Pages of Interest

Monday, July 27, 2015

Tell Me a True Story Blog Hop - Week 07/27/15


Reading a True Story
 
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party.

 My goal is to read and comment on EVERY entry!
Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?

My other blog is:  A Joyful Noise Please follow by e-mail.
 
View the notice On The "Blue Back Ground Above" How  
To find Other Blog Hop Suggestions that request "Anything goes."
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A True Story from my book Rescue the Stories Book Three
Learn to Feed Yourself 
 
In the early days mothers did not have Gerber’s and other baby foods so they utilized unique methods to nourish their growing babies.  Often it was the grandmother who would first chew the baby’s food and then feed it to him.  As the child grew he would hopefully learn to feed himself. 

I can remember many times as a child I did not want to eat what was put before me.  Mother would often play a little game called “Airplane” and the spoon would find its way to the “Airport.”  The bottom line was that moms do whatever it takes to keep their families healthy!   

It occurred to me that many Christians enjoy the Word of God, but only after it has been chewed and spoon fed to them.  Others will not “eat” the Word of God, unless a game is played to stimulate their appetite.   

Justifiably for the children in Sunday school who are just beginning to learn to “feed” themselves certain methods of motivation and training are necessary.  They need the Bible Stories and the lessons in down-to-earth everyday examples so they can understand what God is saying to them.  Hopefully as they begin to read and study they will learn to nourish themselves. 

I am not against devotional books and Christian magazines, as I enjoy several.  However they are not a substitute for the actual Bible which is God’s word to us.   

May I encourage you to dust off your Bible and begin today to read through the New Testament?  A chapter at a time is a good way to start.   

When Christians become skilled at handling the milk of the Word, they will profit spiritually.  By daily study you will soon be adding meat to the Spiritual diet.  The good news is when you learn to feed yourself you will become spiritually healthy and fit just the way God planned. 

I Corinthians 3:2  I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 
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Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you by reading several stories and leaving comments.

Monday, July 20, 2015

True Story Blog Party Week 07/20/15


You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party.

Reading A True Story

My goal is to read and comment on EVERY entry!
Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?

My other blog is:  A Joyful Noise Please follow by e-mail.  

View the notice On The "Blue Back Ground Above"
How To find Other Blog Hop Suggestions that request "Anything goes."

~ ~ ~
 
A True Story from my book Rescue the Stories Book Two

Games People Play!
 
I grew up in a small church, where all the members were like family.   One of the young couples enjoyed encouraging the new people, by inviting them to their home, or suggesting that they join with others who were going out for Sunday dinner. 

One of these new couples to the church was Mable and Perry who quickly got involved in the church activities.  Some of the evening classes offered were training to become a teacher, and other interesting studies about the Bible.   

We noticed that Mable would often make snide remarks to Perry and he would answer back with similar hateful comments.  They seemed to enjoy playing games of putting each other down with their conversation.  Perhaps it was because Mable was much older than our friend and she was not in good health.  Mable often stayed home for the evening classes, but Perry seemed excited about learning more about the Lord.

Now our church secretary lived only a couple blocks away from the Church, so she usually walked to and from Church.  She was a single lady, and much respected by our members.  Perry was concerned that she not walk home when it was dark, so he often offered her a ride to her apartment.  To show her appreciation she would invite him in for a cup of coffee and some cookies. 

Now that all sounds innocent enough when you think about it.

One day, Perry called a meeting after church for all the members.  He wanted to make a confession. 

Without going into all the details, he said that He and Mable were not legally married and they had lived together for many years, and he wanted to make things right before God.

If you were the Pastor, what would you say?  It would seem that the simplest response would be to perform a marriage ceremony as quickly as possible, for Mable and Perry.

However that was not what Perry had in mind.  He stated that he and Mable would separate and pray about the situation, and the meeting was closed.

It wasn’t long after that meeting, that Perry announced that since he was not legally married to Mable that he had proposed to our church secretary and she had accepted.

Soon the happy couple were married and moved to Oregon where Perry had arranged to have his job transferred.   You think that was quick?  Forget it!  It was well thought out.

Mable was devastated, and our friends comforted her and cared for her.   Old Perry had us all fooled, but in reality, he had only fooled himself.  The games people play and tell themselves that it is OK are varied and many.  If you are playing games, it is time to quit!

Then we are reminded that we are not the Judge, and that we are NOT God.  Repentance must be first from the heart, and God is willing to even restore those who come to Him.

I was reminded of this story as I am about to post a teaching on Repentance on my other site.  You might like to view it soon at “A Joyful Noise.” 
 
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Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you by reading several stories and leaving comments.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Tell me a True Story week 07/13/15


Reading a True Story (Vintage Art)
 
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party. 

My goal is to read and comment on EVERY entry!
Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?

My other blog is:  A Joyful Noise Please follow by e-mail.  

View the notice On The "Blue Back Ground Above" How  
To find Other Blog Hop Suggestions that request "Anything goes."

~ ~ ~
 
A True Story from my book "Rescue the Stories Book One"
A Father's Arms


 
I held the heavy wooden chicken house as long as my three- year- old arms would allow me - - - then ker-plunk!  Down it went!  

