Prayer Challenge


I want to ask you to say this prayer out loud, if possible.

“I belong to God. I am a holy vessel because I have the Holy Spirit of the Living God. The Lord of Heaven and earth has said to me; “I declare you holy!”. I commit to start believing what He says. I AM HOLY! Remind me daily, Spirit of the Living God, to treat myself as holy, open my eyes to every scheme of The Enemy to treat me as if I'm not. You, God, are Holy. Your word is the truth. This day Father, I chose to believe you! I ask this in the mighty name of your son Jesus Christ, who died on a cross for me so that I could be a coheir to the kingdom of God. Amen”



Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Participating in Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2015

I am so excited! This morning I found out about the Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2015 event and decided to participate. A year long commitment to study scripture shouldn't be too difficult. However, you know I am going to be in conversation with the Lord about selecting scriptures that apply to my current situation in life.

The Short Version of How It Works

  • Create a 3x5 or 6x4 Siesta Scripture Spiral
  • Print out the cover design,found at the Living Proof Ministries Blog (LPM blog), onto card stock.
  • Apply the cover design to the spiral cover
  • On the 1st and 15th of the month you will select a memory verse that applies to your current situation in life, or you can select the one provided at the LPM Blog, or scroll down through the posted verses and select one.
  • On the LPM Blog, post your name, memory verse, and version of the Bible as a brief comment
  • Hand write your verse into your spiral and carry it everywhere to memorize it
  • At the end of a year you will have studied and memorized 24 verses that apply to your life.
  • A Free Celebration will be held in Houston, TX in 2016. Your Spiral is your ticker. PLUS, you have to log into the LPM Blog on the 1st and 15th at least 21 times out of 24.
To Read the Long Version 

Click HERE to read the blog post and watch the Spiral Notebook Tutorial at the LPM Blog

My Siesta Scripture Memory Verse

My first scripture is already standing out in my mind like a beacon. The sermon at church contained two verses that grabbed my attention when I read them in my Bible. I felt that familiar,"This is for you!" feeling that let's me know the Lord wants me to pay attention. 


Philippians 2:14-15 NKJV

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 




Sunday, December 28, 2014

A December Motorcycle Ride in Missouri


Praise the Lord!
I am praising the Lord as I type away on the keyboard. December 26th was a marvelous day. Respiratory illness and inclement weather have kept me off my motorcycle for over six weeks. However, the temperature in central Missouri was 55 degrees Fahrenheit by noon on the 26th and I have not had to take any medicine for a week. Bill and I decided it was time to take a motorcycle ride. 

Heading Out Twenty minutes later, we both had our hair pulled back, headgear in place, and layers of clothing/coats on. It was time to lock the house up and head for the garage.

Excitement began to course through me as I threw my leg over my gleaming, red bike and settled into the seat. One thought kept flashing off and on in my mind like a neon sign,"I get to ride my bike! I get to ride my bike!" My hand closed on the ignition switch and turned it on. My instrument lights flashed on. Gently, I pressed the engine off switch to engine start position and then pressed the start switch. Immediately my bike's motor fired up and began to rumble. "Thank you Jesus for letting me ride my bike." flashed through my brain as I began to back my rumbling bike out of the garage.

Two minutes later, Bill and I were sitting side by side on our now warmed up, idling motorcycles. We flashed big smiles at each other, our left feet tapped our shift levers into first gear in unison, and we pulled out of the driveway in single file. 

Thank-you Lord
What a wonderful moment to give thanks to the Lord for a beautiful December day, to give thanks for my health, and to give thanks for all the blessings He has bestowed upon Bill and I in 2014. And we did.

We both enjoyed the opportunity to take a two hour ride on December 26, in central Missouri and we will be smiling for days! 

Share Your Marvelous Day
Have you had a marvelous day that you would like to share with me? Leave a comment and share it with me. I would love to hear from you. 

Hope you have an amazing New Year's Day filled with blessings and joy.

