Galatians 5:16-26
16. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
17. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
18. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20. idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21. and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23. gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
24. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
25. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
26. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Footnotes:
[a] Galatians 5:13 Or the flesh; also in verses 16, 17, 19 and 24
Today on All-Hallows-Eve Let us focus on the Holy Sprit instead of the Evil spirits, ghosts and goblins, etc... that are celebrated on this day.
Keep your focus on God and his will for your life!
God Bless You & Yours-
Countess
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Comfort for God's People
Isaiah 40:21-31
21. Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
22. He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
23. He brings princes to naught
and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
24. No sooner are they planted,
no sooner are they sown,
no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither,
and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
25. "To whom will you compare me?
Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.
26. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one,
and calls them each by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.
27. Why do you say, O Jacob,
and complain, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God"?
28. Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29. He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30. Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31. but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just wrote this poem below as I was posting this.
It is less a poem than just what is true about God.
I hope it inspires you as it has me while I wrote it,
and after I read it again.
Give God The Glory in all things!
He is the one who inspired me to write this. It wasn't me.
God Is Love & Hope
When there is no hope in this life,
Hope in the Lord and his promises,
He will walk with you by your side,
God will always love you unconditionally,
He will never leave you no matter what,
He will guide you in the dark and light times,
And will be with you until the end,
So keep your eyes on Him who loves you,
Love, Obey & Serve him with all your heart.
Copyright ©2005 Countess Demetria
God Bless You & Yours-
Countess
Saturday, October 29, 2005
From Despair to Hope
Lamentations 3:1-26
1. [a] I am the man who has seen affliction
by the rod of his wrath.
2. He has driven me away and made me walk
in darkness rather than light;
3. indeed, he has turned his hand against me
again and again, all day long.
4. He has made my skin and my flesh grow old
and has broken my bones.
5 He has besieged me and surrounded me
with bitterness and hardship.
6. He has made me dwell in darkness
like those long dead.
7. He has walled me in so I cannot escape;
he has weighed me down with chains.
8. Even when I call out or cry for help,
he shuts out my prayer.
9. He has barred my way with blocks of stone;
he has made my paths crooked.
10. Like a bear lying in wait,
like a lion in hiding,
11. he dragged me from the path and mangled me
and left me without help.
12. He drew his bow
and made me the target for his arrows.
13. He pierced my heart
with arrows from his quiver.
14. I became the laughingstock of all my people;
they mock me in song all day long.
15. He has filled me with bitter herbs
and sated me with gall.
16. He has broken my teeth with gravel;
he has trampled me in the dust.
17. I have been deprived of peace;
I have forgotten what prosperity is.
18. So I say, "My splendor is gone
and all that I had hoped from the LORD."
19. I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20. I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21. Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22. Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23. They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25. The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26. it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Footnotes:
[a] Lamentations 3:1 This chapter is an acrostic poem; the verses of each stanza begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and the verses within each stanza begin with the same letter.
God Bless You & Yours-
Countess
1. [a] I am the man who has seen affliction
by the rod of his wrath.
2. He has driven me away and made me walk
in darkness rather than light;
3. indeed, he has turned his hand against me
again and again, all day long.
4. He has made my skin and my flesh grow old
and has broken my bones.
5 He has besieged me and surrounded me
with bitterness and hardship.
6. He has made me dwell in darkness
like those long dead.
7. He has walled me in so I cannot escape;
he has weighed me down with chains.
8. Even when I call out or cry for help,
he shuts out my prayer.
9. He has barred my way with blocks of stone;
he has made my paths crooked.
10. Like a bear lying in wait,
like a lion in hiding,
11. he dragged me from the path and mangled me
and left me without help.
12. He drew his bow
and made me the target for his arrows.
13. He pierced my heart
with arrows from his quiver.
14. I became the laughingstock of all my people;
they mock me in song all day long.
15. He has filled me with bitter herbs
and sated me with gall.
16. He has broken my teeth with gravel;
he has trampled me in the dust.
17. I have been deprived of peace;
I have forgotten what prosperity is.
18. So I say, "My splendor is gone
and all that I had hoped from the LORD."
19. I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20. I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21. Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22. Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23. They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25. The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26. it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Footnotes:
[a] Lamentations 3:1 This chapter is an acrostic poem; the verses of each stanza begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and the verses within each stanza begin with the same letter.
God Bless You & Yours-
Countess
Friday, October 28, 2005
Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' Faith
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
2. We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
3. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
5. because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
6. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
7. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
8. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,
9. for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
10. and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
God Bless You & Yours-
Countess
2. We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
3. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
5. because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
6. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
7. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
8. The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,
9. for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
10. and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
God Bless You & Yours-
Countess
Thursday, October 27, 2005
The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-12
1. Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,
2. and he began to teach them saying:
3. "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4. Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5. Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7. Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8. Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9. Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11. "Blessed are you when people insult you,
persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
God Bless You & Yours-
Countess
1. Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,
2. and he began to teach them saying:
3. "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4. Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5. Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7. Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8. Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9. Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11. "Blessed are you when people insult you,
persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
God Bless You & Yours-
Countess
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
The Great Commission
16. Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
17. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in [a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Footnotes:
[ a ] Matthew 28:19 Or into; see
Acts 8:16; 19:5; Romans 6:3; 1 Cor. 1:13; 10:2 and Gal. 3:27.
God Bless You & Yours-
Countess
17. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in [a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Footnotes:
[ a ] Matthew 28:19 Or into; see
Acts 8:16; 19:5; Romans 6:3; 1 Cor. 1:13; 10:2 and Gal. 3:27.
