Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. Psalm 147:1

I am freezing. Turned off the heat last week and then it turned cold again. Rained like anything yesterday. We don't want to turn the heat back on so trying to stay warm.

That said, today is supposed to be much warmer and the sun is out.

It is also Mother's Day. My daughter had flowers delivered yesterday and this morning I opened an e-card from my daughter-in-law that made me cry. I have such a warm, caring family.

I am so blessed. Praise the Lord!!!

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:58 AM CDT

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Proverbs 27:21 GW The crucible is for refining silver and the smelter
for gold, but a person is tested by the praise given to him.

We see it so often in the media. A young woman, acclaimed by the
media and fans, seems to lose all moral and emotional grounding.
Believing her own press, she begins to self-destruct under the
limelight.

Or politicians who think they're above the law.

Praise can build up a needy soul and provide motivation to achieve
great things or can derail someone who begins to believe life is all
about them.

It begins and ends with heart attitude, a vital relationship with
Christ, and a solid support system of those not afraid to confront
when one gets off-track.

Phil. 4:8-9 GW Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on
whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable,
fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. Practice what you've learned
and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:48 AM CDT

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Phil. 3:9 ...I didn't receive God's approval by obeying his laws. The
opposite is true! I have God's approval through faith in Christ. This
is the approval that comes from God and is based on faith

Too often even those raised in church have missed the foundation for the Chritian faith. Somewhere, they got the idea Christianity, like
religion, is based on a system of rules and traditions to follow.
They believe being good, going to church and reading the Bible
entitles them to a berth in Heaven. It all revolves around them and
their actions. This isn't Biblical Christianity at all.

Religion is man reaching out to an often capricious god. Christianity
is a loving Savior reaching out to us. It isn't about trying to be
"good" or wondering, "Have it done enough?"

God's Word clarifies none of us is good enough. We are saved because Jesus came, died on the cross to take the punishment we deserve for wrongs we've done, and rose in victory over evil, sin, death and hell. Because He lives, we can live by simply accepting what He offers, life as we follow Him.

We're saved by faith in Jesus Christ. It isn't about us, but about Him.
 
V. 32 Then whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:38 AM CDT

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Ephesians 6:2-3 GW "Honor your father and mother that everything may go well for you, and you may have a long life on earth." This is an important commandment with a promise.

When many hear these verses their mind conjures up stories (or maybe their own experiences) of inattention, abuse or neglect. Honor mother and father?
 
But, this verse doesn't say slavishly go along with every hellish thing some parents come up with—regardless of their age. It clarifies our response as one of respect, always guided by God's principles. If what parents ask is against the law or not sanctioned by the life-affirming guidelines in His Word, then we, with respect and sadness, do not go along and maybe even escape a situation that becomes dangerous for health and well-being.
 
When what our parents ask of us isn't wrong, then we need to respect their authority, even when we disagree. If we come with an attitude of compromise and understanding, chances are they'll meet us half way.  This sort of attitude goes a long way in life as well as in the home.

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 7:25 AM CDT

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Proverbs 23:18 GW There is indeed a future, and your hope will never be cut off.

There are times of despair, when we lose someone dear, when debts
outweigh income, when fear tries to wipe out faith. God's Word is
clear. As we trust and fill ourselves up with Him, He promises that no
matter what's going on in our lives or how dark things seem, there is
a future and hope.

Am I willing to trust Him for tomorrow?

Ephesians 5:20 GW Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:08 AM CDT

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Ephesians 4:2-3 GW Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other. Through the peace that ties you together, do your best to maintain the unity that the Spirit gives.

Humble is not what our culture encourages. Instead, we're supposed to be assertive, making sure no one runs over us or pushes us around. There is a place and time to stand up, but too many times we bulldoze our way through a situation, causing hurt and confusion, when wisdom,patience would have achieved the same thing--but with peace and unity rather than hurt and destruction.

When Florence Nightingale was sent out during the Crimea War as a nurse to help the soldiers, the doctors resisted her attempts to make changes. Though she had the backing of the English government, she didn't use her authority to force the doctors. Instead, she led her nurses, showing a better way with patience and respect. In doing so she not only helped the plight of the soldiers, but helped change the way the doctors practiced their profession.

Humble doesn't have to be a position of weakness. It is the position of those in the right who also show and know respect for others.

V.12-13 Their purpose is to prepare God's people, to serve, and to build up the body of Christ. This is to continue until all of us are united in our faith and in our knowledge about God's Son, until we become mature, until we measure up to Christ, who is the standard.

V.15 Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:31 AM CDT

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Proverbs 21:13 GW Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will
call and not be answered.

We are our brother's (and sister's) keeper. No one lives in a total
vacuum. We are dependent on one another and working together makes each of us stronger. However, when we begin to think another human being not worth our time and effort, we diminish our own humanity.

Reaching out makes a difference to others and changes us. The image from Dr. Seuss's Grinch when he rescued the Christmas gifts, causing his heart to grow, is not so off the mark. In fact, the more we reach out in compassion and love, the more compassion and love we have to give. Why? Because our heart grows in proportion.

God's love never diminishes in the giving, but changes and expands
the heart of the giver. Like the Grinch, we need to listen, hear and
reach out to rescue those in need.

V.21 Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy will find life,
righteousness, and honor.

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:44 AM CDT

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Hosea 6:6 GW I want your loyalty, not your sacrifices. I want you to know me, not to give me burnt offerings.

