Wisdom

Webster defines wisdom as the judicious application of knowledge. It is a deep understanding and realization of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to apply perceptions, judgments, and actions in keeping with this understanding. It often requires control of one's emotional reactions (the "passions") so that universal principles, reason, and knowledge prevail to determine one's actions. Wisdom is also the comprehension of what is true coupled with optimum judgment as to action. 

The Bible says the following about wisdom

Proverbs 4:5-9 ERV  Try to get wisdom and understanding. Don't forget my teaching or ignore what I say.  (6)  Don't turn away from wisdom, and she will protect you. Love her, and she will keep you safe.  (7)  "The first step to becoming wise is to look for wisdom, so use everything you have to get understanding.  (8)  Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Hold on to wisdom, and she will bring you honor.  (9)  Wisdom will reward you with a crown of honor and glory."

I find that wisdom realizes how little I actually know and that there are things that I may never understand. To be a truly wise person we must accept that wisdom comes from God and that it is a gift.

1 Corinthians 1:17-26  Christ did not give me the work of baptizing people. He gave me the work of telling the Good News. But he sent me to tell the Good News without using clever speech, which would take away the power that is in the cross of Christ.  (18)  The teaching about the cross seems foolish to those who are lost. But to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.  (19)  As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise. I will confuse the understanding of the intelligent."  (20)  So what does this say about the philosopher, the law expert, or anyone in this world who is skilled in making clever arguments? God has made the wisdom of the world look foolish.  (21)  This is what God in his wisdom decided: Since the world did not find him through its own wisdom, he used the message that sounds foolish to save those who believe it.  (22)  The Jews ask for miraculous signs, and the Greeks want wisdom.  (23)  But this is the message we tell everyone: Christ was killed on a cross. This message is a problem for Jews, and to other people it is nonsense.  (24)  But Christ is God's power and wisdom to the people God has chosen, both Jews and Greeks.  (25)  Even the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom. Even the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.  (26)  Brothers and sisters, God, chose you to be his. Think about that! Not many of you were wise in the way the world judges wisdom. Not many of you had great influence, and not many of you came from important families. 

So True wisdom is the wisdom of God and not the wisdom of man. 

The Lighthouse in the Storm

I have allot of problems with my body. Diabetes, High blood pressure,  High Cholesterol,  Degenerative Disk Disease, and I am over weight.  Sometimes this all becomes overwhelming for me. I feel like I am beat down and ready to give up because it's all too much. Its during this time that God shows me that I should not let the problems of my body weaken the strength of my soul. He reminds me of suffering of those that came before endured in the name of God.

2 Corinthians 4:8-13 ERV   (8)  We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don't know what to do, but we don't give up.  (9)  We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.  (10)  So we constantly experience the death of Jesus in our own bodies, but this is so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.  (11)  We are alive, but for Jesus we are always in danger of death, so that the life of Jesus can be seen in our bodies that die.  (12)  So death is working in us, but the result is that life is working in you.  (13)  The Scriptures say, "I believed, so I spoke." Our faith is like that too. We believe, and so we speak.

No matter how hard the winds may blow or how dark the clouds of the storm of life may be the Lord will always be the Lighthouse and he will always guide us to safe harbor.

Mark 4:35-39 ERV  That day, at evening, Jesus said to his followers, "Come with me across the lake."  (36)  So they left the crowd behind and went with Jesus in the boat he was already in. There were also other boats that went with them.  (37)  A very bad wind came up on the lake. The waves were coming over the sides and into the boat, and it was almost full of water.  (38)  Jesus was inside the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The followers went and woke him. They said, "Teacher, don't you care about us? We are going to drown!"  (39)  Jesus stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. He said, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind stopped, and the lake became calm.

 

God's Guiding Hand

This morning we got up and went out to see if we could find a car that was within our budget. We went out to see what we could find thinking we would check a couple by-here/pay-here places and and see what we could find. The first place we visited (which from what we had looked at online was likely to be our best bet) turned out to be a complete bust. The cars looked nothing like the picture on there website.

          We moved on and was headed to another place we had seen online that had a couple of cars we like. On our way we stopped at another place just because there was a Mercury Sable Wagon that looked very nice. We got there and talked with the salesman Marc about the car. The car just wasn't in our budget. Marc suggest we go talk to Don Brown at Modern Auto. Instead of continuing the direction we were headed we turned around and went back to Modern Auto.

