON!" "Oh, come on! What's the problem. It will be fun. Join us." Such are the pleadings of friends that don't always lead down the right path. Regardless of the pressure we might feel to go along, serious consideration ought to be given to the "what" and "whom" with which we go along. Solomon exhorted. . . "(10) My son, IF SINNERS ENTICE YOU, DO NOT CONSENT. (11) If they say, 'COME WITH US, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; (12) like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; (13) we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; (14) THROW IN YOUR LOT AMONG US; we will all have one purse' -- (15) my son, DO NOT WALK IN THE WAY WITH THEM; HOLD BACK YOUR FOOT FROM THEIR PATHS, (16) for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood." (Proverb 1:10-16 ESV) Perhaps that doesn't sound like anything we would be enticed toward, but are there still areas of life where the draw to conform to those around us is strong and the same refusal to join in needs to prevail? Maybe the struggle we have had is when we have changed the direction of our life for the good and those around us have difficulty either accepting it or begin watching to see if it is for real. When we make changes in our life, it sometimes takes others time to accept those changes as genuine. Since many people often correct their behavior for a while only to eventually revert back into their hold habits, sometimes life changes are suspect. Then there is the other side where changes made from the old life to the new in Christ cause some of our friends to be SURPRISED we don't still join with them in the activities we once did. They may also make fun of us for the change of direction our life has made. Peter noted. . . "(3) For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. (4) With respect to this THEY ARE SURPRISED WHEN YOU DO NOT JOIN THEM in the same flood of debauchery, AND THEY MALIGN YOU; (5) but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." (1 Peter 4:3-5 ESV) Verse 4 in The New Living Translation reads. . . "(4) Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you." [NLT, © 2004, Wheaton, Illinois, Tyndale House Publishers] Have we experienced this? If not, it will eventually happen. However, the thing that may SURPRISE them most -- if they fail to eventually repent and change the course of their life as we have done -- is the accounting they will ultimately be called to give. Following Solomon's exhortation noted above, he went on to state that these would ultimately fall victim to their own actions. (Proverbs 1:18-19) Remaining with that old course is not wise. Regardless of the name calling, the ridiculing, the taunting, or the urging, may we refuse to "walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths." (Proverbs 1:15 ESV) Let us instead live to reveal the genuineness of our Christian walk and the wisdom of the Lord's Way. We may be SURPRISED at who eventually decides our course is actually the right way and decide to join us. Have a great day LIVING TO LEAD THE RIGHT WAY! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20183 2011-10-03T11:42:22Z 2012-01-22T00:29:13Z

Solomon was the wealthiest and wisest of all the kings of his time. (1 Kings 10:23) Because of his notoriety "the whole earth" sought to come into his presence to hear his wisdom. (1 Kings 10:24) Even the Queen of Sheba, after hearing unbelievable reports, came to hear and...

Carl Hanson Solomon was the wealthiest and wisest of all the kings of his time. (1 Kings 10:23) Because of his notoriety "the whole earth" sought to come into his presence to hear his wisdom. (1 Kings 10:24) Even the Queen of Sheba, after hearing unbelievable reports, came to hear and see. (1 Kings 10:6-7) After finding none of her questions were too difficult for Solomon to answer and explain (1 Kings 10:3), regarding all she had heard, she declared, "the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard." (1 Kings 10:7 ESV) To possess great wealth and wisdom seems to be the picture of one who truly has it made. In fact, the two go quite well together. Wealth without wisdom could bring one to quick ruin. How sad to eventually read of Solomon's heart being drawn away from wholly being toward the Lord. How did that drawing away begin? We read. . . "(1) Now KING SOLOMON LOVED MANY FOREIGN WOMEN, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, (2) from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, 'You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.' SOLOMON CLUNG TO THESE IN LOVE. (3) He had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines. And HIS WIVES TURNED AWAY HIS HEART. (4) For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and HIS HEART WAS NOT WHOLLY TRUE TO THE LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father" (1 Kings 11:1-4 ESV) Solomon's departure began by his being drawn to love FOREIGN women. He "clung to these in love." It appears that bond diminished his love for the Lord. In spite of God's warning such relationships could turn the heart after other gods, Solomon apparently set his wisdom aside and allowed worldly affection to draw him away. I can't imagine having two wives, let alone the number Solomon had. However, consider the point that it was the "FOREIGN" aspect that created the challenge. Loving that which is "FOREIGN" to the Will of God is often the cord that leads away. We must exercise caution regarding that to which we become attached. Rather than clinging, some cords need to be severed lest we become entangled, trapped, and drawn away from our love for God and His Will. Paul exhorted. . . "(9) Let LOVE BE GENUINE. Abhor what is evil; HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD. (10) Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (11) Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, SERVE THE LORD." (Romans 12:9-11 ESV) May we beware of all that is alien, FOREIGN, or "out of place" (Ephesians 5:4 ESV) in the relationship with God. Young people, when you begin considering who you will choose to spend your earthly life with, don't think it insignificant to consider the need for a shared faith in God and the truth of His Word. Trying to bring two ideologies together into the marriage relationship stands to create much conflict, especially when children come into the picture. However, the powerful influence of other attachments to people, organizations, and "things" holding values contrary to the Will of God is also not to be underestimated. That which properly relates to God and His Will will continue to move us toward Him. May our heart be focused there -- allowing our lives to be inseparably entangled in His love -- so that our heart will remain "wholly true to the LORD" like the heart of God's servant David. Have a great day FOLLOWING WHAT IS NATIVE TO THE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20182 2011-10-02T11:41:43Z 2011-10-02T11:41:55Z