SalleeB 

Verse of the Week - Luke 2:30 - Week of 29 December 2014


For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Luke 2:30                                   KJV

I believe that this verse needs to be read in context to fully understand what is being said:

 The Prophecy of Simeon
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,     KJV
Simeon knew who the child Jesus was. Jesus was God's Salvation. Many people saw Jesus, but few of them really understood who it was they were listening to, or following. 

Gill's Bible Exposition states this in a wonderful way:


"...He goes by the name of "salvation", because the salvation of God's elect is put into his hands, and he has undertook it; and because he is the author of it, he has fulfilled his engagements, and has accomplished what he promised to do; and because salvation is in him, it is to be had in him; and in him the true Israel of God are saved, with an everlasting salvation: and he is called "God's salvation" because he is a Saviour of his choosing, calling, and constituting; whom he promised under the Old Testament dispensation and in the fullness of time sent; and who now appeared in human nature, and whom good old Simeon now saw, with his bodily eyes; a sight which many kings and prophets had desired, but were not favoured with; and also with the eyes of his understanding, with the spiritual eye of faith, as his Saviour and Redeemer; for without this, the former would not have been sufficient to have given such peace and tranquillity of mind, in a departure out of this world: for many saw him in the days of his flesh, who never saw his glory, as the Son of God, and Saviour of sinners;..."
Jesus is my salvation
Today, I feel peace and tranquillity of mind every day. Why? Because I know exactly where I am going when I die. I am going home to my Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Nothing is more important to me than following God's plan for my life. 

Yes, I have hectic, stressful days
After all, I am an imperfect human being who is trying to follow Jesus' example and teachings, but I still have to deal with traffic, other people, taxes, etc. However, I can meet each daily challenge with an inner core of unshakable faith that gives me peace of mind.

Psalm of the Week - 119:166 - Week of 29 December 2014



LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
Psalm 119:166                                                                                                           KJV

The psalmist is waiting, or hoping, for salvation. Jesus, the Messiah, had not been born yet. The writer told the LORD he has and is following His commandments, or laws, and hoping, or waiting, for salvation. Would you want to follow God's rules and just hope for salvation? Today, we have a much easier time receiving salvation. 

Salvation is something that you and I already have because of Jesus' sacrifice upon the cross. Yes, we too are following commandments, but we are not hoping for salvation because we already have it. Now that is a cause for celebration and thanksgiving!

Friday, December 26, 2014

Verse of the Week - Luke 2:14 - Week of 22 December 2014



Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men 
Luke 2:14                                                                                                KJV

Jesus' birth is a reason to glorify God this week. God had a plan for Jesus and God has a plan for each of his people. He is at peace with the people he favors and has nothing but good will toward men.

Are you willing to be at peace with God and adopt a servant attitude? 
Are you willing to follow God's plan for your life?

Personal Prayer

Father God, 
Do not let me forget to glorify you today because you are at peace with men. Jesus' birth was the beginning of peace on earth. Today, I can be at peace with you and glorify you through my words to others. I am willing to follow your plan as Jesus himself followed your plan. 
Help me to stay focused on your glory as the birth of Your Son approaches.
Amen. 


Psalm of the Week - 96:11- Week of 22 December 2014


Jesus' birthday is almost here. As you prepare for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, remember to be glad and rejoice that a Messiah was born in the city of David.

Personal Prayer

Father God, let me remember to be glad and rejoice the birth of Christ in the city of David. Help me Lord to know peace as I walk through crowded stores, crowded parking lots, and crowded buildings.
Amen

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Satan's Battle Banner - The Rainbow



The spiritual battle between God and Satan has been, is now, and will always be present in the world we inhabit.  In my opinion, the battle between God and Satan has a highly visible symbol, the rainbow.

According to the Bible, the rainbow is a visible symbol of God's perpetual covenant with Moses and all living things. Genesis 9 states that the rainbow is to remind God and all generations of living things that the earth will not be destroyed by flood again. 

In the last decade, the rainbow has become a visible symbol for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) movement that has swept across the United States. Five to ten percent of the American population has become highly visible in all forms of media and adopted the rainbow, one of God's covenant symbols,  to express their uniqueness.