          As we began to work with Don, God began to revile to us that this is where we were to buy a car. When we first arrived and  met Don he said "I'm not your typical car salesman" then he began to explain that we had a couple options "I can give you a list of the cars and prices and let you walk around and deceived which ones you like and want to drive and I'll get you the keys or I can walk with you and show you what I got that might work for you" He said. We had him walk with us. As we went about the process of finding the right car we learned more about Don. After an exchange of   business cards I learned that Don was Pentecostal. While we were test driving a car Don looked at  My profile on Loving church's website and told me how much he related to my story. When his phone rang it played some Scottish folk music, which I happen to listen to often. We got the message God was sending to us and we bought the car and thanked God for providing it to us. I just like to add if your looking for a car go see Don at Modern Auto. This is our 2005 Chevy Impala.

Who's watching me?

In the news theses days you read all about how the NSA is reading all our emails and everything we say on the phone or post on the internet. People are all up in arms about this and say this is wrong. I have decided that it is a good thing. I know what your all thinking this is crazy. I now think this is a gift from God. I have been provided a way to reach people I never would have had a chance to reach. I also get to share the word of God with with people who's only job it is it to read what I write. So I say in every email, text message, and web posting share the world of God. When you talk to your friends and family on the phone share a bible verse.

So to the NSA agent that may have to read this.

John 13:34-35  "I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you.  (35)  All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other."

May God Bless you and keep you safe. Email me if you would like to talk more about the Good news God has for us.
lovingchurchonline@gmail.com

When Life is Overwelming

Have you ever had one of those days, weeks, or months that you feel like no matter what you do life keeps beating you down? People around you say "You to look on the bright side..." or "Well at least it can't get much worse". You think to yourself, "If you know how bad things are right and you saw were things are going for me you would say that.". I've Been there before. Just yesterday I was driving to the store when the transmission on my car went out without warning. I was at a stop sign press on the ground and it sounded like my transmission had just fallen out of the car. I had to walk home about a mile in the hot humid evening in Florida. As I was walking home I could have been saying "Why God did you let this happen to me?" but I didn't. I was thanking him that it didn't happen when we were on a trip to one of our parents houses. I know your thinking the this is no where close to what you are going through. Well Ill tell you I was at the point where I was ready to end my life because I though there was nothing left to live for. It was at that time that I got done on my knees and prayed. and I truly gave up control of my life to God. this was the hardest thing I had ever done in my life.

In the words of David if you surrender your will to God you will be blessed

Psalms 23:1-6 KJV  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  (2)  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  (3)  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  (4)  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  (5)  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  (6)  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

This is the hard part knowing when your listening to Gods voice and not doing what you think God would want you to do.

In John 10:24-30 ERV  Jesus is taliking "The Jewish leaders gathered around him. They said, "How long will you make us wonder about you? If you are the Messiah, then tell us clearly."  (25)  Jesus answered, "I told you already, but you did not believe. I do miracles in my Father's name. These miracles show who I am.  (26)  But you do not believe, because you are not my sheep.  (27)  My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.  (28)  I give my sheep eternal life. They will never die, and no one can take them out of my hand.  (29)  My Father is the one who gave them to me, and he is greater than all. No one can steal my sheep out of his hand.  (30)  The Father and I are one."

You notice in Verse 27 Jesus says "My sheep know my voice" . God talks to all of us everyday, we just have to learn to listen to him.

I have a bible study on Knowing God's Voice If your interested in please let me know my email (forest@dnfcomputing.com) or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ForestGetterIV

Memorial Day

Dear Heavenly Father,
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our servicemen and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and your presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.
We also remember the families of our troops. We ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes, and we pray your peace, provision, and strength will fill their lives.
May the members of our armed forces be supplied with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Don't Make Me Go

This is a poem I wrote many years ago when I was young

Please, Lord I don't want to go.I want to see my Little girl grow.

Please, Lord don't destroy the earth.

I want to see my grandchildren surf

Please, Lord don't take me away

on this planet I want to stay

Oh, Mighty God I love you with all my heart,

but of this earth I am part

Please give this earth another chance,

I want to see my grandchildren dance,

but if it be your will I shall go.