Though some people speak out of ignorance -- TALKING about things they really don't know much about -- generally the thing that gets people TALKING is introducing a subject with which they are very familiar. However, unless we are asking questions, talking merely reveals what we already know. It...

Carl Hanson Though some people speak out of ignorance -- TALKING about things they really don't know much about -- generally the thing that gets people TALKING is introducing a subject with which they are very familiar. However, unless we are asking questions, talking merely reveals what we already know. It is in LISTENING that we are provided the opportunity for more insight and understanding. Which do we tend to do the most: TALKING or LISTENING? Instead of always expounding what we already know, LISTENING provides the opportunity for expanding our understanding. Solomon noted that it is through LISTENING to reproof that one gains wisdom while ignoring instruction is actually to despise oneself. (Proverbs 15:32) It is a refusal of the benefit that could be obtained. He also noted that through the LISTENING to advice and the acceptance of instruction one is able to gain future wisdom. (Proverbs 19:20) It has been said, "Most commit the same mistake with God that they do with their friends; they do all the talking." [Fulton J. Sheen] Though many courses may be taught in speech, LISTENING is a much needed skill to develop and use. But with all the voices around us, to whom are we LISTENING the most? Note the following rebuke of Israel. "(8) Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, IF YOU WOULD BUT LISTEN TO ME! (9) There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god. (10) I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. (11) But MY PEOPLE DID NOT LISTEN TO MY VOICE; Israel would not submit to me. (12) So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. (13) OH, THAT MY PEOPLE WOULD LISTEN TO ME, THAT ISRAEL WOULD WALK IN MY WAYS!" (Psalm 81:8-13 ESV) Oh that they had LISTENED. By refusing they were left to their own stubborn ways. Oh, that the world would LISTEN. Oh, that we would always keep a LISTENING ear toward God. Having two ears and only one mouth has been said to be an indication we should do twice as much LISTENING as TALKING. Expounding the truth of God and what He has done for us is something we ought to be doing. However, that sharing best comes through the spending of much time listening to Him. On more than one occasion Jesus exhorted, "HE WHO HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR." (Matthew 13:9 ESV) May we wisely use the two we have been given. Have a great day INCREASING THE UNDERSTANDING OF GOD'S WILL! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20181 2011-10-01T11:41:13Z 2011-10-01T11:41:16Z

When going out to defend the garden against weeds, we would go ARMED with a shovel, hoe, weed puller, or other such tools. When police go after a dangerous suspect, they go out ARMED with bulletproof vests, stun guns, and weapons to apprehend while protecting the public. When a...

