One day Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courtyard and telling them the Good News. The chief priests, scribes, and leaders came up to him.  They asked him, "Tell us, what gives you the right to do these things? Who told you that you could do this?" 
   Jesus answered them, "I, too, have a question for you. Tell me, did John's right to baptize come from heaven or from humans?" 
   They talked about this among themselves. They said, "If we say, 'from heaven,' he will ask, 'Why didn't you believe him?' But if we say, 'from humans,' everyone will stone us to death. They're convinced that John was a prophet."  So they answered that they didn't know who gave John the right to baptize.
   Jesus told them, "Then I won't tell you why I have the right to do these things." Luke 20:1-8 GW 

Both the secular and the religious leaders of Jesus' day were more concerned with appearance than truth. So too, many of our political and religious leaders of today. So,, too, you and me. The question is “Am I so afraid of what others say or what might happen that I don't stand up for Jesus or my faith?” When I don't, I deny Him. How are the ways I deny Him? Is fear crowding out faith? What steps can I take to change that?

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:56 AM CST

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He who is faithful in the least is also faithful in much. And he who is unjust in the least is also unjust in much.  Luke 16:10 MKJV

Why can't someone handle sudden wealth? Often it is because they already have a pattern of not managing their finances wisely. When someone regularly steals paper, clips or small things, it sets a pattern of stealing. What happens when that person has a chance at something bigger?

Do we tell small lies? Manipulate? Cheat? Often it is a matter of degree, but wrong is wrong. If we aren't honest in the small things, we'll be dishonest in the big things. Make no mistake, our behavior with be stamped not only on our reputation, but also on our character.

So also, when we choose to be honest even in the small things, we'll build positive patterns in our lives that help us become people of integrity and honor. That, too, will be reflected in both character (who we are) and reputation (what others think).

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:57 AM CST

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I got up before dawn, and I cried out for help. My hope is based on your word. Psalm 119:147 GW

Hope based on nothing, yields nothing. Hope built on deception, greed and evil, yields destruction and enslavement. Only hope based in Jesus Christ yields true help, a willing spirit, sacrifice, life and freedom.

On what is your hope based? Mine?

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:04 AM CST

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With this letter I'm introducing Phoebe to you. She is our sister in the Christian faith and a deacon of the church in the city of Cenchrea. Give her a Christian welcome that shows you are God's holy people. Provide her with anything she may need, because she has provided help to many people, including me.  Romans 16:1-2 GW

The beauty of the gospel is the elevation of women. From Jesus ministry onward, women were not considered 2nd class representatives. The women had great respect from church leaders. God used women in roles outside the home as well as within.

The author of Romans did not denigrate the gifts and ministry women brought to the table. Men and women had roles to play, including teaching, sharing, caring for others. The early church understood God called women as well as men.

Each of us need to use the gifts God has given and recognize and encourage the use of those gifts in others.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:02 AM CST

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So those of us who have a strong faith must be patient with the weaknesses of those whose faith is not so strong. We must not think only of ourselves. We should all be concerned about our neighbor and the good things that will build his faith.  Romans 16:1-2 GW

Life isn't just about me. Faith isn't centered on me. Happiness isn't derived from focusing only on me, for when I do, I miss the most important things in life. I miss the satisfaction of working hard and meeting a challenge. I miss the relief and gratitude on the faces of those I help. I miss the love of spouse and family and the joy of serving others.

Jesus was about reaching out, about integrity, about caring about others to the point of sacrificing His life that we might live. Jesus truly lived life fully and abundantly, because He lived giving to others.

How might I share my faith? By being more like Him. Caring enough to model Christ's other-centered love. Caring enough to give.

That is truly living.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:19 AM CST

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WHEN DARKNESS DESCENDS
© 2008 Carolyn R Scheidies

When my way is dark,
You light my way.
When I cannot see,
You give me light
When I'm afraid
You illumine with hope.
When I cannot go on
You shine within
Giving me courage
Strength, Life
In You.

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.  Psalm 119:105 GW

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:03 AM CST

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I will never forget your guiding principles, because you gave me a new life through them.  Psalm 119:93 GW

Whatever we think or do, only God's way will truly bring enlightenment, understanding and joy. His way is the way of character and integrity as well as the way of true compassion centered on self-sacrifice.

As we come to Him, He will show us the right path to follow.

V.104-105 GW From your guiding principles I gain understanding. That is why I hate every path that leads to lying.  Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. 

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 6:58 AM CST

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God in his kindness gave each of us different gifts. If your gift is speaking God's word, make sure what you say agrees with the Christian faith.  Romans 12:6 GW

This is where so many fail today. We claim the name of Christ but we don't know His Word, His principles or seek His wisdom. So much of our philosophy comes not from a study of God's Word, but from our own mind and from books and sermons about God's Word. We substitute our own and other peoples words for God's revealed truth. We need to make sure what we speak, what we write and what we convey, is solidly based on God's Word.

God calls us to a high standard of knowledge--knowing Him by knowing His Word .

Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn't ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly.  II Timothy 2:15 GW

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:40 AM CST

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I will give thanks to you as I learn your regulations, which are based on your righteousness.  Psalms 119:7 GW

Through Christ we can approach God and stand in his favor. So we brag because of our confidence that we will receive glory from God. But that's not all. We also brag when we are suffering. We know that suffering creates endurance, endurance creates character, and character creates confidence.  Romans 5:2-4

When our culture seeks to instill confidence and self-esteem in our children, we have a tendency to do it all backwards. Parents and so-called educators seem to think smoothing the path, taking away stumbling blocks, low expectations, and dumbing down learning is the answer. They eliminate grades, competition and the possibility of failure.

What they model and mold are wimps who can't stand the realities of life, have little moral fiber and think everyone owes them. Our education and cultural system creates victims not victorious overcomers. We're creating mindless, needy sheep who follow anyone who promises to take care of their needs. Few are independent thinkers and doers with the integrity to stand on their own two feet. Why?

Character and self-esteem is built on knowing who we are and our need for God. It is built on learning to deal with problems and hardships in a constructive manner.

No country will long survive as free without citizens more concerned about character than convenience.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:49 AM CST

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When there was nothing left to hope for, Abraham still hoped and believed. As a result, he became a father of many nations, as he had been told: "That is how many descendants you will have." Abraham didn't weaken. Through faith he regarded the facts: His body was already as good as dead now that he was about a hundred years old, and Sarah was unable to have children. He didn't doubt God's promise out of a lack of faith. Instead, giving honor to God for the promise, he became strong because of faith and was absolutely confident that God would do what he promised. That is why his faith was regarded as God's approval of him. Romans 4:18-22

Abraham clung to God's promise even when he saw absolutely no evidence of fulfillment. He clung his faith even when time passed without seeing the reward for his faithfulness. He even slipped up in his choices. Still, he clung to the promise and God answered in a mighty way.

If Abraham can wait years and years and years, when he waited even when it appeared there was no way for God to fulfill His promise, can't I wait a few days, a few months without complaining and being angry with God?

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:48 AM CST

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Everyone who believes has God's approval through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no difference between people. Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God's glory. They receive God's approval freely by an act of his kindness through the price Christ Jesus paid to set us free from sin.  Romans 3:22-24 GW 

For those in the Christian world who no longer hold a high view of scripture, no longer talk about our sinfulness, the sacrifice of the cross, or our need to repent and right before a holy God, this passage shows why they've dumbed down God message of salvation. Because it reveals His human creation as fundamentally flawed and in need of saving.

What good we do is Christ. What love we show is Christ within. It is not about "love,"  but about sharing Christ with a hurt and hurting world.

All our efforts to just love everyone, will fall short. Love is from God and requires a change from within. It requires acknowledging our sin, the evil inherent within, and asking Christ to replace our sinful nature with His forgiveness, His salvation and His presence.

V.28 We conclude that a person has God's approval by faith, not by his own efforts. 

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:38 AM CST

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When you judge people for doing these things but then do them yourself, do you think you will escape God's judgment? Do you have contempt for God, who is very kind to you, puts up with you, and deals patiently with you? Don't you realize that it is God's kindness that is trying to lead you to him and change the way you think and act?  Romans 2:3-4

God doesn't take judgment lightly. He is especially displeased with the hypocrisy of those who condemn others for doing what they, themselves, are doing. God honors integrity, honesty and truth.

Are these qualities reflected in my life? If not, why not? What can I do to be real before God and others?

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:45 AM CST

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 I'm not ashamed of the Good News. It is God's power to save everyone who believes, Jews first and Greeks as well. God's approval is revealed in this Good News. This approval begins and ends with faith as Scripture says, "The person who has God's approval will live by faith." Romans 1:16-17 GW

How many times do we keep silent, embarrassed about our faith for fear ridicule or some other repercussions? How many times do we actually go along with something against what we know to be right out of fear. Fear is the opposite of faith.

If we truly believe that God is real and Jesus is the way to wholeness and life, we're shortchanging our family, friends and associates when we keep silent. If there really is salvation in any other but Christ, then our silence shouts that we care more about status and self than the eternal destiny of those around us.

The message of the cross is one of self-sacrifice, about reaching out--about love. Am I willing to let go my fear to reach our with a much needed message of hope in Jesus Christ?

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:07 AM CST

Updated: Monday, 25 February 2008 9:10 AM CST

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From where the sun rises to where the sun sets, the name of the LORD should be praised. The LORD is high above all the nations. His glory is above the heavens. Psalms 113:3-4 

God is God
I am not
But I see the majesty of the Rocky Mountains and praise the Creator.
Sunshine brightens the day and warms the earth, warming my heart with gratitude.
When snow blankets the ground, silent, soft and white, peace wraps my heart.
I bow in quiet joy at the Creators artwork, knowing
If He cares enough to create such beauty
Will He not care for His Creation, made in His image---me .
The one who cares deserves my gratitude, my worship...and my heart.

Jehovah has appeared to me from afar, saying , Yea, I have loved you with an everlasting love ; therefore with loving-kindness I have drawn you.  Jeremiah 23:3

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:47 AM CST

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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Good sense is shown by everyone who follows God's guiding principles. His praise continues forever.  Psalms 111:10 GW

Having a reverent attitude isn't silly, it is the very depth of wisdom. Following God's principles brings peace, hope, joy...and success as a human being.

Success isn't a big secret. In fact, it comes from doing what our inner being longs for-- finding and following the God who created us and being accepted and loved for who we are. That's true success.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 3:07 AM CST

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