tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4 2012-05-18T11:29:36Z Movable Type 4.21-en tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20288 2012-05-18T11:31:34Z 2012-05-18T11:29:36Z

"Carrot motivation"; dangling a carrot from a stick in front of a donkey as a means of motivating it to keep moving forward. This expression has come to refer to something good being offered -- dangled in front of us -- to motivate us to do something. Generally people...

Carl Hanson "Carrot motivation"; dangling a carrot from a stick in front of a donkey as a means of motivating it to keep moving forward. This expression has come to refer to something good being offered -- dangled in front of us -- to motivate us to do something. Generally people respond well to that kind of motivation because our focus is generally on getting some personal benefit for the things we do. Even the promises God holds out to us should be good motivation for living to please Him. Another kind of motivation is call "Carrot and Stick". This is when someone offers a desirable incentive to do something while also offering a threat of punishment if it is not done. Now, God has offered us many PROMISES. However, He has also provided many WARNINGS against disobedience while still holding out the opportunity for hope. The problem with some is they love to focus on the PROMISES of God while ignoring the WARNINGS. As Israel was being prepared for entrance into the promised land, there were both BLESSINGS and WARNINGS made clear. Reading through Deuteronomy 28:1-14, the provision God promised Israel should have been great motivation for steadfast obedience. However, there were some "if's" associated with those BLESSINGS. They were contingent on being faithful to God. That list of blessings was followed by a list of CURSES (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) for unfaithfulness. Still, the hope remained that God would respond with forgiveness when repentance was made. (Deuteronomy 30) In God's desire to bless us with the expectation of our obedience to His Will, there is a sense in which we have been offered "a carrot and a stick." He offers, but the response is up to us. As Paul used the analogy of the olive tree (Romans 11:11-24), he noted unbelieving Jews being branches cut off while believing Gentiles being wild olive branches grafted in. Paul therefore noted where the awareness needed to rest as he wrote. . . "(22) NOTE THEN THE KINDNESS AND THE SEVERITY OF GOD: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. (23) And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again." (Romans 11:22-23 ESV) There is the full picture. In spite of being blessed to be grafted in, unbelief could cause those wild branches to be removed. However, there remained hope for the natural branches to be grafted back in if they did not persist in unbelief. KINDNESS and SEVERITY. BLESSINGS and CURSES. PROMISES and WARNINGS. We will do well to pay attention to all that God has declared. Though we may not always be motivated by the same things, may our response to God be one of faithfulness, knowing He will always be faithful. "Sticking" to the "Carrots" will be better for our health; physically and spiritually. Have a great day HOLDING TO THE HOPE GOD HOLDS OUT TO US! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20287 2012-05-17T11:29:54Z 2012-05-17T11:29:57Z

During a time of terrible drought in Southern Georgia, an entire congregation gathered at the old country church building for the purpose of praying for rain. The preacher stood looking at the congregation and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we have met here today to pray for rain. Now I...

Carl Hanson During a time of terrible drought in Southern Georgia, an entire congregation gathered at the old country church building for the purpose of praying for rain. The preacher stood looking at the congregation and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we have met here today to pray for rain. Now I have one question to ask ya. Where are your umbrellas?" James wrote. . . "(5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (6) But let him ASK IN FAITH, WITH NO DOUBTING, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (7) For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; (8) he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:5-8 ESV) Does our FAITH show? Though we may struggle at times with understanding God's responses to our prayers we need to pray with the expectation He answers according to His will. He has the whole picture of our life in view and lovingly keeps our best interests in mind. But God desires us to PRAY WITH GREAT FAITH, TRUSTING in His love for us, His children. James also mentioned the prophet Elijah's faith as an example where he wrote. . . "(17) Elijah was A MAN WITH A NATURE LIKE OURS, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. (18) Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit." (James 5:17-18 ESV) Now, Elijah may have served a role we will never serve, but he was still described as an individual like us. Are we growing in a similar FAITH? Do we BELIEVE in God's ability and TRUST in His Will to provide what we need most? Then pray! PRAY BELIEVING! Pray -- and pick up that umbrella! May our FAITH be seen! Have a great day LIVING IN EXPECTATION OF GOD'S WORKINGS! Carl ----------------------- [This focus was originally sent 05/19/1998 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)] . tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20286 2012-05-16T11:32:55Z 2012-05-16T11:30:29Z

Someone has said: "Patience is the ability to keep your motor idling when you feel like stripping your gears." Do we ever find it difficult to calmly wait; feeling like stripping our gears? As "Grrr, Grrr, Grrr" is the sound of metal grinding against metal, "Grrr, Grrr, Grrr" becomes...