Carl Hanson When going out to defend the garden against weeds, we would go ARMED with a shovel, hoe, weed puller, or other such tools. When police go after a dangerous suspect, they go out ARMED with bulletproof vests, stun guns, and weapons to apprehend while protecting the public. When a nation has to defend itself it pulls together whatever manpower and forces necessary, ARMED to protect it from being taken over. When it comes to our personal life, how ought we to be ARMED for spiritual security? Following his addressing suffering even when involved in doing good in this life (1 Peter 3), Peter went on to urge. . . "(1) Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, ARM YOURSELVES WITH THE SAME WAY OF THINKING, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, (2) SO AS TO LIVE for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but FOR THE WILL OF GOD." (1 Peter 4:1-2 ESV) Remember when Jesus faced the cross, it was done ARMED with a focus on the FATHER'S WILL. (Luke 22:42) It is "my will" that has the tendency to cause me to withdraw from life's challenges and trials. However, Peter made it clear it should be no surprise they are a part of the Christian walk. (1 Peter 4:12) We must therefore ARM ourselves with the resolve to press on in the WILL OF GOD anyway, because it is HIS WILL that will bring us through them and to where He desires us to be. We are to be ARMED with the mindset of entrusting our soul to our "faithful Creator while doing good" (1 Peter 4:19 ESV) as Jesus had "continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23) when He suffered on our behalf. Regardless of what we might face, may we be resolutely ARMED with a mind to live for the WILL OF GOD! Our best defense is our life wholly entrusted to Him! Have a great day PROTECTED BY THE FORTRESS OF GODLY THINKING! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20180 2011-09-30T11:45:40Z 2011-09-30T11:43:05Z

"What we want!" That is most often considered to be a selfish focus. However, there is a life connection wherein such a focus ought to impact our actions. As we sometimes grumble about not getting what we deserve, is that always what we really want? In connection with a...

Carl Hanson tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20179 2011-09-29T11:43:39Z 2011-09-29T11:43:33Z

When it comes to both God's promises and His warnings we can take Him at His word. Though we may have many plans, some of them we may not be able to carry out for one reason or another. This, however, is not the case with God. (note Proverbs...

Carl Hanson When it comes to both God's promises and His warnings we can take Him at His word. Though we may have many plans, some of them we may not be able to carry out for one reason or another. This, however, is not the case with God. (note Proverbs 19:21) He is fully able to carry out all He has declared. I was recently again struck by this thought while reading through Isaiah. In the beginning and ending of the prophecy God gave through Isaiah concerning Assyria we read. . . "(24) The LORD of hosts has sworn: 'As I have planned, SO SHALL IT BE, and as I have purposed, SO SHALL IT STAND, . . . (27) For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and WHO WILL ANNUL IT? His hand is stretched out, and WHO WILL TURN IT BACK?" (Isaiah 14:24 & 27 ESV) Who can negate the purposes of God. Though they may be ignored, that does not mean they cease to exist. It is God -- the Creator of this world, the universe, and all mankind -- Who has the FINAL SAY regarding all things. There is no greater power that can keep God from fulfilling every one of His Divine purposes. Therefore, with our life fully surrendered to His Will, we can know our life is resting in graciously good hands for both this life and the eternity to come. Have a great day TRUSTING THE HAND THAT CANNOT BE STOPPED! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20178 2011-09-28T11:43:17Z 2011-09-28T11:43:23Z

Looking a long way off, we are helped with a sense of direction. However, what happens when going through valleys, around curves, or through forested areas that cause us to lose sight of where we are heading? Recently while hiking a path I had not traveled before, knowing where...

Carl Hanson Looking a long way off, we are helped with a sense of direction. However, what happens when going through valleys, around curves, or through forested areas that cause us to lose sight of where we are heading? Recently while hiking a path I had not traveled before, knowing where one particular mountain was and trusting the direction indicated by my compass and the longitude and latitude displayed on my GPS I knew I was heading the right direction. Therefore my moment-by-moment focus was on the path -- sometimes quite narrow -- that was directly beneath my feet. Life is somewhat that way as well. We know there is a goal. We have a particular destination in mind. However, during life's lows or amongst life's obstructions we can lose sight of the glimpses of where we are heading. Nevertheless, even when the destination is in view, if there is no focus on where we are placing our steps, we can easily stumble and fall. A focus on the PRESENT PATH is important. All of where our life may lead us through has not been revealed. Though we have glimpses of a Heavenly future, we do not have all of life in view. Even as we wonder about life's unknowns, what we need to do is accept the guidance God provides for the JOURNEY OF THE PRESENT DAY. Day-by-day we draw closer to where He ultimately is guiding us. One of the psalmists referred to the Word of God in this way: "Your word is A LAMP TO MY FEET and A LIGHT TO MY PATH." (Psalm 119:105 ESV) I think it is significant that the psalmist did not say God's Word is a "crystal ball" into our future. Again, though we have encouraging glimpses of God's eternal plan for us, He has not laid out a full view of our journey for us to see. What He does provide is the ILLUMINATION NEEDED FOR EACH STEP. Walking in a dark world, our best way of walking is to pay attention to where we are PLACING OUR FEET and THE PATH ON WHICH WE ARE PRESENTLY TRAVELING. It may be dark and gloomy ahead, but be encouraged by the path being presently revealed. Continuing to move along, that which is before us will become clearer as we continue to trust the guidance of God's Word. May we accept the light God brings for the present, paying attention to the WALK OF TODAY. Have a great day WALKING IN THE LIGHT OF GOD'S WORD! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20177 2011-09-27T11:42:30Z 2011-09-27T11:42:12Z