Satan delights in warping and twisting God's covenant symbols into a shape and form that removes all holiness from them. He did this in the Garden of Eden when he turned Eve from God's intended path.

“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Genesis 3:4-5

Unfortunately, Adam and Eve did not become like God. They did know good and evil, but they removed themselves from God's plan. Eventually, mankind became so far removed from God's plan that God decided to flood the Earth and cleanse it of all mankind, except for a faithful man named Noah and his family. 

And now I am back to God's covenant symbol, the rainbow. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I love to see the multicolored beauty of a rainbow framed against the sky. I am reminded of God's perpetual covenant that is to "remind God himself and all generations of living things that the earth will not be destroyed by flood again."

In comparison with how I see the rainbow, is the secular symbol that the rainbow has become on planet Earth during our modern era. Lesbians, gays, bisexuals,and transgender people march beneath banners emblazoned with rainbows. Supporters of the LGBT movement wear shirts, carry flags, and display items carrying the rainbow during their marches and awareness campaigns. 

Do you see the juxtaposition, or contrast, of God's covenant symbol and the LGBT movement symbol? 

The Bible tells us in Revelation 12:7-9, 

"And there was war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not, neither was their place found anymore in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan, who deceiveth the whole world; he was cast down to earth, and his angels were cast out with him."


In conclusion, The battle between God and Satan is ongoing and current. Satan is God's enemy and he has taken the rainbow as his battle banner here on earth. The ironic usage of God's covenant symbol as a rallying symbol for a cause that is biblically incorrect causes me to shake my head. In my opinion, this is a visible sign of the spiritual battle between God and Satan.  



Verse of the Week - Philippians 4:7 - December 15, 2014


Personal Application

Dear Lord,
I want your peace in my heart and mind. I know Jesus died on the cross for me and through Him comes a peace that passes all understanding. Your peace is what I seek, especially during this holiday season. The stress of shopping, the stress of knowing family have expectations upon me, the stress of preparing food, or bringing food to events, and the stress of working can all combine to keep me far from you. Father, I do not want to find myself outside of your peace during the joyous occasion of Jesus' birth. Flood my heart and mind with your peace. I ask these things through the mighty name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Verse of the Week - Isaiah 9:6 - December 1, 2014


Psalm of the Week - Psalm 56:5,6 - December 1, 2014




Distort my Words
"...Form, fashion, and shape them at their pleasure; construe them, and put what sense upon them they think fit...And meet in some one place, to contrive ways and means to do hurt, and then assemble together again to put them in execution; as did the Jews with respect to Christ..."                        Gill's Bible Exposition

Confiding to a Worldly Human Being
This scripture has reminded me about an incident that happened to me years ago. An incident that happened because I confided in a worldly human being instead of the Lord. I experienced having my words twisted and taken out of context. In fact, I received one of the nastiest emails of my life because of this situation. 

My Initial Mistake
My initial mistake was in deciding to trust a worldly person with how I really felt about a situation involving an acquaintance of mine and their spouse. Now, I want you to understand that how I feel about things is NOT always how everyone else sees it. I know that. I just wanted to talk about how I felt and was not placing blame on anyone. Hindsight has shown me to only confide in Christ. Sowing dissension is one of the Enemy's best tools.

However, that person then repeated what I had said to their spouse.(Out of context as I found out later.) Their spouse then repeated the second hand, out of context retelling to our mutual acquaintance. 

The Consequence
An unexpected, angry voicemail was the first sign I had that my words had been repeated. I tried to call and talk to the acquaintance.  However, my calm, polite voicemail did not elicit a return call. 

Next, I went to the person whom I had shared my feelings with. Seriously, I was calm, but you know how this went. Don't you?

My point, or main concern, was to make sure the two spouses understood the context of what I had said was about me and how I felt. My perception of the situation might not be true, it was just how it felt to me. I was not placing blame on anyone for how I felt. 

Then, I continued to try and establish some communication via phone two more times, and having no luck, stopped. What do you think happened next? Yep, "The Email" arrived in my inbox. A very nasty email that stunned me with the blistering criticism of my character.  