Carl Hanson Someone has said: "Patience is the ability to keep your motor idling when you feel like stripping your gears." Do we ever find it difficult to calmly wait; feeling like stripping our gears? As "Grrr, Grrr, Grrr" is the sound of metal grinding against metal, "Grrr, Grrr, Grrr" becomes the sound of anger arising from impatience. This can be a real challenge. However, there are times in life we can't rush things. Take sitting at a red light as an example. No matter how many times the engine is revved or how tense one might become, anxious to get going, it does not make the light change any quicker. One must wait until it changes according to how it has been set. Therefore the driver should just relax, let the engine idle, and when the light changes, then go. Solomon wrote. . . "(32) Whoever is SLOW TO ANGER IS BETTER THAN THE MIGHTY, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." (Proverbs 16:32 ESV) The New Living Translation reads. . . "BETTER TO BE PATIENT THAN POWERFUL; better TO HAVE SELF-CONTROL than to conquer a city." [NLT, Tyndale House Publishers, © 2007] Power is not always brute force, but even more made evident through PATIENT RESTRAINT! So, how can we keep calm and in control when we are tempted to be impatient? When we feel like stripping our gears -- when we get anxious about something -- the best way to set our "motor idling" is to stop and spend a moment in prayer. Slow down, focus on God's purpose for our life, and then we will be ready to put our "life in gear" to move out doing what God desires us to do. God can aid us in keeping our life running like a well tuned machine. Have a great day EXERCISING PATIENCE WHILE TRAVELING LIFE'S ROAD! Carl ----------------------- [This focus was originally sent 05/15/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)] . tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20285 2012-05-15T11:24:20Z 2012-05-15T11:23:36Z

"Are you serious?" Sometimes that question is asked when someone either makes a statement about something or mentions something they plan to do. However, what is the actual relationship between what we SAY AND DO? Note a criticism Jesus levied against some of the teachers of that day. We...

Carl Hanson "Are you serious?" Sometimes that question is asked when someone either makes a statement about something or mentions something they plan to do. However, what is the actual relationship between what we SAY AND DO? Note a criticism Jesus levied against some of the teachers of that day. We read. . . "(1) Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, (2) 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, (3) so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For THEY PREACH, BUT DO NOT PRACTICE.'" (Matthew 23:1-3 ESV) One of the best ways to lead others in a right direction is by providing the RIGHT EXAMPLE! Isn't it much easier to lead others than to push them? Is the truth of God's Word being made believable by the manner in which we live? IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO SPEAK THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD. HOWEVER, IT IS MORE BELIEVABLE AND WE WILL BE TAKEN MORE SERIOUSLY IF WE ARE LIVING IT. [These last two sentences are a statement I made on Facebook May 11, 2012] Remember Paul's exhortation to the church at Philippi where we read. . . "(9) WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED AND RECEIVED AND HEARD AND SEEN IN ME -- PRACTICE THESE THINGS, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9 ESV) Paul recognized how important the EXAMPLE HIS LIFE SET was as he himself focused on following the EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. (1 Corinthians 11:1) What the Philippians had learned needed to be PUT INTO PRACTICE so that they too could be PROPER EXAMPLES for those among whom they lived. We are to do the same. Jesus came as the embodiment of the Word (John 1:14) because it seems we do best with lessons that come with good visual aids. As we allow God's Word to take up residence more and more in our life, it is to become evident by the manner in which we live. May God's Word be lived out in a believable way that others may also learn to take it seriously. Have a great day LIVING TO BE BELIEVED! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20284 2012-05-14T11:29:53Z 2012-05-14T11:23:29Z

"Caller ID" (caller identification) on our telephones can be very useful. Looking at it we can see which of our friends has called while we were away, even if no message was left. I often see the numbers of members of our congregation on our "Caller ID", and when...