Heaven is for Real

Not to long ago I read the book "Heaven is for Real" it was a great book and I thought I would share it with you. The website is http://heavenisforreal.net. Its a great read and you can download the digital version of the second book "Heaven changes everything" for free from the website. I hope you enjoy it.

God Is With Us.

Today I was watching the news. The stories were full of violence and death, killing, assaults, and explosions. It got me wondering what can I do to protect my family from the dangers of the world today. The truth is I can't completely protect them. I can do stuff to lessen the chance of something bad happening to them. Make sure all the doors and windows are locked when we sleep. Stay alert for danger when we are out of the house, but there is a limit to what I can do.So what do I do? I have to acknowledge that completely protect them and rely on God to protect them. in Genesis 28:15 God says;  "I am with you, and I will protect you everywhere you go. I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised." and again in Jeremiah 1:7-8 it says;  But the LORD said to me, "Don't say, 'I am only a boy.' You must go everywhere I send you and say everything I tell you to say.  (8)  Don't be afraid of anyone. I am with you, and I will protect you." This message is from the LORD.

Romans 8:31-34  So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us.  (32)  He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things.  (33)  Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right.  (34)  Who can say that God's people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God's right side, speaking to him for us.

The True Story of St. Patrick

 If you ask people who Saint Patrick was, you're likely to hear that he was an Irishman who chased the snakes out of Ireland.

It may surprise you to learn that the real Saint Patrick was not actually Irish -- yet his robust faith changed the Emerald Isle forever.

Patrick was born in Roman Britain to a middle-class family in about A.D. 390. When Patrick was a teenager, marauding Irish raiders attacked his home. Patrick was captured, taken to Ireland, and sold to an Irish king, who put him to work as a shepherd.

In his excellent book, How the Irish Saved Civilization, Thomas Cahill describes the life Patrick lived. Cahill writes, "The work of such slave-shepherds was bitterly isolated, months at a time spent alone in the hills."

Patrick had been raised in a Christian home, but he didn't really believe in God. But now -- hungry, lonely, frightened, and bitterly cold -- Patrick began seeking out a relationship with his Heavenly Father. As he wrote in his Confessions, "I would pray constantly during the daylight hours" and "the love of God . . . surrounded me more and more."

Six years after his capture, God spoke to Patrick in a dream, saying, "Your hungers are rewarded. You are going home. Look -- your ship is ready."

What a startling command! If he obeyed, Patrick would become a fugitive slave, constantly in danger of capture and punishment. But he did obey -- and God protected him. The young slave walked nearly 200 miles to the Irish coast. There he boarded a waiting ship and traveled back to Britain and his family.

But, as you might expect, Patrick was a different person now, and the restless young man could not settle back into his old life. Eventually, Patrick recognized that God was calling him to enter a monastery. In time, he was ordained as a priest, then as a bishop.

Finally -- thirty years after God had led Patrick away from Ireland -- he called him back to the Emerald Isle as a missionary.

The Irish of the fifth century were a pagan, violent, and barbaric people. Human sacrifice was commonplace. Patrick understood the danger and wrote: "I am ready to be murdered, betrayed, enslaved -- whatever may come my way."

Cahill notes that Patrick's love for the Irish "shines through his writings . . . He [worried] constantly for his people, not just for their spiritual but for their physical welfare."

Through Patrick, God converted thousands. Cahill writes, "Only this former slave had the right instincts to impart to the Irish a New Story, one that made sense of all their old stories and brought them a peace they had never known before." Because of Patrick, a warrior people "lay down the swords of battle, flung away the knives of sacrifice, and cast away the chains of slavery."

As it is with many Christian holidays, Saint Patrick's Day has lost much of its original meaning. Instead of settling for parades, cardboard leprechauns, and "the wearing of the green," we ought to recover our Christian heritage, celebrate the great evangelist, and teach our kids about this Christian hero.

Saint Patrick didn't chase the snakes out of Ireland, as many believe. Instead, the Lord used him to bring into Ireland a sturdy faith in the one true God - and to forever transform the Irish people.

Story taken from http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/ChurchAndMinistry/ChurchHistory/colson_stpatrick.aspx

ChurchOut!

If you haven't done so already Check out churchout.com Great christian alternative to Facebook.

God Can Use Everyone

Sometimes we find reasons in our life to say God can't use me. Sometimes we even say I'm not as good a person as someone else. Or maybe If anyone found out about my past they won't listen to me.