Confiding in Christ
By this time, my actions were being guided by communication with the Lord and prayer. A little late, but I had decided to sit in the shade of the throne by this time. 

Christ remained silent before his accusers. Not once did he try to defend himself, 

Today, my feelings are expressed to the Father. No one else. He loves it when his sons and daughters turn to him for comfort, consolation, and help. 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Thanksgiving 2014 From A Joy Filled Woman


Thankful to have a personal, loving relationship with God                        Matthew 22:37
Happy I am the beloved of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Amazed to be important to the creator of all living things                         Romans 8:38-39
No longer alone, Christ himself is interceding for me                               Romans 8:34
Keeping in the shadow of the Son in all things                                        John 14:21
Savior based life saved me from addiction                                              Romans 8:5-6
Gave myself as a servant to the Lord 
Indwelling Holy Spirit guides me, counsels me, and comforts me.           John 14:16-17
Voice uplifted in praise                                                                        1 Peter 1: 3-4
In communication with my Lord through prayer                                       Philippians 4:6
No longer afraid, with the Lord I can scale a wall.                                   Psalm 18:29
Giving myself in service                                                                       Romans 8:28-29
2 nail-scarred hands and 2 nail-scarred feet
0 regret 
1 Lord, 1 faith, 1 baptism, 1 God and Father of all                                  Ephesians 4:5
4 ever I am a coheir to the kingdom, I am a child of God                        Romans 8:16-17


My faith and love for the Lord knows no boundaries.
Sallee B. 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The Rainbow - God's Visible Seal of an Everlasting Covenant

As I was driving home from
work last week,
a faint rainbow began to form in the south eastern sky. My camera just happened to be sitting beside me on the car seat. Yes, maybe I would be able to get a great picture of a rainbow.

Eagerly and anxiously,
I began to watch for a place to park my car. I was eager to get a picture of a rainbow and anxious because the rainbow might fade away before I could find a place to park the car along the county road. However, I was able to turn off the main road and park the car fairly quickly. 

However, the faintly seen rainbow continued to be unclear. Patiently I stood with the camera focused on the sky and waited....and waited....and waited. Darn, the late afternoon sun just wasn't shining strongly enough to cause the shimmering colors to intensify and sharpen into a solid, multicolored bow. Reluctantly, I turned the camera off, replaced the lens cap, and got back into my car. 

God's words to Noah, in the book of Genesis, came to me as I sat in the car:

12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: 15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look on it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth. 17 And God said to Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.
KJV

Perpetual Generations and an Everlasting Covenant

Wow, how marvelous is that? As I stood there looking at the faint colors in the sky, God and I were both being reminded about His covenant at the same time. The next time you see a rainbow stretching across the sky, think about God and his covenant that is still in effect because it is perpetual and everlasting. 

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Verse of the Week - Genesis 9:16 - Week of 17 November, 2015


16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."NIV

16And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look on it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth. KJV

Our pastor pointed out in his sermon that

"God himself said that the rainbow would remind HIM of the covenant between himself and all living creatures on earth." 

My NIV Study Bible states in the footnote,

"...God freely enters into relationship with His people. He wishes to know His own and to be known by them.This first, explicit biblical covenant revealed God to be a covenant-making God seeking to bless all people. Thus it prepared the way for all other covenants..."

Kind of boggles my mind. God had no one making him establish a covenant, or relationship, between himself and all living things. Plus, there are no conditions in this agreement. The creator of all things just want to know me and you. How amazing is that? 

Psalm of the Week - Psalm 15 - November 17, 2014




1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart  3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,  4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,  5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.


This psalm contains instructions for a standard of behavior that all Christians should try to reflect. I am not perfect, however I know that Jesus expects me to try and be the best person I can be today.

Perfection isn't the goal. The goal is to care about how we treat other people. Jesus summed this up when he said:

 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

Matthew 7:12



Personal Application

Lord Jesus, 
Help me keep my walk blameless. Let righteousness become a way of life for me, and let my words be the heart felt truth that you have helped me to see. Let no slander cross my tongue, let me do no wrong to my neighbor, and let me cast no slur onto the people who surround me.  In everything, in all ways, let me do to others as I would have them do to me. 
Amen.