Carl Hanson "Caller ID" (caller identification) on our telephones can be very useful. Looking at it we can see which of our friends has called while we were away, even if no message was left. I often see the numbers of members of our congregation on our "Caller ID", and when I do, I give them a call to find out what I can do for them. Sometimes we may look at the "Caller ID" when the phone rings and see that it is a sales call and choose to ignore it either because we don't really have time at the moment or are just not interested. Therefore, being able to identify who is calling is a good thing. Unfortunately, sometimes the sales calls use an ID not clearly identifiable. That which we should receive, are we answering? Or do we sometimes hear and hang up? Have we even hung up on WISDOM? As Solomon began the collection of Proverbs, verse 7 appears to be a key verse relative to the whole book where we read. . . "(7) THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7 ESV) Not everyone is open to WISDOM and instruction. However, it is foolish to ignore God. Who knows better about living life than the One Who created it? Still the world often thinks they have it figured out. God is to be acknowledged for Who He is and His Word is to have its rightful place as the foundation for our life. Dropping down a few verses we read. . . "WISDOM CRIES ALOUD in the street, in the markets SHE RAISES HER VOICE; (21) at the head of the noisy streets SHE CRIES OUT; at the entrance of the city gates SHE SPEAKS:" (Proverbs 1:20-21 ESV) Solomon went on to note those who refused to listen, who scoffed and laughed at WISDOM, and who ignored her counsel. The result of not listening was then described as God mocking them when terror would strike (vs.26), terror coming like a storm and calamity coming like a whirlwind (vs.27), and then their being ignored by God when they cried out (vs.28), thus leaving them to eat the fruit of their ways and own devices. (vs.31) The voices of this world often talk about moving forward while actually the influence is moving the world backward away from the Will and WISDOM of God. Much of this world's challenges are merely the fruit of following men's ways and the world's devices. Solomon then wrote. . . "(33) BUT WHOEVER LISTENS TO ME WILL DWELL SECURE AND WILL BE AT EASE, WITHOUT DREAD OF DISASTER." (Proverbs 1:33 ESV) Surrendering to the WISDOM of God frees us from dread and fear, knowing ultimately we will be delivered into His eternal presence. Let us identify God's WISDOM and answer the call so that following His Ways will be delivered from the folly of man's. Have a great day GIVING GOD OUR EAR AND LIFE! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20283 2012-05-13T11:31:52Z 2012-05-13T11:31:46Z

Though today is marked on the calendar as "Mother's Day!" I would hope mothers and all their labors of love are being acknowledged more than merely once a year. I also hope mothers recognize the significance of the role they play in the encouraging and nurturing of their children,...

Carl Hanson Though today is marked on the calendar as "Mother's Day!" I would hope mothers and all their labors of love are being acknowledged more than merely once a year. I also hope mothers recognize the significance of the role they play in the encouraging and nurturing of their children, even beyond the years of youth. A mother's influence should never be underestimated. One Mother's Day there was a minister who offered the following tribute to his mother: "My mother practices what I preach." Powerful lessons are modeled in the everyday life of mothers. This reminds me of the influence experienced by Timothy. Paul wrote. . . "(5) I am reminded of YOUR SINCERE FAITH, a faith THAT DWELT FIRST IN YOUR GRANDMOTHER LOIS AND YOUR MOTHER EUNICE AND NOW, I am sure, DWELLS IN YOU AS WELL. (6) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, (7) for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:5-7 ESV) This also brings to mind the first verse of the poem "Motherhood" by Joaquin Miller which reads. . . "The bravest battle that ever was fought! Shall I tell you where and when? On the maps of the world you will find it not; 'Twas fought by the mothers of men." Mothers (and grandmothers) can instill great courage in their children (and grandchildren) to press on in worthwhile endeavors. May we thank God for those who have set a proper EXAMPLE OF FAITH and encourage the courageous living of it! I pray you, like myself, are experiencing or have experienced such a mother's touch in your life. Have a great day THANKING GOD FOR GODLY MOTHERS! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20282 2012-05-12T11:32:50Z 2012-05-12T11:30:52Z

The atheist or evolutionist would have us think this is it; this world is our DESTINY. At birth they would declare, "You have arrived, now make the most of it." With such a perspective, is it any wonder so many reach a point where they would declare, "If this...