My stuff! My ideas! My plans! My way! When my focus is on me and your focus is on you, what happens between us? How can we unite in service for the common good? Then, when we allow such an attitude to be reflected in our relationship to God,...

Carl Hanson My stuff! My ideas! My plans! My way! When my focus is on me and your focus is on you, what happens between us? How can we unite in service for the common good? Then, when we allow such an attitude to be reflected in our relationship to God, what becomes of the possibility of service for Him? Some look to God as a "Cosmic Santa Claus" to whom they offer up their list so they can live life the way they want. Is there anything about our life that may indicate our own self as being our higher purpose? Continuing into the next verse from James chapter four that we have noted that past two days, James stated. . . "(3) You ask and do not receive, because YOU ASK WRONGLY, TO SPEND IT ON YOUR PASSIONS. " (James 4:3 ESV) One reason for not receiving is not asking. James noted that in verse two. Another reason for not receiving is WRONG MOTIVES. Perhaps we would do well to seriously consider why we ask God for some of the things we ask. Who is it for? Who will it glorify? Whose purposes is it most linked to? What is the benefit it will provide? How essential is it? Can you think of other such questions beneficial to pinning down what is truly behind our desires when we make our requests to God? Prayers merely focused on gratifying our own selfish passions rather than seeking to honor God and His Will are not pleasing to Him. Paul exhorted those at Corinth . . . "(31) So, whether you eat or drink, or WHATEVER YOU DO, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD." (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV) I like to eat. It is pleasurable. There are a variety of beverages I enjoy drinking. God created us with taste buds and noses that can really appreciate food. There are many other things God has given us the ability to enjoy. However, the pleasure we experience is to be properly associated with His Will. Even when it is about self, it is still about God! Let us therefore continue bearing in mind that what is behind our actions always begins with the desires within. May that DESIRE BE TO PLEASE GOD AND SPEND OUR LIFE FOR HIS WILL. That is the greatest MOTIVE for going to Him in prayer. Have a great day MAKING A HEART CONNECTION WITH GOD'S EAR! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20176 2011-09-26T11:42:06Z 2011-09-26T11:43:02Z

What we choose to dwell on is important to consider. Cravings, desires, longings, and wants must be kept in check. Like yeast in a lump of dough such spreads to permeate the whole of life. Some are so determined to get what they want they will do just about...

Carl Hanson What we choose to dwell on is important to consider. Cravings, desires, longings, and wants must be kept in check. Like yeast in a lump of dough such spreads to permeate the whole of life. Some are so determined to get what they want they will do just about anything to get it. COVETOUSNESS is too great a power to be allowed to dwell within. In fact, Paul called it idolatry. (Colossians 3:5) Continuing from yesterday's passage, James asserted. . . "(2) You desire and do not have, so you MURDER. You COVET and cannot obtain, so you FIGHT and QUARREL. You do not have, because you do not ask." (James 4:2 ESV) James used some strong language here. COVETOUSNESS does sadly lead to murder in this world. It may shock us the point to which some will go to get what they want. However, in getting one's own way or getting what they want, there is more than one way to kill. Careers, reputations, self-esteem or self-worth, enthusiasm and joy, etc., have all been sliced and diced and killed by the selfish actions of others. How awful when such leads to infighting and quarreling within the body of Christ. Still, that was the context James addressed. Perhaps God was not being asked in some of the pursuits because inwardly was the hushed understanding those aims were not being approached in a proper manner. What should be recognized is that asking God -- requesting according to His Will (1 John 5:14) -- can work toward maintaining a righteous focus and humbly place one in a position to receive the greater blessings of God according to His plan and timetable. In submission to God's Will, where He places one is often nobler and higher than where selfish pursuits might have placed the aim. Let us recognize God's awareness of our life and how He desires to have us ask of Him as we go about our daily activities. May we also aim to FULFILL GOD'S RIGHTEOUS PURPOSES in this realm by finding the ways in which our life can CONTRIBUTE TO SUPPORTING rather than taking away from others. Have a great day POSSESSING A HEART FOR AIDING OTHERS. Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20175 2011-09-25T11:41:29Z 2011-09-25T11:42:04Z