Friday, October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! Many of you will be attending Trunk or Treats, Fall Festivals, and other options today. Bill and I wish you a safe and happy holiday. 

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Who's Your Daddy?

Who's Your Daddy?

The chaplain at our CMA,or Christian Motorcyclists Association,chapter meeting gave a wonderful devotional called, "Who's Your Daddy?" The highlights of the devotional are written below and I hope you find it as thought provoking as I did.

My Role Model
As I grew up, my dad became an alcoholic with all of the attendant behavior. That was my role model. 

Jesus's Role Model
Jesus knew who his daddy was. Jesus gave every evidence of following his father's model in his actions and behaviors.

John 10:15
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. 

Below are three more scriptures that accompanied the devotional:

Matthew 22:37

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Phillipians 2:5

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:


Phillipians 2:15

so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

My Heavenly Role Model
Am I showing that Jesus is my heavenly role model in my own actions and behaviors?
Am I on my daddy's mission?






Psalm of the Week - 14:1-3 - Week of October 27, 2014

1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
3 All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.





I believe that the Bible is a divinely inspired, living document that remains as pertinent today, as it was when the original writer penned these words.
Sallee B.

Personal Prayer Application

Lord, 
I hear people say,"There is no God!" However, when vile deeds are done these same people want to know why you allowed it. Sadness lives in my heart as I look around me. Corruption, vile deeds, and wickedness surround me. 

I can only imagine how you feel as you look down from heaven upon the sons and daughters of men to see if there are any who understand and seek you. 

Father, I love you and seek to do your will in all things. As you gaze down from Heaven, please give me the strength and discernment that I need to be your servant.
Amen.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

SalleeShares: Why We Don’t Share Our Faith


Witnessing to friends, acquaintances, and strangers can be scary.

I wasn't a bold Christian for a long time. One morning I was reading  my "Girlfriends in God" newsletter at 5:15 A.M. This is my quiet time with God. As always, the message from Mary Southerland touched me. After I read the short article, I found myself scanning the bottom of the newsletter and saw a link entitled, 5 Reasons We Don’t Share Our Faith. "Interesting," I thought to myself as I clicked on the link. The short message succinctly sums up why I didn't witness boldly.

According to Pastor Daniel Darling, one reason we don't share our faith is:

 We don’t share our faith because we are ashamed of our identity.

That single sentence sums up why I was not a bold Christian in the past. Shame and Fear of Rejection. I didn't want to upset anyone. I wanted people to like me.

FEAR of Rejection
  • Fear of rejection motivated me to keep my faith to myself.
  • Fear of confrontation motivated me to keep my faith to myself. .
Do you want to be a bold witness for Christ?

If you would like to be a bold Christian, pray with me sisters and brothers.

Father,
Thank-you for sending your son, Jesus, to this sinful world and letting him die as a sacrifice for me. Thank-you for letting him arise from that death and return to his place with You so that I have eternal life in Heaven waiting for me.

Please give me the courage to be a bold witness for Christ. Remove the fear, doubt, and indecisiveness that the Enemy has placed in my mind. Replace Satan's obstacles with the desire to share the Gospel and my faith with others. In the mighty name of your Son, Jesus Christ, I ask this. Amen.

Psalm of the Week - Psalm 9:9-10 - Week of October 20, 2014


The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

 Psalm 9:9-10

"If we would praise God acceptably, we must praise him in sincerity, with our whole heart. When we give thanks for some one particular mercy, we should remember former mercies. Our joy must not be in the gift, so much as in the Giver. The triumphs of the Redeemer ought to be the triumphs of the redeemed." 
Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary

Personal Prayer Application

Lord, you are my refuge. When I am oppressed, I will seek the shelter that you provide. Do not let me forget that in times of trouble you are my stronghold.Your name is never forgotten by my lips.  I trust in you because you have never forsaken those who seek you. I trust you because you have helped me before. Thank you Lord, I love you. Amen.



