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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781468531145 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | AuthorHouse |
| Publication date: | 12/20/2011 |
| Pages: | 152 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d) |
Read an Excerpt
¿Uncertainties? And Reasoning
By CAROLINE R. SAVAGE
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 Caroline R. SavageAll right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4685-3115-2
Chapter One
THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving should occur more than once a year or on special occasions. Levels of individual relationships with God vary as people worship and praise according to their spiritual knowledge. We should, according to Psalm 50:14 (NIV), "offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High."
From a personal perspective, thoughts of thanksgiving drift to upcoming invitations for a tasty holiday dinner. Mouth-watering stuffing, juicy turkey, and delicious macaroni and cheese stimulate brain cells. Accompanying these thoughts are savory visions of eye and stomach pleasing desserts satisfying taste buds.
My thanksgiving includes praying for the hands that actively participated in preparing the long-awaited meal. If it was delicious, a secret prayer was made for the chef, praying that his or her hands will be available next year.
Another thanksgiving prayer releases the joy of seeing and not seeing certain individuals because the outcome of the joyous occasion may weigh heavily on differences between personal preferences, strengths, weaknesses, and behaviors. In hindsight, thanksgiving should reflect joy and happiness because we are the children of God. As ambassadors of Christ, in dealing with difficult situations remember that "a wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing" (Proverbs 13:17 NIV).
Discussions on the thanksgiving forum may range from air to football to politics with each storyteller trying to outshine the other. Unfortunately, the situation may get out of control. Natural, fleshly influences tend to control, and dominate dinner discussions, while permeating thoughts, actions, thus disrupting harmony. As the Bible states, "For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV). If you have never experienced a family disagreement during any type of dinner setting (and you do not dine alone), glory be to God!
Jesus said "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35 NIV).
The scripture reads "Do not judge, or you too will be judged" (Matthew 7:1 NIV). So, if it is written and documented in the Bible, who has empowered humans to judge others? Certainly not Jehovah God as he told Moses (after dictating the 10 commandments) to address the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 5). "Oh that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commandments always, so that it might go well with them, and with their children forever!" (Deuteronomy 5:29 NIV). Don't we, in the depth of our hearts, also desire the best for our family? Is not that what we claim?
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3 NIV). According to the scripture "how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:4-5 NIV).
Diffusing arguments begins with an honest acceptance and realization that a higher power exists and that Jehovah has a more productive plan for us. Prior to human differences going out of control and relationships spiraling to a bottomless pit, we must honestly forgive, move forward pursuing, and fulfilling God's will. Completing His will on earth is our purpose to enter the Kingdom of God. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10 KJV). Our divine Lord is the perfect role model who is "gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy" (Psalm 145:8 KJV).
Yes, it is hard for a human to accomplish certain things. By the mercy and grace of God using us as vehicular tools, we can overcome the hardest tasks en route to salvation. Jesus said "With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible" (Mark 10:27 KJV).
Instead of worrying who is coming to dinner, stressing yourself to the point of becoming vex with the world prior to the next dinner engagement, approach your brother or sister and ask for forgiveness. "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him" (Luke 17:3 KJV).
In the natural, one may hold onto grudges and expect the other person to humble themselves to ask for forgiveness. In the spiritual, forgiveness comes naturally. In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Peter asks Jesus "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?" (Matthew 18:21 KJV). The response may sound too much for human comprehension. WHAT seven times? PLEASE, the first time was just too much because he or she should not have done that! They were WAY out of line. However, Jesus' humble and wise reply was "I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22 KJV).
Imagine the amount of love and patience it takes to forgive someone seventy TIMES seven! That is the type of love and patience we need to emulate and give thanks to God for loving us that much while being patient as we stumble and fall. Learning to love and respect each other as it is commanded "Honor thy father and thy mother, and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 19:19 KJV), leads to becoming faithful servants.