So much relative to our life action begins from within. What is seen by others outwardly is what boils up from the inside. This is why Jesus' teaching emphasized a focus on the heart from which the mouth speaks and actions arise. (Matthew 12:34; 15:18-19) When what is within...

Carl Hanson So much relative to our life action begins from within. What is seen by others outwardly is what boils up from the inside. This is why Jesus' teaching emphasized a focus on the heart from which the mouth speaks and actions arise. (Matthew 12:34; 15:18-19) When what is within is not controlled, how can we expect the outward to be restrained? James warned. . . "(1) What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that YOUR PASSIONS ARE AT WAR WITHIN YOU? " (James 4:1 ESV) Is there a war going on closer to home than we might like to admit? Unrest on the outside often begins with turmoil on the inside. What is going on relative to our passions? Are we passionate about the right things or is there a battle going on within that we are allowing to spill out on others? Though truth rightfully finds itself in conflict with that which is false, most quarrels arise from too much focus on what self desires. Self-centeredness is one of the most common promoters of conflict in about any level of society. Then there are also times when one doesn't feel good about themselves that they tend to take it out on others. This, again, is an example of inner turmoil allowed to outwardly erupt and create conflict. Life right with God brings us PEACE WITH HIM. "Passions" (Greek "hedone", from which comes the word "hedonism") must be restrained. Being right with God also aids in providing PEACE WITHIN ourselves even when conflict may be around us. Remaining CALM WITHIN can prompt calmer actions or reactions to the situations we encounter. May we experience more and more of that victory within. Have a great day SEEKING THE LORD'S HELP OVER THE BATTLE WITHIN! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20174 2011-09-24T11:43:09Z 2011-09-24T11:43:51Z

Sometimes people have been called a "dumb ox" or said to be "dumber than an ox." An ox is a burden bearing beast that for centuries has fulfilled a need around the world. Are they dumb? Perhaps that is debatable. Though they need to be guided, their strength is...

Carl Hanson Sometimes people have been called a "dumb ox" or said to be "dumber than an ox." An ox is a burden bearing beast that for centuries has fulfilled a need around the world. Are they dumb? Perhaps that is debatable. Though they need to be guided, their strength is well utilized. In Isaiah we read. . . "(2) Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the LORD has spoken: 'Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. (3) The OX KNOWS its owner, and the donkey its master's crib, BUT ISRAEL DOES NOT KNOW, MY PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND." (Isaiah 1:2-3 ESV) Who would we never forget? Could we forget the parents who have raised us and provided for our needs? Could we forget the many ways in which they have revealed their love for us? Would we forget someone who gave us a valuable gift? Would we lack remembrance of someone who completely took care of our debts? Would we forget a person who had saved our life? What about GOD? Have we lived in a manner that would seem to imply we do not KNOW GOD or UNDERSTAND THE RELATIONSHIP He desires us to have with Him? If so, we could be classified as truly being "dumber than an ox"! God has given us the wonderful gift of life. He has cancelled the debt of sin and saved us by the blood of Jesus in order to provide the assurance of life eternal. Let us NEVER FORGET! Let us NEVER LOSE SIGHT of all the wonderful provision we have received from His hands both physically and spiritually! Like the ox, may our life reveal we do in fact KNOW OUR OWNER and MASTER who is nurturing and rearing us as His children to be more and more like His holy essence. Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING THE ETERNAL PROVIDER OF OUR GREATEST NEEDS! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20172 2011-09-23T11:42:50Z 2011-09-23T11:44:48Z

A "bird's eye view". When I was a child I fell in love with that view from the branches of trees. Now I look forward to that view when hiking in the mountains. I love the perspective FROM ABOVE. I live in a region where we have to cross...