The baby chickens had been pecking around the corners of the converted Orange crate, and I had decided to assist them.  Under that weighty box were some nice juicy worms.  As I lifted the box, the baby chicks scurried underneath.  I became frantic and waved one hand and told them to scoot out of the way!  I hoped they had heeded my anxious warning because I couldn’t hold the box much longer.   Down the box went.  

That evening my father discovered that many of the baby chicks were missing.  Working in the mountains, my dad was often gone for long periods of time, so I hardly knew this tall, fierce-looking person.  Although he had never done anything to make me afraid, I feared him just like some people have the fear of God in them.  When he quizzed me and asked if I had lifted the chicken box, I knew if I said yes, that he would not be happy.  So, as the blood drained from my little face, I said, “NO, not me!” 

Dad questioned me a second time, and told me that he knew that I had done it.  With tears running down my cheeks, I admitted my guilt and between sobs told him I was so sorry.  I explained how I had tried to make them get out of that dangerous place, but they just would not listen.  As it turned out, my dad hugged me and told me he forgave me but first he explained how my thoughtless action had been a tragedy for those little chicks. 

Back then as a three-year- old I had no understanding of the consequences of helping those chicks.  Yet it only took a moment for me to see their potential danger.  Regrettably they could not understand me and in their innocence they became the unwilling victims. 

Perhaps this is a reminder of a time in your life when you were trapped doing something at first you thought was innocent, but it turned out to be a disaster.  Were your “arms” tired from holding up your end of what you thought was an agreement or a promise between you and someone else?  

God is faithful to give us many warnings of danger ahead; Road signs, articles in the news, the Bible and the inward voice of the Lord.  Has the warning voice of God ever spoken to you and told you to get out of that dangerous place, but you were too embarrassed or tired to listen?  Or perhaps you thought it was too late to make a change in plans. 

Consider this now if you are in a situation that is not wholesome or safe.  It is never too late to run to the Lord for help. Yes, run to those outstretched arms and tell Him all about it.  He always understands and He is a God that is not to be feared.  As a loving heavenly Father He is always ready to forgive and assist you to find a better way.   

Understand that God has provided counselors in the Body of Christ.  Pastors, teachers and other seasoned Christians who won’t judge but will help you with encouragement, prayer and general support.
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Please follow by e-mail - my other blog:  A Joyful Noise 

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you by reading several stories and leaving comments.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Tell Me a True Story Week 07/06/15


Jewish Boy Reading a True Story
 
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party. 

My goal is to read and comment on EVERY entry!
Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?

My other blog is:  A Joyful Noise Please follow by e-mail.  

View the notice On The "Blue Back Ground Above" How  
To find Other Blog Hop Suggestions that request "Anything goes."

~ ~ ~  

A True Story from my book Rescue the Stories Book One
 
Children are quick to Believe


Jesus says, "Open Your Mouth - And I will Fill it"
You can Trust Jesus
 
Thinking back to when I was very young, perhaps 3 or 4 years old, I was willing to believe the older Rossiter neighbor boys who offered me candy.  These neighbor boys were full of mischief and mean little critters. 

“Close your eyes, and open your mouth and we will give you some candy,” they excitedly told me.   

Naïve and believing as I was, I did as I was told, and received a mouthful of dirt!

Sobbing loudly and calling out Mama, Mama, I ran for home and was soon cleaned up. 

That incident did not cure me of trust, for I continued to believe what I was told by others, but as time went on, I also learned to study and seek out what was truth or error. 

Why would Jesus state that we must come to him as a little child?   It must be because a child is quick to believe and accept as truth even before they see it. 

Jesus chose a motley group for his 12 closest followers.  Most were unlearned men. 

Why would Jesus the Christ select such simple ignorant men of unrenowned fame?  Was it because they were teachable and quick to believe? 

Many argue that there are difficult truths in the Bible to accept, such as speaking in other tongues, and the spiritual gifts spoken of in God’s word.  I Corinthians 12:4-11. 

If instead of squabbling and disputing God’s gifts, perhaps we should come as little children, and receive the MORE that God offers to us as believers.  “Ye shall receive Power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you,” were the words of Jesus. 

Yes, all believers have the Holy Spirit when they acknowledge Jesus as Lord, but the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct experience. 

The most widely gift not accepted by the sophisticated and prideful, is the gift of tongues.   

There are several reasons to receive the gift of tongues.  First it is the initial evidence that you have received the Holy Spirit Baptism.   

Second it a prayer language between you and God.  You may not understand the language, but you will have a general idea what you are praying for.  The wonderful thing is that other spiritual powers are trying to hinder your prayers but they will not be able to interfere with your direct line to God. 

Thirdly you yourself are edified and built up when you worship God while praying in other tongues. 

Fourth tongues perhaps the least of the gifts is a gift that opens up for the believer to receive all 9 Holy Spirit gifts.  I Corinthians 12: 4-11.  These gifts will bless and encourage many. 

Paul said, Do NOT forbid to speak in tongues, and then he said, “I speak in tongues more than you all.”  He referred to his spiritual praying to God using his powerful gift.  This wonderful gift enabled him to follow his course until the end.

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Please follow my other blog:  A Joyful Noise by e-mail.  

Be sure to encourage your fellow bloggers near you by reading several stories and leaving comments.