I was reading a small book called "A call to Courageous Living" and it said "The heroes of the bible did not emerge form a cookie cutter factory. They were all unique and distinctively different. They would not let the culture or the times define them. They refused to fit into a religious box." God will provide us all this the strength to overcome our fears if we let him.

The story of Saul (later to be known as Paul)


Acts 9:1-20 ERV  In Jerusalem Saul was still trying to scare the followers of the Lord, even saying he would kill them. He went to the high priest  (2)  and asked him to write letters to the synagogues in the city of Damascus. Saul wanted the high priest to give him the authority to find people in Damascus who were followers of the Way. If he found any believers there, men or women, he would arrest them and bring them back to Jerusalem.  (3)  So Saul went to Damascus. When he came near the city, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shined around him.  (4)  He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me?"  (5)  Saul said, "Who are you, Lord?" The voice answered, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.  (6)  Get up now and go into the city. Someone there will tell you what you must do."  (7)  The men traveling with Saul just stood there, unable to speak. They heard the voice, but they saw no one.  (8)  Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes, but he could not see. So the men with him held his hand and led him into Damascus.  (9)  For three days, Saul could not see; he did not eat or drink.  (10)  There was a follower of Jesus in Damascus named Ananias. In a vision the Lord said to him, "Ananias!" Ananias answered, "Here I am, Lord."  (11)  The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight Street. Find the house of Judas and ask for a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. He is there now, praying.  (12)  He has seen a vision in which a man named Ananias came and laid his hands on him so that he could see again."  (13)  But Ananias answered, "Lord, many people have told me about this man. They told me about the many bad things he did to your holy people in Jerusalem.  (14)  Now he has come here to Damascus. The leading priests have given him the power to arrest all people who trust in you."  (15)  But the Lord Jesus said to Ananias, "Go! I have chosen Saul for an important work. I want him to tell other nations, their rulers, and the people of Israel about me.  (16)  I will show him all that he must suffer for me."  (17)  So Ananias left and went to the house of Judas. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Saul, my brother, the Lord Jesus sent me. He is the one you saw on the road when you came here. He sent me so that you can see again and also be filled with the Holy Spirit."  (18)  Immediately, something that looked like fish scales fell off Saul's eyes. He was able to see! Then he got up and was baptized.  (19)  After he ate, he began to feel strong again. Saul stayed with the followers of Jesus in Damascus for a few days.  (20)  Soon he began to go to the synagogues and tell people about Jesus. He told the people, "Jesus is the Son of God!"

Paul was a persecutor of the Disciples and the followers of Jesus. When touched by the lord he become one of the most profound Followers. He went on to establish churches Heal other and Bring many to Christ. If God could use a man such as Saul. He can do the same with each of us if we let him.

My Life is Not My Own

About a year and a half ago I made a choice that changed my life. I was at a point where I had had given up on life. Although I had repented of my sins. I was trying to go to church when I could and I wanted God in my life I could not find a way to break free of the things that kept pulling me away from God. I was ready to end my own life. That evening I spent all night talking with one of my best friends. I finally went to sleep and I woke up more than just physically but mentally. I knew at that point I needed help. My first thought was to see a Dr. and they gave me some drugs to help me. All the drugs did is keep me from getting really depressed they didn't make me happy and they didn't solve my problem. It was then that I knew what I had to do. I had to give my life to God. By this I do not mean that I suddenly dropped everything and became a pastor. What I did is I gave up control of my life to God. I stopped trying to make everything go the way I thought it should. I began to pray, Admitting to god and myself that I have had control for too long and all I'm doing is making a mess of things. I said “God I cannot do this anymore, I do not want to do this anymore, my problems are too big for me, I've made a mess of things and I don't want to be this way anymore, I surrender myself to you wholly and completely. My life is no longer my own but it is yours to do with as you please.” I would love to be able to tell you there was a bright light and God spoke back to me but there wasn't. What there was, was a feeling of the weight of the world that rested on my shoulders begin to get a little lighter. As I began to learn to listen to and obey God my Life began to improve. He brought together with Melissa and through her I found Joy, Love and Faith. Through my Back injury I have found understanding and peace. Being saved Does not make you a good christian. For the term Christian means “Christ like” you must give yourself to god and live a life of Love.