Carl Hanson A "bird's eye view". When I was a child I fell in love with that view from the branches of trees. Now I look forward to that view when hiking in the mountains. I love the perspective FROM ABOVE. I live in a region where we have to cross bridges, use ferries, or drive around bodies of water to get from one place to another. However, FROM ABOVE, those places don't look so far apart. Getting up high enough, other mountains may appear as molehills. Rivers winding through the landscape below appear as bubbling brooks. Highways may appear as little trails. Everything below seems smaller when viewed FROM ABOVE. When considering life, sometimes we view its challenges as huge and insurmountable. Such is the view when we face them on their level. It is when our vision is enabled to rise above them that we gain a whole new perspective and sometimes it takes others to help lift our view to that point. Rather than "a human view" it is a "GOD'S EYE VIEW" we need to gain! That is what Israel needed when they had their first opportunity to enter the promised land. Had they taken on a "GOD'S EYE VIEW" rather than a "man's eye view", instead of grasshoppers they would have seen themselves as men being accompanied by God. (Numbers 13:33) It is the perspective we need as well. That is the view that makes molehills out of mountains instead of the other way around. Solomon noted. . . "(3) The EYES OF THE LORD ARE IN EVERY PLACE, keeping watch on the evil and the good." (Proverbs 15:3 ESV) All of life is in full view of God. That is why we need to seek to gain His perspective. He sees all as it actually is! Peter, quoting from Psalm 34:15-16, encouraged. . . "(12) For THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE ON THE RIGHTEOUS, and HIS EARS ARE OPEN TO THEIR PRAYER. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (1 Peter 3:12 ESV) God is fully aware of what is going on in our life and is not against us. His eyes and His ears are toward us. As we live our life let us accept God's direction as we trust the view He has of everything FROM ABOVE. Have a great day COMPARING LIFE'S CHALLENGES WITH THE BIGNESS OF GOD! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20170 2011-09-22T11:43:08Z 2011-09-22T11:45:55Z

When I mow our lawn I wear an old pair of jeans that are grass stained and even have a few holes in them. The shoes I wear are also dirty and almost worn out. That's what I wear because I know I am going to get dirty and...

Carl Hanson When I mow our lawn I wear an old pair of jeans that are grass stained and even have a few holes in them. The shoes I wear are also dirty and almost worn out. That's what I wear because I know I am going to get dirty and sweaty pushing the mower and emptying the grass. When I am done, I clean up by TAKING OFF those old clothes, showering, and PUTTING ON clean clothes that will be more presentable when I go out to interact with others. I also usually get a drink to quench my thirst and eat something to replace the calories burned while mowing. Leaving the dirt behind I am really ready to press on into the rest of my day and its activities. There are other times we may find ourselves freshening up and CHANGING OUR CLOTHES. What we TAKE OFF relates to what was done in the past while what is PUT ON relates to what we are anticipating for the future. The most significant focus on such relates to our coming to Christ and then pressing on in life in Him. James exhorted. . . "(21) Therefore PUT AWAY ALL FILTHINESS and rampant wickedness and RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE IMPLANTED WORD, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21 ESV) The Greek translated "put away" is "apotithemi", meaning "to put off" or "lay aside". [source: W. E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words] With James' connection to "all filthiness" we might picture the putting off of dirty clothes. There is the need for the clean. Paul had the same idea in mind where he wrote. . . "The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us CAST OFF the works of darkness and PUT ON the armor of light." (Romans 13:12 ESV) A change to take place! Something CAST OFF or TAKEN OFF so that something else can be PUT ON. Paul meant the same thing when he urged the PUTTING OFF of the old self -- that which belonged to the "former manner of life" -- and to PUT ON the new self. (Ephesians 4:22-24) We are to leave the dirt behind! Having CHANGED to proper spiritual garments, we are to also accept the nourishment of the "implanted word". (James 1:21) It needs to be internalized so our outward life will be properly directed. Then we are ready to press on into the rest of our life and its activities. Have a great day ALL SPIFFED UP IN CHRIST FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20168 2011-09-21T11:43:16Z 2011-09-21T11:43:04Z

"If I had more, I would give." Have we heard such a statement made or made it ourselves? Though the amount of our giving or the nature of what is given may relate to what we have (note 2 Corinthians 8:12) isn't there something we all can give? How...