Carl Hanson The atheist or evolutionist would have us think this is it; this world is our DESTINY. At birth they would declare, "You have arrived, now make the most of it." With such a perspective, is it any wonder so many reach a point where they would declare, "If this is it, I quit!", when life gets tough? Whether it is acknowledged or not, there is a DIVINE DESTINY with which to reckon. In spite of many appointments that may be missed in this present life, there is a DIVINE APPOINTMENT that shall not be missed and it is directly associated with our DIVINE DESTINY. Leaving no room for misunderstanding, the Hebrew clearly declared. . . "(27) And just as it is APPOINTED FOR MAN TO DIE ONCE, AND AFTER THAT COMES JUDGMENT, (28) so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV) There is a DIVINE APPOINTMENT of which all mankind should bear in mind to be prepared. This passage implies there is no second chance after death. Though God graciously offers forgiveness through the blood of Christ, there is no "do-over" when it comes to life. Going through it "once" we are to make the most of the opportunity God has provided. Acknowledging Him and seeking His Will is to be the basis for living and the means of preparation for the DIVINE APPOINTMENT AND DESTINY that awaits us. In a psalm of Asaph we find the following words uttered from a life resting in the hands of God. We read. . . "(24) You guide me with your counsel, and AFTERWARD YOU WILL RECEIVE ME TO GLORY. (25) Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. (26) My flesh and my heart may fail, but GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART AND MY PORTION FOREVER." (Psalm 73:24-26 ESV) The giving out of the body does not mean the end. This present life is not all there is to our existence. There is still something even more glorious that awaits us after this life. Therefore, let us not give up, but continue pressing on toward what God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9) We have not yet arrived! Have a great day LIVING WITH GREAT EXPECTATION OF WHAT IS TO COME! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20281 2012-05-11T11:31:19Z 2012-05-11T11:30:39Z

It has been noted that some people are so poor, all they have is money. How sad to be so impoverished. Though not everyone may see it that way, when it comes to truly defining life (Luke 12:15) it is the truth. Some have found themselves very lonely with...

Carl Hanson It has been noted that some people are so poor, all they have is money. How sad to be so impoverished. Though not everyone may see it that way, when it comes to truly defining life (Luke 12:15) it is the truth. Some have found themselves very lonely with their money. Some have found they only had "friends" as long as the money lasted. Others have simply found too late that money is not everything. One can be very poor with money while another is very rich without it. When Jesus ended the parable to the rich farmer, He stated. . . "(20) But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' (21) SO IS THE ONE WHO LAYS UP TREASURE FOR HIMSELF AND IS NOT RICH TOWARD GOD." (Luke 12:20-21 ESV) The poorest are those who are rich in worldly wealth and NOT RICH TOWARD GOD. How sad it is for these poor rich people who have not come to know what true wealth is. The truly blessed are the "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3) because rather than trusting in themselves or worldly wealth, they live aware of their continual need for God. Being "poor in spirit", the blessing received is God's kingdom. Along with the value of our soul (Mark 8:36-37), what is of greater worth than that? Have a great day ENRICHED BY DEPENDENCE ON GOD! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20280 2012-05-10T11:25:45Z 2012-05-10T11:29:55Z

We may sometimes hold things which are precious in our hand. When such is the case we are careful to keep the hand closed so as to not drop whatever it is. We may also hold a remembrance in our hand. Have you ever written something on the palm...