Giving thanks to God on a constant basis plants seeds. Constantly praying increases personal faith and growth nurturing the seed allowing it to reach its fruition. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27 NIV). As humans, we may attempt to reach certain goals and at times it is not attainable.
Invoking the divine presence of our Lord is that higher echelon we need to stand grounded on to reach goals beyond measures of our understanding.
Regardless of the severity of the situation, engage in thanksgiving to Jehovah. "Delight thyself in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart" (Psalm 37:4 KJV). Patiently believing our Lord, our sole Provider will continue to keep His promises is a calm, spiritual acceptance which fortifies us through the Word of God. "Do not be anxious about anything; but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6 NIV).
Simply standing still on a comfortable, neutral plateau will not guide our stride. True believers not only accept Jehovah God, but also allow His will to filter through our pores. This comforting, refreshing action revamps the core of our natural existence jump starting our spiritual realm. "Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:7 KJV).
Take a moment to reflect on a personal situation where you survived an unbearable circumstance. Despite enemy attacks victory reigned. "You shall not fear them for the Lord God he shall fight for you' (Deuteronomy 3:22 KJV). Regardless of the weight of the burden, your faith removes barriers. Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20 NIV).
Life throws daily challenges one must surpass. Consider them as character builders that will allow us to reflect with others in the future and maintain our faith in the Lord. As situations may seem unbearable, keep believing, and standing strong while exemplifying faith. This action permits individuals to serve as witnesses and testimony to God's will. Do not be afraid to acknowledge Jesus Christ and call upon Him for His guidance. According to Jesus, "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:32 NIV).
Some situations may hinder progress and seemingly trap human bodies between a rock and a hard place. Circumstances may cause anxiety, desperation, frustration, while helplessly watching things spinning out of control. No personal decision is good enough; no wise judgment makes any difference. You may be caught in the eye of the hurricane. Now, the eye of the hurricane is said to be the calmest place during the storm. As the forceful, surrounding vicious winds are destroying, uprooting, and swirling items in its whirlwind path of destruction; the eye of the storm remains much calmer.
In this situation, individuals should be grateful and engage in thanksgiving. "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker" (Psalm 95:6 NIV). There is still an opening (hope) above the eye of the hurricane with a view of the sky where one can focus on the heavenly light. Pertaining to personal suffering and tapping into future glory, according to Romans 8:24-25 (NIV) "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Jesus said "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness" (John 12:46 NIV). Grasp the opportunity and continue to love, praise, and worship God regardless of how your situation seems.
As Jehovah's children and according to Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Discard needless, earthly weapons. Being in the middle of the storm or eye of the hurricane, protecting ourselves with God's armor allows us to do His will. In any situation first seek Jehovah God's permission and guidance through His written word. "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:14 KJV).
Individuals must continue to do God's will and shun evil temptation that flows freely and contradicts Jehovah's word. According to the Scripture, pray "that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance (2 Thessalonians 3:2-5 NIV)."
Chapter Two
GIVING THANKS
During spiritual battle, Jesus commands us to wear the protective Armor of God. He declares, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:14-17 NIV). Protecting yourself as the Scripture dictates provides the even balance to engage in battle while faithfully and spiritually standing ground.
Faith in God allows believers to accomplish what is seemingly impossible in our natural eyes. Having such a loyal, committed, dedicated Father, we should constantly revere and THANK HIM. "Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms" (Psalm 95:2 KJV).
During any family and friends gathering, let us keep Jesus Christ first and foremost. According to Jesus "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20 KJV). Giving thanks to our Lord and blessing the food He allows us to enjoy by His grace and mercy is imperative. The occasion should be a humble, enjoyable feast reflecting on many shower blessings He mercifully provides.
The scripture reveals "the end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4:7-9 NIV).
The next thanksgiving occasion (which is every second of the day) let us continue to revere God. Spending time with God provides an inner fulfillment that hands from a human chef cannot achieve. Learning from Jehovah's wisdom allows personal reflection and the proper prioritizing order of thanksgiving.