Sunday, October 12, 2014

Off Schedule Due to Illness

Hello,
Changing weather and allergies has caused me to become very congested and headachy for several days. Will post later in the week. Prayer would be appreciated.
SalleeB.

Update: I am feeling better. Thank-you Lord!




Wednesday, October 8, 2014

The Anti Fisherman and the Good Fisherman


Today in America, we have seen God's values recede from our media, our government, our schools, and even the churches. Habakkuk saw the same thing happen to Judah and its people. The righteous were under attack from within and without.

Habakkuk Wrote
14You have made men like fish in the sea, like sea creatures that have no ruler.15The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, he catches them in his net, he gathers them up in his dragnet; and so he rejoices and is glad.16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in luxury and enjoys the choicest food.17 Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?
Habakkuk 1: 14-17 NIV

Who is Habakkuk Talking To?
Habakkuk is talking to God.  Habakkuk's people,Judah, are under attack by the Chaldeans, but they are also being attacked from within by members of their own people. The stronger, more powerful Judeans are taking advantage of the weaker Judeans to become wealthy and quite happy about doing so.

As I read and reread verses 14-17, I thought about the difference between Jesus's call to Simon and Andrew in Matthew 4:19,"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Reflecting on these two passages made me think about the difference between the "The Anti Fisherman" and the "Good Fisherman".

The Anti Fisherman is out with his hooks and catches the defenseless in his nets for his own use. He is happy when his plans succeed and has a celebration(rejoices). His achievements, wealth, and power are proof that he is doing well in life. Who cares about the little fish?

The Good Fisherman is fishing for men also, but He has no earthly wealth. He is storing up spiritual treasures that you cannot see while calling the little fish to Him and teaching them how to live a successful life that includes helping each other, taking care of widows, showing hospitality with no expectation of getting something in return, and loving one another.

Habakkuk saw the Anti Fisherman at work among his own people, but he listened to God and in Chapter 3 he accepted the truth of the Good Fisherman. "17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,18yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

In Conclusion
As Christian values continue to erode and be removed from American society, God's people have to focus on rejoicing in the LORD. Put Habakkuk's words into action in your life today, and say," I will be joyful in God my Savior." 


revised 1/1/2015



Sunday, October 5, 2014

Psalm of the Week- Psalm 12:1-2 From King David to John Gill to the Week of October 6, 2014




Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore;
those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips
but harbor deception in their hearts.

King David was feeling alone when he wrote these words. However, he turned to the Lord during his time of trouble. As a king, he was surrounded by people who had their own agendas. 

I am amazed at how pertinent King David's words are today. However, every generation of the faithful has felt this way. John Gill, an English Baptist pastor, felt that verses one and two of this psalm applied to his own generation (1697) and future generations. (2014 and beyond)

This is what John Gill wrote:

  • "...When all friends and refuge fail, saints betake themselves to God, and their salvation is of him; and he is their present help in a time of trouble;..."
  • "...The "faithful" are such who are upright in heart and conversation; who trust in the Lord, and believe in the Messiah; who abide by the truths and ordinances of God; and are faithful in what is committed to their trust, whether they be gifts of nature, Providence, or grace; and to their fellow Christians..."
  • "...And these words may be applied to the anti-christian times, the times of the grand apostasy, and falling away from the faith, upon the revealing of the man of sin;... and the church is in the wilderness, and is hid there. Yea, to the second coming of Christ, when there will be great carnality and security, and little faith found in the earth..."
 (Italics and bold print is mine, SalleeB.)
  • "...with flattering lips; as Cain did to Abel, Joab to Amasa, the Herodians to Christ, Judas to his Master, false teachers to those that are simple, hypocrites to God himself, when they draw nigh to him only with their lips, and all formal professors to the churches of Christ, when they profess themselves to be what they are not..."



In my opinion, the continuity and applicability of the scriptures from King David's time, to John Gill's time, to today is just further proof that the Bible is the inspired word of God. The Bible contains answers to every problem that we face today and will continue to do so until the the second coming of Christ.