God Bless You & Yours-
Countess
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Salt and Light
Matt 5:13-16
13. "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Here is an inspirational Flash Movie, with this passage. It isn't something I made, but I found it and am sharing it with you.
You Are A Miracle
God Bless You and Yours -
Countess
13. "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
15. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
16. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Here is an inspirational Flash Movie, with this passage. It isn't something I made, but I found it and am sharing it with you.
You Are A Miracle
God Bless You and Yours -
Countess
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
The Vine and the Branches
John 15:1-17
1. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
2. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes [a] so that it will be even more fruitful.
3. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
4. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
6. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
7. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
8. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9. "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
10. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
11. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
12. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
13. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
14. You are my friends if you do what I command.
15. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
16. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
17. This is my command: Love each other.
Footnotes:
[a] John 15:2 The Greek for prunes also means cleans.
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
1. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
2. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes [a] so that it will be even more fruitful.
3. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
4. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
6. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
7. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
8. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9. "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
10. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
11. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
12. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
13. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
14. You are my friends if you do what I command.
15. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
16. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
17. This is my command: Love each other.
Footnotes:
[a] John 15:2 The Greek for prunes also means cleans.
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Doing Good to All
Galatians 6:1-10
1. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
2. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
3. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else,
5. for each one should carry his own load.
6. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
8. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature [a] will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Footnotes:
[a] Galatians 6:8 Or his flesh, from the flesh
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Note to my Readers (if I have any)
I'm sorry for not posting something every day in the past few days. I am going through some deep depression, and it is hard for me to be motivated to do anything.
I feel weird asking this for myself but don't know where else to turn.
Please pray for me if you read this. I need all the prayer I can get. The depression stems from lonliness and the fear of always being single and alone. It helps not at all to be in a group of people, it actualy makes it worse. I see what others have, a spouse, family, happiness. I don't feel I will ever have those things. I am feeling that it would just be better to go to sleep and not wake up. I know I shouldn't feel that way, but have NO Hope at all. I can't see anything good happening to me except if Jesus came back in my life time. Please put me in your prayers.
My name is Erin. Thank You.
God Bless You and Yours -
Countess
1. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
2. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
3. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else,
5. for each one should carry his own load.
6. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
8. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature [a] will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Footnotes:
[a] Galatians 6:8 Or his flesh, from the flesh
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Note to my Readers (if I have any)
I'm sorry for not posting something every day in the past few days. I am going through some deep depression, and it is hard for me to be motivated to do anything.
I feel weird asking this for myself but don't know where else to turn.
Please pray for me if you read this. I need all the prayer I can get. The depression stems from lonliness and the fear of always being single and alone. It helps not at all to be in a group of people, it actualy makes it worse. I see what others have, a spouse, family, happiness. I don't feel I will ever have those things. I am feeling that it would just be better to go to sleep and not wake up. I know I shouldn't feel that way, but have NO Hope at all. I can't see anything good happening to me except if Jesus came back in my life time. Please put me in your prayers.
My name is Erin. Thank You.
God Bless You and Yours -
Countess
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Footnotes:
[a] Psalm 23:4 Or through the darkest valley
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Footnotes:
[a] Psalm 23:4 Or through the darkest valley
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
A Tree and Its Fruit
Matt 7:15-22
15. "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
16. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
17. Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
18. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
19. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'
23. Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
15. "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
16. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
17. Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
18. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
19. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'
23. Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
Monday, October 10, 2005
Walking in the light
1 John 1:5-10
5. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
6. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all [b] sin.
8. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
10. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Footnotes:
[b] 1 John 1:7 Or every
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
5. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
6. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all [b] sin.
8. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
10. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Footnotes:
[b] 1 John 1:7 Or every
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
John 3:1-8
1. Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council.
2. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
3. In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.[a]"
4. "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"
5. Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
6. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit.
7. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You[c] must be born again.'
8. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
Footnotes:
[a] John3:3 Or born from above; also in verse 7
[b] John 3:6 Or but spirit
[c] John 3:7 The Greek is plural.
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
Thursday, October 06, 2005
God's Righteous Judgment
Romans 2:1-16
1. You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
2. Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.
3. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?
4. Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?
5. But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
6. God "will give to each person according to what he has done."[a]
7. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
8. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
9. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;
10. but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
11. For God does not show favoritism.
12. All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
13. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
14. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law,
15. since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)
16.This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Footnotes:
[a] Romans2:6 - Psalm 62:12; Prov. 24:12
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
Monday, October 03, 2005
Love
Romans 12:9-21
9. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. [c] Do not be conceited.
17. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
18. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," [d] says the Lord.
20. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." [e]
21. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Footnotes:
[c] Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work
[d] Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35
[e] Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
9. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. [c] Do not be conceited.
17. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
18. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," [d] says the Lord.
20. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." [e]
21. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Footnotes:
[c] Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work
[d] Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35
[e] Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Living Sacrifices
Romans 12:1-8
1. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual [a] act of worship.
2. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
4. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
5. so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his [b] faith.
7. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
8. if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Footnotes:
[a] Romans 12:1 Or reasonable
[b] Romans 12:6 Or in agreement with the
God Bless You & Yours -
Countess
1. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual [a] act of worship.
2. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
4. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
5. so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his [b] faith.
7. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
8. if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Footnotes:
[a] Romans 12:1 Or reasonable
[b] Romans 12:6 Or in agreement with the
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Countess
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Titus 2:11-14
11. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
12. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
13. while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
14. who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Passages from the NIV Bible.
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