Carl Hanson We may sometimes hold things which are precious in our hand. When such is the case we are careful to keep the hand closed so as to not drop whatever it is. We may also hold a remembrance in our hand. Have you ever written something on the palm of your hand -- perhaps simply due to no paper being available -- because you didn't want to chance forgetting it? To remember, all you had to do was look down and open your hand and there was the reminder. When we consider how often our palms are facing toward us, it is a good place for a reminder. Consider God's mindfulness of us. I thank God He has a much better memory than I do. I am the one who needs reminders, not God. However, note the encouraging expression we find in Isaiah with regard to God's mindfulness. We read. . . "(15) Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I WILL NOT FORGET YOU. (16) Behold, I HAVE ENGRAVED YOU ON THE PALMS OF MY HANDS; your walls are continually before me." (Isaiah 49:15-16 ESV) A mother's love is great! What mother would ever forget one of her children. However, even if one should, God -- in His perfection -- will ALWAYS REMEMBER! In a figurative sense, when God would lift His hands to do His work, the remembrance of His people would always be before Him. In our relationship with Him, let us find comfort in knowing that all His works are with our good in mind. With Him we are in the BEST HANDS and NEVER FORGOTTEN! May we never forget or take the relationship for granted! Have a great day KNOWING WE ARE ON GOD'S MIND! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20279 2012-05-09T11:31:29Z 2012-05-09T11:31:41Z

As I drive things catch my attention and my mind gets rolling sometimes faster than the speed of the car. Recently as my wife and I were traveling somewhere, I noticed a car dealership offering a discount to military personnel. Continuing on our way I began thinking about that...

Carl Hanson As I drive things catch my attention and my mind gets rolling sometimes faster than the speed of the car. Recently as my wife and I were traveling somewhere, I noticed a car dealership offering a discount to military personnel. Continuing on our way I began thinking about that special offer. I wondered if they would give me a discount if I desired to buy a car from them. No, I am not a member of the U.S. Navy of which there was a port in that area, though that was part of my plans at one time. Nor am I or have I ever been a member of any other branch of the United States military. However, am I not a member of the LORD'S ARMY? Though I really have no plans to walk into that dealership to purchase an automobile, I still wondered how they might respond if I told them I was a member of a force DEFENDING THE TRUTH that is of eternal significance and striving to BRING FREEDOM to the very souls of mankind through Jesus Christ. Though the preservation of life and freedoms is this world is not to be diminished, is there any greater cause than that of Christ and the spiritual warfare of which He is leading us to victory? In Paul's second letter to Timothy we read. . . "(1) You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, (2) and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (3) SHARE IN SUFFERING AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST JESUS." (2 Timothy 2:1-3 ESV) In the midst of the challenges of ministry, Timothy was to help equip others and remain standing steadfast "as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." In the first letter, Timothy was urged to "FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF THE FAITH." (1 Timothy 6:12) The battle between good and evil and truth and error continues today. Are we FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT or spending our time engaged in things of lesser importance? Are we standing firm as a good soldier of Christ Jesus, or have we been enlisted in another's cause? Recognize that in the battle in which our Lord is leading that the eternal destiny of our soul and the souls of others is at stake. Let us therefore remain open to the commands of our King Jesus Christ Who is King of kings and Lord of lords. (1 Timothy 6:15) Though it may feel at times that some of the skirmishes are lost, with Him the final victory is assured. Have a great day STRENGTHENED IN THE LORD TO STAND AND FIGHT FOR THAT WHICH IS OF ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20278 2012-05-08T11:29:55Z 2012-05-08T11:29:32Z

The statement has been made that "A fool at forty is a fool forever!" What that statement implies is that if one hasn't matured by the time they have reached the age of forty, it is not likely they ever will! Maturing does not instantaneously occur at a specific...

Carl Hanson The statement has been made that "A fool at forty is a fool forever!" What that statement implies is that if one hasn't matured by the time they have reached the age of forty, it is not likely they ever will! Maturing does not instantaneously occur at a specific age. We don't mark a date on the calendar with a big circle as the day we come of age. That is true both physically and spiritually. It is A PROCESS that is BEST BEGUN IN the very early DAYS OF YOUTH. And though some may mature quicker than others, maturing is still the expectation. There is not much information recorded in the Scriptures regarding the childhood of Jesus. However, what is noted is of great significance. The PROCESS of Jesus' growth is noted by Luke where we read. . . "(52) And JESUS INCREASED IN WISDOM AND IN STATURE AND IN FAVOR WITH GOD AND MAN." (Luke 2:52 ESV) What is described there is GROWTH or PROGRESS intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. It all goes together and is the product of the good discipline and nurturing that ought to be accepted. In the psalms we read. . . "(9) How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. (10) With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!" (Psalm 119:9-10 ESV) Whether a "young man" or young woman, focused in this manner the result will be the same. If you have not begun, begin now. You will be laying the foundation for the rest of your life and the impact can be of eternal consequence. Don't underestimate the ultimate impact of what you are focusing on now. Don't waste the present opportunity thinking you have years ahead of you to grow up later. Now is the time for building toward what is to come. May the PROCESS continue for us all as we seek to grow up "to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13) There's real maturity! Have a great day MOVING TOWARD BECOMING ALL GOD DESIRES US TO BE! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20277 2012-05-07T11:34:24Z 2012-05-07T11:29:56Z