Carl Hanson "If I had more, I would give." Have we heard such a statement made or made it ourselves? Though the amount of our giving or the nature of what is given may relate to what we have (note 2 Corinthians 8:12) isn't there something we all can give? How much does it cost us to give some encouragement or a hug? Or how about a listening ear or service of some kind? Yes, that may cost some time, but when we humbly acknowledge those being our own need at times, are not others worth the investment as well? Under the Mosaic Law, every high priest was appointed with the expectation they would "OFFER GIFTS AND SACRIFICES." (Hebrews 8:3) Other priests assisted him in that function. When Jesus came as the High Priest of a different order on our behalf, He also was to have "SOMETHING TO OFFER." (Hebrews 8:3) At that time there was still a priesthood offering gifts according to the law. (Hebrews 8:4) Jesus' ministry was of one described as being "much more excellent" than the old. (Hebrews 8:6) When we consider what we have become in Christ, we too have been called on to give. Remember Peter's acknowledgement of what we collectively are in Christ. We read. . . "(9) But you are a chosen race, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (10) Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10 ESV) [note also 1 Peter 2:5] Under the law given to Moses, everyone had to take their offering to the PRIESTS WHO OFFERED them. Through Jesus the Son, God provided the sufficient means of dealing with our sin "once for all when HE OFFERED UP HIMSELF." (Hebrews 7:27) But as a "ROYAL PRIESTHOOD" who through Christ pray directly to the Father, what is the expectation of OUR OFFERING? Jesus asserted. . . "(23) And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him DENY HIMSELF and TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY and FOLLOW ME. (24) For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. (25) For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself.'" (Luke 9:23-25 ESV) And Paul exhorted. . . "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to PRESENT YOUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1 ESV) SOMETHING TO GIVE under the Old, THEY GAVE sacrifices. SOMETHING TO GIVE in moving from the Old to the New, JESUS GAVE Himself. Under Christ we too have SOMETHING TO GIVE; OURSELVES! We may have money to give and the work of the Lord needs that kind of support. We may have abilities that can further the work of the Lord and we ought to be good stewards of them to His glory. However, all of that begins through the GIVING OF OURSELVES back to God. Regardless of economic status, if we have our life, WE HAVE ENOUGH TO GIVE! May we not be guilty of holding any aspect of it back from Him Who has given it. Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING THE EXPECTATION OF OUR OFFERING! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2011://4.20167 2011-09-20T11:41:20Z 2011-09-20T11:42:34Z

Some things are easy to get caught up in simply because we are close enough to be ensnared. It can be like stepping on a net and soon finding ourselves entangled in it. Therefore we need to watch our step and consider what we get drawn toward. Solomon stated....

Carl Hanson Some things are easy to get caught up in simply because we are close enough to be ensnared. It can be like stepping on a net and soon finding ourselves entangled in it. Therefore we need to watch our step and consider what we get drawn toward. Solomon stated. . . "(19) Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler." (Proverbs 20:19 ESV) The New Living Translation reads. . . "A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don't hang around with chatterers." Babblers and chatterers are those who talk too much. In the midst of so much talk they often let things slip that should not be said. Hanging around such people can cause us to get drawn into being a contributor to the flow of information. Even if we don't intend to pass on the information, by standing and listening to it we may come away with a tainted view of the individual spoken of and we stand the chance of letting it slip out in conversation at some other time. Also, if someone is talking to us about others, it is very likely they talk to others about us. Sometimes gossip takes place under the guise of concern or helpfulness. But, if we have someone share their own need for prayer with us, we should guard that confidence they have shown in us and not pass it along to others for prayer UNLESS they have given us permission to do so. [Of course there are the exceptions when someone is endangering themselves or others and in such cases only someone who can really help should be contacted.] Don't become part of the chain. We may be able to trust our source, but can we be sure the one who told us was to trust theirs? Things have a way of getting mixed up, twisted, and exaggerated as the information travels from one person to another. This is truly the type of activity to AVOID! Have a great day AVOIDING THE CHAIN GANG! Carl ----------------------- [This focus was originally sent for 05/14/1999 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)] .