Even though I knew the Bible from cover to cover (meaning it started with a front cover and ended with a back cover, with many pages in between), most of the words were unknown to me. Besides remembering a few scriptures and prayers engrained in memory since childhood days, that was my personal knowledge of the Bible.
Feeding from the Word of God fulfills internal needs a home-cooked dinner cannot satisfy. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35 NIV). Being well rounded individuals, one has to connect to our heavenly, spiritual master who provides our daily needs. Jesus said "it is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God" (Luke 4:4 KJV).
Spiritual promises of eternal fulfillment replace dancing visions of earthly food. Sautéing and simmering His promises and indulging in the word of God takes one to higher places of fulfillment another person simply cannot provide. Absorbing seasoned promises, unearthing spiritual knowledge, and digesting Jehovah's truth is a full course meal unequal to any other.
Ingesting God's sweet, fruitful promises provides a deeper insight into thanksgiving. Feeding from the word of God enlightens one to experience a sense of loving, spiritual fullness. "And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 1:14 KJV).
The Bible defines the path to our inheritance. A heavenly location where Jehovah God is the Master Chef, Chef of All Chefs, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in" (Matthew 25:35 NIV).
Fellowshipping with friends and family, thoughts should first focus on the importance of praising the King of Kings. Blessing the day and environment the Lord continues to create, let us "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: give thanks to him and praise his name" (Psalm 100:4 NIV).
Reminiscing on personal growth reflecting on the meaning and understanding of thanksgiving, its significance is deeply rooted in the core of my existence. I simply cannot resist Thanking God continuously for being a flawless, 24-hour support structure who is always on time and never fails. "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe" (Proverbs 18:10 KJV). His many blessings, love, protection, and cover He freely provides joyfully refresh grateful spirits.
One has to freely and willingly make a conscious decision to accept Jehovah God into personal life to secure eternal salvation. Many people may influence your actions, or claim they know you better than yourself. The sole responsibility rests with each individual to accept God and fulfill His commandments in pursuit of entering the Heavenly Kingdom. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7 KJV).
Regardless of personal concerns, questions, and uncertainties, the reasoning or responses can be found in the Bible. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1 KJV).
The Bible serves as the principles of instruction or guidelines that our Founding Father, Jehovah God created for us to live by.
Abiding by these principles, pertaining to entering the gates and worshipping the Lord, God of Israel stated "... amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place" (Jeremiah 7:3 KJV). The legacy, power, and purpose of the Scripture should not be taken lightly. According to Bible, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away" (Luke 21:33, KJV).
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3 KJV). Ask the Lord to open your spiritual eyes to understand His word. Others, who assist in your comprehension of the written word, ensure he or she supports his or her comments with biblical scripture. "Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding" (Proverbs 9:6 KJV).
(Continues...)
Excerpted from ¿Uncertainties? And Reasoning by CAROLINE R. SAVAGE Copyright © 2011 by Caroline R. Savage. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Table of Contents
Contents
DEDICATION....................IX ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS....................XIFOREWORD....................XV
Thank God....................xix
CHAPTER ONE....................1
THANKSGIVING....................1
CHAPTER TWO....................11
GIVING THANKS....................11
Stained....................21
CHAPTER THREE....................23
PULLING WEEDS, PLANTING SEEDS....................23
CHAPTER FOUR....................41
PREVENTING PROBLEMS....................41
Worthy Praise....................51
CHAPTER FIVE....................53
IRON SHARPENS IRON....................53
CHAPTER SIX....................63
STANDING IN AUTHORITY....................63
CHAPTER SEVEN....................81
BETRAYING HONOR....................81
CHAPTER EIGHT....................91
UNBELIEVING BELIEVERS....................91
The Last Salute....................103
CHAPTER NINE....................105
PROVIDING THE SOLUTION....................105
CHAPTER TEN....................121
BELIEVING BELIEVERS....................121