Israel turned away from God. They had a form of religion, but their lives didn't match what they claimed to believe by continuing the traditional sacrifices. And there were consequences.

God hasn't changed. Unfortunately, too often, we claim to believe one thing, but our lives, our words, our choices are far removed from Biblical principles or an intimate relationship with Him. And there are consequences in messed up lives, marriages and children, as well as for society and the nation.

God does not extend a hand and blessing forever to those who spurn Him. He doesn't because choices have consequences. Only as we truly follow Him will we know truth and His hand of comfort, forgiveness, help and hope.

Proverbs 20:6-7 GW Many people declare themselves loyal, but who can find someone who is really trustworthy? A righteous person lives on the basis of his integrity.

Ephesians 2:4-5a GW But God is rich in mercy because of his great love for us. We were dead because of our failures, but he made us alive together with Christ...

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:25 AM CDT

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Proverbs 19:2-3 A person without knowledge is no good. A person in a hurry makes mistakes. The stupidity of a person turns his life upside down, and his heart rages against the LORD.

 How true. It seems the less we know what we're doing, the more we hurry the effort--making things worse. Most of us hate asking for help or advice and wonder why things don't go well or we blow it. Worse, our choices bring on frustration.

 Who do we tend to blame when things go wrong? Not ourselves or our choices. Not our sloppy, less-then-our best efforts. Nope. We get mad at God. Hoe silly is that!

 We demand freedom to choose and when God allows us that right we get mad at Him for allowing us to reap the harvest of our choices.

 How much better to seek help for our work projects and God's help in running the life He's given.

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:01 AM CDT

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Looks like I've been replaying some of my blogs. Sigh. I write ahead of time and got off track of what I'd published and what I hadn't.

 Today's really hit me. The subject is one of my passions--compassion for pets. I can't fathom how anyone can neglect or mistreat a vulnerable animal.

God created animals for our use and enjoyment, not for abuse. More, how we treat the most vulnerable among us, animals and persons, reveals how much or little we respect life.  Worst are those who act one way in public, but in private abuse those that should most be able to depend upon their compassion.

Take heed that you do not do your charitable (good) deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1 MKJV

Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:59 AM CDT

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Proverbs 12:10 GW A righteous person cares even about the life of his animals, but the compassion of wicked people is nothing but cruelty.

Want to know if a person who professes faith is real? See how that person treats an animal. Is there deliberate cruelty and viciousness? If a person doesn't care about the most vulnerable, the creatures God put in our care, how will that person treat human beings?

Belief is fine, but to be real, needs to be backed up with works. 

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:57 AM CDT

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Proverbs 11:2 GW Arrogance comes, then comes shame, but wisdom remains with humble people.

Daniel 2:27-28 GW Daniel answered the king, "No wise adviser, psychic, magician, or fortuneteller can tell the king this secret. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets. He will tell King Nebuchadnezzar what is going to happen in the days to come. This is your dream, the vision you had while you were asleep:...

Daniel didn't try to pretend knowledge or abilities he didn't possess. Intead, he spoke the truth, gave credit where credit was due even though it might have meant his life, and did it all without arrogance.

The truly great are also truly humble?

Am I?

V.30 This secret wasn't revealed to me because I'm wiser than anyone else. It was revealed so that you could be told the meaning and so that you would know your innermost thoughts.

V.47 The king said to Daniel, "Your God is truly the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings. He can reveal secrets because you were able to reveal this secret."

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:53 AM CDT

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11 Cor. 8:2-3 GW While they were being severely tested by suffering, their overflowing joy, along with their extreme poverty, has made them even more generous. I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford.

We live in a culture of entitlement. If I don't have, it is someone's fault and someone should pay, thus we have lawsuits and increasingly burdensome government programs. But this self-centeredness leads only to more disatisfaction and unhappiness.

Happiness doesn't eminate from selfishness, but from generosity. We find joy and blessing as we give with grateful hearts.

Luke 6:38 GW Give, and you will receive. A large quantity, pressed together, shaken down, and running over will be put into your pocket. The standards you use for others will be applied to you."

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 8:39 AM CDT

Updated: Sunday, 27 April 2008 8:48 AM CDT

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11 Cor. 7:9-10 GW But I'm happy now, not because I made you uncomfortable, but because the distress I caused you has led you to change the way you think and act. You were distressed in a godly way, so we haven't done you any harm. In fact, to be distressed in a godly way causes people to change the way they think and act and leads them to be saved. No one can regret that. But the distress that the world causes brings only death.

Often when we refuse to confront out of fear or embarrassment, we also close our minds to the larger picture. Everyone of us needs people in our lives willing to confront us when we get off track.

But confronting because we care is a sign of love, not dealing with problem is a sign we don't care enough. How can a problem be dealt with if it isn't recognized or with no guidance.

The truth all good parents know is that confrontation is part of being a loving parent--if we want children who understand right from wrong, and grow up to be individuals of integrity, responsibility and faith. It means we care.

Being a friend isn't so different. Do I care enough to lovingly confront when intervention is called for?

Proverbs 9:7-10a GW Whoever corrects a mocker receives abuse. Whoever warns a wicked person gets hurt. Do not warn a mocker, or he will hate you. Warn a wise person, and he will love you. Give advice to a wise person, and he will become even wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will learn more. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
 

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Posted by Carolyn R Scheidies at 9:33 AM CDT

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