Some things are buried to be hidden and then dug up later, such as a treasure one does not want others to find. Other things are buried to be left there. Are such sometimes confused? Have some things been buried and lost because the place where hidden was not...

Carl Hanson Some things are buried to be hidden and then dug up later, such as a treasure one does not want others to find. Other things are buried to be left there. Are such sometimes confused? Have some things been buried and lost because the place where hidden was not remembered or has that which was intended to be left buried sometimes been unearthed? When the expression "dead and buried" is used, what is generally meant is that whatever it is has been settled in the mind and is not going to be reconsidered. What in our life has been dealt with in such a manner? In coming to Christ, what has marked the change of focus in our life? In Paul's letter to the church at Rome he asked. . . "(1) What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? (2) By no means! HOW CAN WE WHO DIED TO SIN STILL LIVE IN IT?" (Romans 6:1-2 ESV) Then in his letter to the church at Colossae, Paul stated. . . "(3) IF THEN YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (3) For YOU HAVE DIED, AND YOUR LIFE IS HIDDEN WITH CHRIST IN GOD." (Colossians 3:1-3 ESV) Are we allowing our old self to be resurrected back to life? Or are we focused on leaving it buried? Having "died to sin" we are to now continue walking "in newness of life." (Romans 6:4 ESV) Like Paul, let us forget what is behind (Philippians 3:13) as we press on in the new life in Christ. Have a great day RESOLVED TO KEEP LIFE HIDDEN IN CHRIST! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20276 2012-05-06T11:32:47Z 2012-05-06T11:33:33Z

It has been expressed regarding "mind over matter" that if you don't mind it doesn't matter. However, there are matters of which we ought to be very mindful as they have impact not only for this life, but are of eternal consequence as well. As I was growing up,...

Carl Hanson It has been expressed regarding "mind over matter" that if you don't mind it doesn't matter. However, there are matters of which we ought to be very mindful as they have impact not only for this life, but are of eternal consequence as well. As I was growing up, how much did my parents expect me to mind? Though they did not treat me as if perfection was not good enough, they still expected FULL COMPLIANCE and therefore laid out clear guidelines for behavior. The rules they laid down were expected to be followed and when they were not, I understood there would be consequences. Therefore, the expectation was for me to keep their rules WHOLLY in mind. I was not at liberty to pick and choose what I wanted to follow and what I wanted to ignore. FOLLOWING THROUGH with action in accordance with the rules was the expectation and my life has been blessed through the nurturing and training I received from my youth up. When someone says they have "half a mind" to do something, it means they have not fully decided to do it, but are giving it serious consideration. With regard to our focus on God and His expectations for our life, we definitely need to give it serious consideration, but we can't stop there. As we must give it more than "half a mind", we need to FOCUS ON FOLLOWING THROUGH by acting on or in accordance with it. When Jesus focused on the foundation of God's expectations, He stated the summation of God's commands as. . . "And he said to him, 'You shall LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and WITH ALL YOUR MIND.'" (Matthew 22:37 ESV) How much is behind our love for God? Just part of the mind? Only "half a mind"? We are to love God with the WHOLE MIND! Anything less will leave us wavering between positions! However, if we truly do love God with ALL OUR MIND we should then naturally be willing to follow Him with all our life; heart, soul, and mind! Keeping God's Will in mind is so important that Paul had not shrunk from declaring the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) to the Ephesian elders. Are we involved in pursuing such a knowledge and understanding? By doing so our MINDS can then be PREPARED FOR ACTION (1 Peter 1:13) on which we are to FOLLOW THROUGH. May God and His Will truly be pursued WITH ALL our heart, soul, and mind. Have a great day LIVING WHOLLY FOCUSED ON GOD'S HOLY WILL! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20275 2012-05-05T11:26:47Z 2012-05-05T11:25:55Z

Most of us have probably seen tall statues which were larger than the life represented. We have seen pictures on billboards also displaying images larger than what is real. And on the "big screen" of movie theaters we have seen action as if we were right there. Such visuals...

Carl Hanson Most of us have probably seen tall statues which were larger than the life represented. We have seen pictures on billboards also displaying images larger than what is real. And on the "big screen" of movie theaters we have seen action as if we were right there. Such visuals are IMPRESSIVE and cannot be missed When something (or someone) is described as being "larger than life" it is generally with reference to something that is excessive or exaggerated. We may be surrounded by much exaggeration. However, is there that which is truly IMPRESSIVE that is real and definitely "larger than life"? When Solomon built the temple, it was huge. That temple was to be known as where God's Name was. (1 Kings 8:29) It was to bring to mind coming into the presence of God. It was still an IMPRESSIVE sight to the disciples as they walked in Jerusalem with Jesus. (Matthew 24:1) However, in Solomon's prayer of dedication we read. . . "(27) But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, HEAVEN AND THE HIGHEST HEAVEN CANNOT CONTAIN YOU; HOW MUCH LESS THIS HOUSE THAT I HAVE BUILT!" (1 Kings 8:27 ESV) Though that magnificent structure could draw attention to God and glorify Him, it could not contain Him. Neither would it last forever. (Matthew 24:2) However, God -- the Creator of all life -- in a real sense is "larger than life" and the sustainer of it. This is a reality in which we should find great comfort and encouragement. When it comes to living our life we have help from the One Who is truly larger than it. Even if all else around us is crumbling and rotting away, the ONE Who is truly larger than all life will still remain. And He has the power and desire to have us with Him for eternity. Therefore, let us be duly IMPRESSED with the reality that our God is bigger than whatever challenges we might face in this realm and our life is safe in His hands. Have a great day VIEWING LIFE COMPARED TO THE BIGGNESS OF OUR GOD! Carl tag:www.teenmailbiblestudy.org,2012://4.20274 2012-05-04T11:29:17Z 2012-05-04T11:29:58Z

Temptation is only a temptation when it touches on a desire within. (i.e. James 1:14) If no desire, no problem. Temptation is unfortunately a reality of life; it will come. (i.e. Luke 17:1) Therefore if the occasions or places of temptation are unavoidable -- and we should avoid them...

Carl Hanson Temptation is only a temptation when it touches on a desire within. (i.e. James 1:14) If no desire, no problem. Temptation is unfortunately a reality of life; it will come. (i.e. Luke 17:1) Therefore if the occasions or places of temptation are unavoidable -- and we should avoid them if we can -- developing the ability to resist giving in is the key to success. When we are caught off guard by temptation it is possible to be tripped up by it before we realize what we have done. This is no more true than when it comes to our interaction with others. How we handle CONVERSATIONS must be guarded for it is far too easy to get ourselves into trouble with our WORDS. Someone has said, "The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." [original source unknown] Solomon declared. . . "(1) For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: . . . (7) . . . A TIME TO KEEP SILENCE, AND A TIME TO SPEAK." (Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 7b ESV) The wisdom is in knowing which is which and to resist saying what might not be beneficial or good. How well are we doing at differentiating between times for silence and times for SPEAKING? Solomon also stated. . . "(19) When words are many, transgression is not lacking, BUT WHOEVER RESTRAINS HIS LIPS IS PRUDENT." (Proverbs 10:19 ESV) . . . and . . . "(27) WHOEVER RESTRAINS HIS WORDS HAS KNOWLEDGE, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding." (Proverbs 17:27 ESV) Exercising restraint when it comes to OUR WORDS may not always be easy, but it reveals prudence and understanding. Being sensible regarding the situation and understanding toward those with whom we are SPEAKING reveals wisdom we have gained from above. Maintaining a calm "cool spirit" will go a long way in aiding in resisting saying what should not be said. May we exercise godly discretion in our discussions with others. Have a great day EXEMPLIFYING THE FINE ART OF GODLY COMMUNICATION! Carl